• Matt Alldred’s VW Beetle and Bus combo is more than just a collection of cars—it’s a family affair.
• Each vehicle has a rich story behind it, from cross-country road trips to rebuilding motors.
• Matt’s passion for Volkswagens has been passed on to his son, making it a multi-generational love for these iconic cars.

For some families, a car is just a way to get from point A to point B. For Matt Alldred, however, his VW Beetle and Bus aren’t just vehicles—they’re an extension of his family’s lifestyle. His love for these classic Volkswagens began with a ride in a friend’s Super Beetle and has only grown from there. Today, Matt’s 1958 VW Beetle and 1966 VW Bus serve as the ultimate conversation starters at car shows, with each vehicle carrying its own story.

A VW LOVE STORY

Matt’s journey with Volkswagens started years ago, riding along in a friend’s Super Beetle. That early experience left a lasting impression, sparking a passion that led to his first VW purchase—a 1969 Beetle. When that car was totaled, Matt knew he needed another, which eventually led him to his current 1958 ragtop Beetle, purchased without a motor or wheels.

The story of his Bus is similar. After a deer accident totaled his first VW Bus, Matt couldn’t stay away from the model that brought so many adventures and family memories. His current 1966 Bus was discovered online, and after some careful conversations, it was shipped to his home from California. For Matt, these cars aren’t just metal and machinery—they’re the vehicles through which his family’s story is told.

BEETLE AND BUS

Both vehicles are unique in their own way. The 1958 Beetle features a built 1904cc dual carb engine, which Matt describes as having an impressive power-to-weight ratio—making it feel more like a go-kart than a car. It’s a build that highlights Matt’s ability to combine performance with the aesthetics of a classic air-cooled VW.

The 1966 Bus, on the other hand, offers a different kind of experience. “It’s all about the vibe,” Matt says. The Bus allows for conversations with anyone, from nostalgic older folks to young enthusiasts just getting into the car scene. Despite its laid-back appearance, this vehicle is no slouch, and Matt has made several personal modifications to make it his own.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Matt’s love for Volkswagens has clearly made an impact on his family. His wife, Hailey, is always by his side, willing to make long road trips to check out potential project cars. She even takes the Bus to work when the weather is nice, despite playfully questioning why Matt insists on lowering every car he owns.

Their son is also getting in on the action. At just 11 years old, he has already developed a keen interest in cars, especially after buying his camera to capture car builds and attending shows with his dad. Matt’s son has his favorite car—his dad’s 2004 VW R32—which he loves for its turbo “whoosh” sounds. It seems likely that these cars will stay in the family for generations to come.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUILDS

For Matt, the highlight of the Beetle is its performance. The built engine paired with the lightweight frame gives it incredible agility on the road, and every drive feels like a racing experience. Beyond the technical details, though, the Beetle holds sentimental value: the road trips, the friends made, and the memories of the journey it took to build it.

The bus, meanwhile, is all about the feeling it brings. Matt appreciates how the Bus allows him to connect with other enthusiasts, sparking conversations everywhere it goes. Whether it’s a seasoned VW owner or a curious newcomer, the Bus has a way of bridging the gap between generations of car lovers. It also provides our family with a comfortable way to get to local shows.

LOOKING AHEAD

Even though both vehicles are near and dear to Matt, he’s always looking to improve. The Beetle is slated for a small rear lift to protect the engine from the rough local roads, and Matt plans to add a rear Jim Dandy rack and upgrade the gas pedal. For the bus, future modifications include new wheels, a rear safari window, and some fine-tuning of the engine to make it an even more reliable driver.

While Matt has already put countless hours into both builds, he’s far from done. As his son continues to show more interest in the automotive world, it’s clear that the Alldred family’s journey with Volkswagens is just getting started.

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