Good Times

The 1976 pink slip

The California State Automobile Association clerk studied the Ownership Certificate ("pink slip") for the 1967 Volkswagen bug. The pink slip was 48 years old and was in a format that he was unfamiliar with. He called his supervisor for help in filling out the paperwork for the transfer of title.

After 51 years I said goodbye to the automobile that I had driven in college. In 2020 I thought I would keep it forever. In 2022 there were still strong reasons for holding on to it.

However, circumstances changed, as they always do. Repairs were required, and it is difficult to find mechanics who were versed in the electrical and engine systems of old Volkswagens. And even if I could get it fixed, no one in the next generation wanted it. Was I interested in using it as a local runaround car? Not badly enough to hold onto the Bug. In bygone days I had invested $thousands (pictures below) to keep it together, but no longer.

2012: before

2012: after

Carlos, who works in Foster City and lives in San Mateo, had been eying the Beetle for a decade. After he called in October, the time seemed right, especially since I'm on this kick to minimize the assets that my heirs have to deal with.

Goodbye, girl, we had some good times.