Ferdi’s 11th annual Swap Meet to be held in Glen Austin

The annual Ferdi’s Swap meet is being hosted by Ferdi Radel from Radel Rennsport in collaboration with Volkspares and this well-attended event will take place on Ferdi’s property in Glen Austin, Midrand on 27 August. The aim of the event is to celebrate air-cooled VW vehicles and serves as a welcome get together for their owners.

Having had a career with VWSA, Ferdi has a long and proud history as a master builder of engines and gearboxes for VW air-cooled vehicles. He was a VW mechanic with the Linday Saker group in 1961 and after that, he was sent to Germany for some specialised training on VW and Porsche models.

He started his racing career in 1973 with James Hunter Driving a Karmann Ghia in the Castrol Clubmans Class.

After the Ghia was damaged, Ferdi acquired a modified split window Beetle and raced that until 1990 when a new car was built. He campaigned this Beetle for many years in the local Historic Racing Challenge.

At this year’s event, visitors can see many stalls carrying all kinds of wares, from T-shirts, toys, tools and books, to new and of course used parts. Cars that will be on display will include Kombis, Beetles, Karmann Ghias and the odd Type 181 or “Thing” as it was known in the USA. Other likely vehicles visiting may include early Porches.

Vehicles will include daily runners, fully restored show cars and everything in-between from junkers to rat rods to the highly modified.

This is also the chance to meet some of the big names in the restoration, repair and supply industry. If you are interested in starting a VW project, Ferdi’s Swap Meet is well attended and an absolute must-attend.

Fun for the whole family with food stalls, a wurst stube and a jumping castle for the children.

Sunday, August 25th, 50 Pitzer Road, Glen Autin, Midrand. Gates open from 7.30am to 3pm. Contact Garin at Volkspares on 011 397 4760 or garin@volkspares.co.za.

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