Volume 13 Issue 1 » 41
EXTRAS
Das Auto
1952
CANADA’S ORIGINAL
1952 BEETLE
Words by Benjamin Yong
Photos by Matt Kwok Photography
»
On the road today, it can
be a rare sight to spot a car
that’s even 15 or 20 years
old. Rarer still is to find
one in good condition. So
imagine how many heads
would turn whenever lifelong
Volkswagen enthusiast, Brian
Wawzonek, took his pristine,
factory-spec pastel green car
for a spin: a stunning 1952
VW Beetle. He says his story
with Volkswagens dates back
to childhood, long before
he ever first set eyes on this
particular ’52.
The ’52 Bug was part of the first shipment
into Canada over 60 years ago. The jury is
out on whether this particular car is the
second, third, or some other slot among
the original eight that made their voyage
over from Wolfsburg, Germany. Regardless,
Wawzonek has had a colourful journey
with the vehicle after taking ownership in
2009. That culminated in restoring it into
show condition to take part in Volkswagen
Canada’s 60th anniversary celebration in
2012.