AirMighty Magazine Issue #64 - PATINA SPECIAL

Cars (15!) The Legendary Linde Panel Van The Linde Bus helped ignite Europe’s patina movement long before it had a name, becoming one of the most recognisable Split Window icons of the early 2000s. Sunbaked Squareback Giulio Bardelli’s ’67 Squareback blends Idaho‑desert patina with thoughtful updates, from a fresh interior to a NOS 1600cc industrial engine. Old Soul With Hidden Power Oliver Fulljames’ ’54 Oval may look like a simple survivor, but beneath the decklid lies a rare Shorrock‑supercharged 1488cc engine packed with Porsche and Okrasa hardware. Bonn’s Forgotten Split Awakens After 48 years hidden away, Hans Günter’s dust‑covered 1951 Split finally emerges from its long sleep. Revived just in time for Hessisch Oldendorf, it returns to the road exactly as history left it. Lowlight – Time’s Best Friend Remarkably original, still wearing its Trout Blue paint and showroom‑installed accessories. With only three owners, it’s one of the most authentically preserved Type 14s known. A Rare Standard Still Survives Robert Velis’ sunburnt ’51 Standard is one of the few unrestored survivors of VW’s most basic Split Window model. Volvo‑VW Hybrid Demian Sjöberg’s wild “VWolvo” build — a Volvo Valp shell dropped over a shortened ’67 Beetle chassis — stole the show at the Le Bug Show in Spa after 2,000 hours of work and a 2,800‑km maiden trip. A Barndoor Without Borders Frédéric Bovay’s ’54 Barndoor travelled from a Swedish scrapyard to a full UK restoration before receiving its final touches in Switzerland. Now rebuilt, patina‑matched and sitting low on Fuchs, it’s ready to roam Europe once again. Gianni’s 200hp Turbo Split Evolution Gianni Sanchez’s 1952 Split has transformed from a simple patina cruiser into a slammed, turbocharged RadikalBugZ icon. Patina Perfected Through Real Work Jérôme Lorphevre’s ’59 may look untouched, but beneath its sunburnt paint lies months of welding, rebuilding and carefully preserved originality. The Famous Mercury Barndoor Now fully revived with meticulous metalwork, fresh patina and a strong Type 4 engine, it’s ready for many more miles. The Art of Aging Tijl Van Damme longed to find a patina convertible Beetle. Along came this ‘64 model, the perfect candidate for the slammed project he envisioned. Twenty Years of The Purist Sam’s Australian‑built ’54 Oval has lived a life of patina, performance, loss and rediscovery. Two decades on, it stands as a raw reminder that authenticity outlasts perfection. Welding Life Into a Barndoor Red Bull F1 fabricator Andrew Smith rescues a derelict ’52 Swedish Barndoor with skill, patience and a lot of welding. Body‑Dropped Double Cab Masterpiece This ’65 Double Cab may wear patina, but beneath the surface lies a full rebuild and a meticulously engineered 7 cm body drop. It’s a static, mega‑low Bus that keeps factory geometry, and drives long distances… true craftsmanship. Shows BBT Open House & Convoy A behind‑the‑scenes look at BBT’s open-house prep. HO26 – Hessisch Oldendorf HO26 delivered record crowds, scorching 40°C heat and unforgettable VW highlights at their 9th edition. De Garaasj Open House De Garaasj opened its ever‑growing workshop to international visitors, BBQ and a smoky T2a burnout to set the tone for EBI. PAT Open House Pat’s California‑inspired Nivelles workshop drew enthusiasts from across Europe, packing the industrial zone with VWs. Kurt’s EMPI Museum An invitation‑only pre‑EBI gathering where Kurt’s Flatline Lowriders HQ revealed its remarkable stash of rare VW parts. European Bug-In #11 A record‑breaking three‑day celebration where 34,000 enthusiasts, racers and collectors came together in Chimay. …and more! AIRMIGHTY # 64