The Unbelievable Genesis of Volkswagen Performance from 1937 to 1968

Written by expert Mike Walravens this first in-depth book describes the beginnings of VWs high-performance – something that would not have been possible without these few precursors, mechanics, pilots and genius engineers who circumvented the strict rules of Wolfsburg. Pascal Ickx, ex-pilot and automobile journalist has written the preface of the book. He not only participated in the 24 Hours of Francorchamps, but was also president of the “Club des V” from D’Ieteren, after winning the 24 hours of Francorchamps in 1965.

The 256-page book consists of three main chapters:
1. The first chapter details the four type 3 – 1500 S – having participated in the 24 hours of Francorchamps 1964 – also thanks to the exclusive testimony of the last of the mechanics having mechanically modified and assisted these cars. You will discover why these were the first VWs officially sponsored in racing by the company. The reader will find photos of the 1500 S at the Liège Sofia-Liège Rally as well as the testimonies of the pilots. It traces meticulously, races after rallies, the timeline of these vehicles. Until the last owner who bought one of the four Notchbacks. This chater is illustrated by period photos from the D’Ieteren archives but also, in double-page format, photos by Eric Della Faille and Jacques Breuer, then very young press photographers.
2. The second chapter concerns the history of the brand’s first Special Series, the Mach1 – Oettinger. First modified VW with VW D’Ieteren factory warranty, a true Old-Speed icon. Many secrets were revealed through access to the D’Ieteren archives and its exceptional documents that have remained hidden until now. This chapter ends with the article on the two Mach1s found so far, the Ruby Red and the Java Green, illustrated by photographer Tom Wheatley.
3. The third chapter describes many the smallest details of the Old-Speed style increasingly emerging nowadays. The author exposes a line of conduct of the very first style that we could give to VWs, which was period engine performance. You will discover its genesis from 1947 with the first double Carburetor Kits on 30HP engines. The historical description of the main precursors of performance in VW. Petermax Müller, Wolfgang Denzel and Oettinger through history the main examples of Double Carbus Kits or Compressors such as Mag, Arnott, Pepco, Shorrock or Judson. From the wisest “city” Old-Speed to the wildest Vintage Racer, an anthology of eight detailed Old-Speed examples completes this chapter.

Thanks to the participation of many contributors, the book is richly illustrated with more than 500 photos, the vast majority of which have never been published.