Howdy Webriders! Dr. VW here for our last installment of the Familienfest 14 coverage! We spent the last two blogs covering in depth the shows more radical rides, but in this segment we’ll talk about the two best and worst cars from Familienfest 14! Hit the jump to check out what differentiates a hero from a zero.

First up… the heroes. This yellow Doublecab took Dr. VW’s vote for  second best of show. Tastefully restored and flawlessly executed, the doublecab represents an interesting factory version of the bus that wasn’t always popular, and probably never this flashy. Clearly designed for work and delivery use, single and double cab busses are not only rare, but sadly unloved for most of their entire history, leaving many in unsalvageable states of disrepair. It has only been in the last 10 years or so that these variations became popular among the show crowd, as the 21 window ragtop samba busses skyrocketed in price and became scarcer and scarcer to find for the restoration/show circuit. This yellow creation was an interesting mix between show flash and spartan utility, featuring a simple, period correct, gray interior but offsetting it with the flashy pop-out windows. Freakin sweet.

On the flip side, this car is a zero. Now before you scratch your heads, there is a reason why this car made it onto the “worst list”. No, I’m not a fan of flames but in this case it was done well. The reason this car got my vote for one of the worst was not its looks, its gorgeous, but it was the lack of priorities. This car was all flash and no substance, with a poorly built and even more poorly tuned engine that shuddered and gasped and ran like absolute crap. The sound from the exhaust was sickly, even the newer members of the crowd laughed as it struggled to idle. In this case, the car earned its spot on the worst list because if you’re going to show up with a car, at least have it running right. The VW scene is pretty laid back when it comes to looks- you could bring a beater into the show for all anyone cares- but these engines are practically idiot proof, and a 5 year old could tune them; so many people see no excuse why a car that flashy should run so poorly. They get an A for effort, but an F for execution.

Another Hero! This Type 34 Ghia got my nod for best of show. Aside from being extremely rare, this car was built right and restored to original specs, no small feat for a car that is rarely found complete and features TONS of year only, model only, and type only parts– none of which are reproduced. Furthermore, finding one this straight and rust free is like the holy grail, as the 34 or “razor” Ghias were one of the few “unibody” VW/ Karmann chassis. With no aftermarket body metal (or any other T3 or T34 specific parts for that matter) being reproduced, building a show quality razor ghia is not a task for the faint of heart. Even simple basic items like window seals, tail light lenses, etc, are NLA and impossible to find in good condition, even on a good day with a stack of cash in hand. This car was immaculate, a definite labor of love and worth far more in parts alone than any of the cars at the show.

And finally… our last zero. This “hoodride” split window bug. Now, I won’t go so far to call myself a purist, but you have to draw the line somewhere. A lot of people really dig this beater, lowered, and rally/stencil look, but I am not a fan. Furthermore, I feel that a car as special as a split window ought to be brought back from the grave, not stenciled over and allowed to continue rusting away. Pictures speak louder than words.

Well webriders, that wraps up our Familienfest 14 coverage! Be sure to stay tuned for Foriegn Fridays this week! This is Dr. VW– out.