We was called back in 2025 by a chap called David who told us his cousin Janet’s partner Joe had passed away and was part through a restoration of his beloved VW Beetle. They were asking if we would be interested in finishing the car and helping sell it with all profits over the restoration costs going to charity.

So, Magic explained from what you say about the car at the moment the restoration would out weigh the sale costs and maybe leave Jan in the position she has put money in to the rebuild that she would not get back also leaving nothing to donated to her chosen charity. Magic suggested a visit to the see the car with the possibility of us taking over the rebuild for Santa’s a Gangster as this would cost them nothing with all ticket sales going to help Children and families at Christmas .

The visit happened and the car was worse than expected, but had loads of really good quality new parts with it. They chatted about the option of using the car and parts as a donor to build another and/or sell off all parts with all funds going towards the next car build. The plan was hatched ,Jan and Dave were happy that it was all going to help others which Joe would of loved

Fast forward to 2026 and the decision was made to build the next car, Magic, Den, and Dave go out to see Jan and collect the (non rolling shell ) and all parts making sure Jan was OK with the parts car aspect still. As Magic left, Jan passed him the log book and said this is a picture of Joe which Magic replied “I know Joe love, I just didn’t want to say at the time”. He opened the log book and inside there was one of the old Volksmagic post cards.

Jan melted and Magic felt himself going too, so farewells all round and off the the yard we went! When we got back, Magic had a close look at the log book to see it was not just an orange 1303, but a gold 1303S! This changed everything as it’s even a special edition car. A little research was carried out and we were certain it’s what was called a Big Bug as

Correct colour on the log book

Seat remains are corduroy centres

Wheels are the wider Lemirtz

Wooden dash facers

A chat with the team at Volksmagic and the decision was made Joes Big Bug was to be rebuilt.
Magic chatted with the Express and Star who were also doing the hand over of the Harlequin VW Polo from 2025 to the lucky winner. The feature started right there with the focus on no one letting Jan know this was happening!

Two big revivals to happen one round at Jan’s house the second at Bristol VolksFest where Santa’s a Gangster and Volksmagic always out there new car!

Keep watching as the story evolves with trade sponsors coming on board along with the help of so many talented people on Joes 1303 Big Bug …. More to come

Magic & Co x