He is the ultimate Volkswagen fan
Everyone knows Ralph Boemer is the go-to guy for anyone who needs help with Volkswagen vehicles.
POLOKWANE – Born in Germany, his family moved to South Africa when he was in his teens and has called Polokwane home for 39 years. Both him and his father worked at Volkswagen (VW) for several years and he says his passion for the brand is what defines him.
He now repairs vehicles from his home and says that he has a soft spot for older model cars.
He owns 13 vehicles, nine of which are VW’s.
“The ‘newest’ car I own is a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle, the oldest one I own is a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle which I inherited from my father. I love restoring old or neglected vehicles to their former glory, it is an unbelievably satisfying feeling to take something others would regard as scrap, then spend time working on it myself, slowly coaxing back it’s original beauty,” he explains.
He proudly shows Review the chain around his neck from which a VW badge and a golden Volkswagen Beetle gleams, and says there is an interesting story behind the acquisition of the golden Beetle.
“I bought these in England more than 40 years ago which proved to be no easy feat. I walked from town to town in search of the pendants, totalling well over 40 km.
“Finally in the fourth town I managed to find exactly what I was looking for, and they are my most cherished possessions,” he says as he shows his matching VW belt buckle.
Boemer is no stranger to the racing bug and spent 20 years at high speeds behind the wheel, winning the title of South African regional champion several times among several other accolades.
“I was even invited to race in England after helping some racers keep their cars safe and in running condition when they came to our country to take part in some races,” he says.
He is a very down to earth person and describes himself as being just plain Ralph.
“I always have and always will be the same. I do not like fighting and I avoid confrontation and arguments but I believe in honesty and fairness.
“My cup keeps on running over, so I keep on giving to others wherever I possibly can. I believe that if you can work with your hands and can think for yourself, you will never be out of work or go hungry,” he concludes.
