Exploring Victor Ma's Legendary Classic 4x4 VW Collection in Hong Kong Ep13

WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:38.800
Music.

00:00:38.847 --> 00:00:42.607
Okay, welcome back to another episode of Dub Life Diaries.

00:00:42.947 --> 00:00:47.087
This week, we journey over to Hong Kong for today's show.

00:00:47.327 --> 00:00:52.467
I've got a true legend with me today in the off-road vehicles world,

00:00:52.467 --> 00:00:55.887
also in just Volkswagen history.

00:00:56.427 --> 00:00:59.987
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Victor Ma.

00:01:00.187 --> 00:01:03.727
He has also raced the grueling Dakar Rally.

00:01:03.927 --> 00:01:06.887
He's an author of the 4x4 Bible.

00:01:06.887 --> 00:01:10.447
He's built an incredible collection of rare off-road

00:01:10.447 --> 00:01:13.547
and military vehicles With an emphasis on

00:01:13.547 --> 00:01:16.387
some very rare Volkswagens We're

00:01:16.387 --> 00:01:19.667
going to talk about those today He's also the creator of

00:01:19.667 --> 00:01:25.707
a very cool RC radio-controlled beetle That has all working components I can't

00:01:25.707 --> 00:01:29.707
wait for you guys to see this thing It's so awesome We're going to dive into

00:01:29.707 --> 00:01:34.427
his VW collection today We'll talk about some of the rarest and the most extreme

00:01:34.427 --> 00:01:38.187
VWs ever built inside the 4WD community.

00:01:38.467 --> 00:01:44.967
He also has a 4WD Beetle prototype, as well as many other legendary machines.

00:01:45.167 --> 00:01:47.727
Victor Ma, welcome to the show.

00:01:48.927 --> 00:01:53.347
Thank you. You're welcome. So before we get started, I do have just a couple

00:01:53.347 --> 00:01:54.807
of shout outs that I want to give.

00:01:55.127 --> 00:01:58.247
One is to my sponsor, Volksmania Magazine.

00:01:58.587 --> 00:02:01.547
This is the best VW magazine on the planet.

00:02:01.567 --> 00:02:05.907
I want to say thank you for your partnership and believing in this podcast.

00:02:05.907 --> 00:02:12.147
If you have not subscribed to Volksmania yet, please go ahead and do Volksmania.com.

00:02:12.347 --> 00:02:18.687
Use Dublife 10 when you check out Dublife 10, and this gives you 10% off.

00:02:18.847 --> 00:02:25.047
This also allows them to track where some of their new subscriptions are coming from.

00:02:25.167 --> 00:02:30.807
So if you use Dublife 10, they say, hey, this partnership, this sponsorship is working.

00:02:31.267 --> 00:02:36.067
Also want to give a shout out to Chris Vallone. Classic VW Bugs Thank you for

00:02:36.067 --> 00:02:40.267
connecting me or recommending That I connect with Victor Chris,

00:02:40.427 --> 00:02:43.787
you're the reason why I connected with Victor So thank you Also,

00:02:43.987 --> 00:02:50.347
shout out to VW's Over the Skyway Happening this Sunday 4-13 We have over 200

00:02:50.347 --> 00:02:56.387
classic cars registered Watch for the feature For this ride in Volksmania Magazine

00:02:56.387 --> 00:02:59.407
Coming out in the late summer Also,

00:02:59.647 --> 00:03:03.867
shout out to VW's On the Pier That's May 24th on the St.

00:03:04.007 --> 00:03:07.907
Pete Pier, guys, this is no run-of-the-mill car show, all right?

00:03:08.007 --> 00:03:11.787
This is going to be an amazing car show.

00:03:11.907 --> 00:03:15.627
We'll have over 200 classic cars out at the St. Pete Pier.

00:03:15.807 --> 00:03:19.007
This is the first car show that has been approved at the St.

00:03:19.167 --> 00:03:21.187
Pete Pier since the new construction.

00:03:21.407 --> 00:03:24.967
So not only do you have an opportunity to come hang out with a bunch of cool

00:03:24.967 --> 00:03:29.087
folks, but you've also got an opportunity to make history because we are the

00:03:29.087 --> 00:03:31.807
first car club that's allowed back on the St. Pete Pier,

00:03:32.267 --> 00:03:36.607
So how awesome is that? My last shout out is to Dino Styles,

00:03:36.867 --> 00:03:39.067
Dino's garage in DC Metro.

00:03:39.347 --> 00:03:42.447
If you're up in that area, that is your guy.

00:03:42.667 --> 00:03:47.227
Very reliable Volkswagen mechanic. You know what they say, everybody needs a

00:03:47.227 --> 00:03:48.567
good Volkswagen mechanic.

00:03:48.987 --> 00:03:54.547
Okay, Victor, back to you. Let's start at the very beginning of how everything

00:03:54.547 --> 00:03:57.447
started for you in your Volkswagen addiction.

00:03:58.807 --> 00:04:02.427
What's your first ever Volkswagen? What drew you to the brand?

00:04:03.607 --> 00:04:09.307
When I am very young, I moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong, maybe 10 years old.

00:04:09.807 --> 00:04:15.947
My grandfather, Yusei Jaga, carried me to show me Hong Kong.

00:04:16.487 --> 00:04:22.627
And when he saw a beetle, he told me, beetle can be everything.

00:04:22.947 --> 00:04:27.687
And I don't understand, for a kid 10 years old, don't understand what it means

00:04:27.687 --> 00:04:28.787
to beetle can be everything.

00:04:29.027 --> 00:04:32.807
And then later, He saw a buggy, a tune buggy.

00:04:32.947 --> 00:04:38.447
He told me this is to cut the chassis, make it a two-meter wheelbase and put the fiberglass body.

00:04:38.847 --> 00:04:44.367
And then I also saw some copy Ferrari, also built by Beetle.

00:04:44.727 --> 00:04:47.687
So for a kid, very interesting.

00:04:48.127 --> 00:04:49.807
A car can be everything.

00:04:50.527 --> 00:04:55.747
Even a wheelie Jeep I saw in Hong Kong, it is no front engine. It is a rear wheel drive.

00:04:56.067 --> 00:04:59.587
It is also based on a Beetle, an old Beetle.

00:05:00.287 --> 00:05:03.507
So for me, this is the most interesting car.

00:05:03.867 --> 00:05:08.087
And then we played the Tamiya model, you know, at the time, RC model.

00:05:08.407 --> 00:05:14.927
It also got a buggy and a little body buggy. They are the same chassis. So I understand.

00:05:15.367 --> 00:05:23.407
And my first Volkswagen, long time ago, it is when I am maybe 21 years old.

00:05:23.747 --> 00:05:31.467
It is a Golf Mark 1 convertible. It is not for me, for my wife. I married very early.

00:05:31.987 --> 00:05:40.467
At 20, I married with my wife. And my first vintage Beetle are another Beetle, the Carman Gear.

00:05:41.167 --> 00:05:45.507
Because the Carman Gear looks in a very beautiful shape.

00:05:46.365 --> 00:05:50.805
I have one, a 71. My one is a 74.

00:05:51.305 --> 00:05:54.525
That's the last... It's no good shape because the light is too big.

00:05:55.065 --> 00:06:02.905
That's the last year of the Carmen Ghia. And it also, the 74 is the only model with no back seat.

00:06:03.365 --> 00:06:07.925
You know, you've collected and you've restored some of the rarest off-road style

00:06:07.925 --> 00:06:09.705
Volkswagen military vehicles.

00:06:10.205 --> 00:06:15.065
Tell me what's truly special about these types of Volkswagens.

00:06:15.065 --> 00:06:21.925
When I was 10 years old, I bought the Temea military model series.

00:06:22.625 --> 00:06:30.585
I bought the Kuba wagon, and I bought the swimming wagon. And I have one question.

00:06:31.185 --> 00:06:36.545
They never show the Kuba wagon a four-wheel drive. I believe military vehicle

00:06:36.545 --> 00:06:37.845
must be four-wheel drive, right?

00:06:38.285 --> 00:06:43.825
But when I got that model, that model is very simple. No show the engine,

00:06:44.005 --> 00:06:46.365
no show the drive system.

00:06:46.805 --> 00:06:50.505
And I always believed it was a four-wheel drive.

00:06:51.125 --> 00:06:55.505
Unless when I find some information. At that time, no internet,

00:06:55.725 --> 00:06:58.705
right? Because it was 1979. 1979.

00:06:59.625 --> 00:07:05.805
And I got a book about Volkswagen. And something that made me quite interesting

00:07:05.805 --> 00:07:10.245
is the car is a rear-wheel drive. In the front, nothing.

00:07:11.145 --> 00:07:15.625
And after I play the radio control, I know because the rear-mounted engine and

00:07:15.625 --> 00:07:17.385
the rear-wheel drive can go anywhere.

00:07:17.925 --> 00:07:22.745
Because normal passenger car or normal car, truck, front engine,

00:07:22.925 --> 00:07:25.665
rear-wheel drive. So front axle is very heavy.

00:07:26.145 --> 00:07:31.085
The rear is nothing, right? That's right. So you cannot use a rear-wheel drive

00:07:31.085 --> 00:07:32.905
to off-road for normal vehicle.

00:07:33.165 --> 00:07:38.645
But the vehicle is not the same because the motor, heavy things are at the back.

00:07:38.645 --> 00:07:45.705
So it still can go anywhere And this is The first for me very interesting Is

00:07:45.705 --> 00:07:52.165
why A two-way drive vehicle can go anywhere Because of the design So what you're,

00:07:52.945 --> 00:07:58.145
Yeah, what you're describing That's what makes them Especially the Kubelwagon,

00:07:58.985 --> 00:08:04.345
And the Baja Bug Any of them on that chassis That's what you're saying That's

00:08:04.345 --> 00:08:09.845
what makes them so special The weight differential Yes It'll show everything,

00:08:10.788 --> 00:08:17.088
The real mount engine and the real wheel drive. Yes. Even in the Gopop 2XL. Yeah.

00:08:18.968 --> 00:08:23.488
Because at that time, they cannot do good quality CV drone.

00:08:23.948 --> 00:08:29.668
They can't. So what they are doing for independent suspension to make the ground

00:08:29.668 --> 00:08:32.788
more tall is to use the Gopop 2XL.

00:08:33.408 --> 00:08:38.348
Yeah. Today, everybody knows, right? But at that time, this is really,

00:08:38.528 --> 00:08:39.628
really high technology.

00:08:40.788 --> 00:08:45.128
And even with limited slip differential, self-locking differential,

00:08:45.608 --> 00:08:51.928
this is terrible because American never have limited slip differential.

00:08:52.648 --> 00:08:54.728
And the front are very light.

00:08:55.568 --> 00:09:00.048
Front, very light. I can use a rear-wheel drive.

00:09:01.028 --> 00:09:03.748
Now it's a rear-wheel drive. It really works.

00:09:03.768 --> 00:09:12.048
When I put this, yes. Now, you also own a very rare 1941 Type 877,

00:09:12.068 --> 00:09:15.228
which is one of the earliest four-wheel drives, right?

00:09:16.188 --> 00:09:22.088
Yes. Tell me how you found that and what it took to restore that.

00:09:22.528 --> 00:09:32.508
For me, after 2000, that means 25 years ago, I tried to German to find everything

00:09:32.508 --> 00:09:34.008
about four-wheel drive detail.

00:09:34.548 --> 00:09:40.448
And my first forward drive, not the beetle, because the beetle is so rare, right? Right.

00:09:40.788 --> 00:09:45.248
I find a prototype of the swimming wagon from Mr. Yalen.

00:09:45.668 --> 00:09:48.328
Mr. Yalen is a very tall guy.

00:09:48.848 --> 00:09:53.848
He is, for me, it's 1.79.

00:09:54.548 --> 00:09:58.108
Mr. Yalen is 1.9. He is an old man.

00:09:58.268 --> 00:10:04.308
At that time, he is already 78 years old. and he is a soldier in World War II.

00:10:04.688 --> 00:10:08.808
He told me the story about why he wanted a semi-wagon.

00:10:09.188 --> 00:10:16.468
He is fighting in Russia, and one day his commander used a semi-wagon and then disappeared.

00:10:17.128 --> 00:10:24.028
That means they have no headquarters anymore. And later he was captured by the Russian army.

00:10:24.428 --> 00:10:29.448
And he is a lucky one. He is a survivor. Yeah.

00:10:31.488 --> 00:10:37.148
During those times he told himself if he can survive he won't be a swimming

00:10:37.148 --> 00:10:42.928
wagon and he promised me one day when he cannot.

00:10:44.052 --> 00:10:47.392
On this classic car, he will show me.

00:10:47.752 --> 00:10:52.452
And 2001, I remember, 2001, he contacted me.

00:10:52.612 --> 00:10:57.172
At that time, he cannot speak English, but we have the same hobby.

00:10:57.692 --> 00:11:01.952
So everything is easy. He finds his friend to send me, at that time,

00:11:02.052 --> 00:11:03.672
not email, maybe a call, I think.

00:11:03.912 --> 00:11:08.572
Because email in Hong Kong is popular in 2001, but in German,

00:11:08.852 --> 00:11:10.692
for old people, not popular.

00:11:11.172 --> 00:11:15.872
Or he sent me a letter, I can't remember. maybe send me a letter and i fly to

00:11:15.872 --> 00:11:21.672
his home again and the bagger with the car he sold me the car.

00:11:22.412 --> 00:11:27.632
Not expensive at that time but the shot also not cheap because the market price

00:11:27.632 --> 00:11:34.672
after i got the car we test in the river germany and he showed me how to landing

00:11:34.672 --> 00:11:40.732
because he told me lending are most dangerous for swimming wagon. You know why?

00:11:41.172 --> 00:11:48.012
Because GPA got reverse gear. But the swimming wagon no reverse gear.

00:11:48.432 --> 00:11:53.932
So that means you cannot choice the wrong link for landing.

00:11:54.452 --> 00:12:00.712
This is the big difference. And I remember I learned about 10 times or more

00:12:00.712 --> 00:12:02.172
than 10 times. Also success.

00:12:02.632 --> 00:12:06.752
Because I played off-road for a long time since I was 14.

00:12:07.152 --> 00:12:11.272
It is It's the same as you drive off-road when sleeping in the muddy condition.

00:12:11.492 --> 00:12:14.072
And this is my first swimming wagon.

00:12:14.392 --> 00:12:18.392
And I wanted to tell you something true.

00:12:19.572 --> 00:12:29.712
When I buy the Tamiya model about the swimming wagon, they show me the information are all wrong.

00:12:29.892 --> 00:12:33.572
What was wrong about it? What means all wrong? What means all wrong?

00:12:34.212 --> 00:12:37.912
The swimming wagon don't have a transfer case about low gear.

00:12:38.332 --> 00:12:43.632
They only, when you use the first gear, first gear, it got a special low.

00:12:43.892 --> 00:12:48.412
Another one, it can be forward, super low gear.

00:12:48.672 --> 00:12:52.552
But the reverse can't. No super low gear, but it got forward drive,

00:12:52.932 --> 00:12:55.492
four gear. So it got five gear, totally.

00:12:56.172 --> 00:13:01.292
Forward only, though. First gear, for low gear, it's four gear, right?

00:13:01.892 --> 00:13:06.412
But for off-road, it goes super low gear, but only for forward, not for backward.

00:13:07.172 --> 00:13:11.872
But you still can use four normal speed, four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive.

00:13:12.552 --> 00:13:16.072
But the technology does not tell you like that. So it's a mistake.

00:13:16.632 --> 00:13:21.492
And it is a joke because I tell Mr. Yalen, I know, but he said no.

00:13:22.192 --> 00:13:26.932
And the second is about, I saw the car, something wrong.

00:13:27.172 --> 00:13:35.032
And Mr. Yalen tells me, you are so lucky. This is one of 125 prototypes. Wow.

00:13:35.923 --> 00:13:40.323
Made by Porsche. That prototype is an 877?

00:13:40.743 --> 00:13:49.963
No, 166. 166. Chassis number is 166 stroke. And then it is a 115.

00:13:50.523 --> 00:13:53.783
That means 115 made.

00:13:54.383 --> 00:13:57.803
Total is 125 made. 125.

00:13:58.663 --> 00:14:03.763
And total is free survivor at that time. Totally free survivor.

00:14:03.763 --> 00:14:05.963
Now, you can check it's five.

00:14:06.483 --> 00:14:10.523
Why? Somebody find the Ross chassis a little bit.

00:14:10.963 --> 00:14:15.543
It is, they make a Volkswagen pass, walking again.

00:14:15.743 --> 00:14:19.423
So now, two, two, five, Survivor, in 125.

00:14:20.223 --> 00:14:27.343
Now, this is you behind me, right? Yes, yes, yes. And that's two of your four-wheel drive prototypes?

00:14:27.743 --> 00:14:33.743
No, no, this one. Here? Yes, yes. No, no, no. That's another side.

00:14:34.103 --> 00:14:36.303
This one? This is a 82E.

00:14:37.003 --> 00:14:41.503
82E is two-wheel drive off-road sedan. Okay.

00:14:42.223 --> 00:14:48.183
Cooper wagon chassis. Cooper wagon. Front is no drive. No differential.

00:14:48.683 --> 00:14:53.663
Only real, but a puncture axle. And the limited cylinder differential inside.

00:14:54.083 --> 00:15:00.263
And put a vehicle body. So what do we call all? So you can call high leg. Yes, 82E.

00:15:00.963 --> 00:15:05.823
Totally, I got 282E. I got another one under restore.

00:15:06.343 --> 00:15:11.523
Very, very nice condition. Another one. I mean, the chassis is nearly perfect.

00:15:12.123 --> 00:15:17.323
In 2001, I wrote something about all drive.

00:15:17.623 --> 00:15:21.443
I compare with Willis Jeep and Beetle.

00:15:21.943 --> 00:15:30.143
I think Beetle, Volkswagen are more earlier than any Jeep because from 1939,

00:15:30.823 --> 00:15:35.663
the first four-wheel drive prototype chassis already been made.

00:15:35.863 --> 00:15:39.023
It is called Type-Type.

00:15:39.283 --> 00:15:41.063
German is TYP, not TYPE.

00:15:41.643 --> 00:15:48.803
86. What's the difference between 86 or 87? 86 is without the puncture axle.

00:15:49.423 --> 00:15:54.503
Okay. Dr. Porsche discovered immediately from the ground, not tall enough.

00:15:54.763 --> 00:15:58.783
So after one month, they make the puncture XO here at the real.

00:15:59.263 --> 00:16:05.543
So make it two or three inch more. I can show you the puncture XO maybe I have here. Wait a moment.

00:16:06.441 --> 00:16:11.881
So heavy. That's awesome, man. Can you see? I see.

00:16:12.261 --> 00:16:17.101
About three inches higher than normal one. And here you can see the logo.

00:16:17.361 --> 00:16:20.021
The early Volkswagen World War II logo.

00:16:20.361 --> 00:16:23.761
Can you see? I can. Very heavy, this one. That's crazy.

00:16:24.061 --> 00:16:31.281
And it's also got a gear ratio between these two gears. And then you can use a big wheel, right?

00:16:31.721 --> 00:16:35.241
If not, the engine is too small. power because the

00:16:35.241 --> 00:16:38.341
first beetle is less than one liter

00:16:38.341 --> 00:16:41.361
engine less than one liter so it

00:16:41.361 --> 00:16:45.561
only got maybe 20 20 122 horsepower

00:16:45.561 --> 00:16:48.661
and later they discovered the engine

00:16:48.661 --> 00:16:53.401
not powerful enough they make the 1.1 liter 1131

00:16:53.401 --> 00:16:57.321
something or 1131 cc

00:16:57.321 --> 00:17:04.661
and it got 24.5 horsepower you can believe they are so clever to decide this

00:17:04.661 --> 00:17:11.261
car and the germans lose world war one right so they are not allowed to build

00:17:11.261 --> 00:17:16.541
anything like today chapter 10 right they are not allowed to build anything.

00:17:17.281 --> 00:17:20.781
They are not allowed to build the tank they are not allowed to build the four-wheel

00:17:20.781 --> 00:17:25.341
drive of the vehicle and it is a cheating you know they build the beetle and

00:17:25.341 --> 00:17:27.721
the beetle can beat everything That's right.

00:17:28.241 --> 00:17:32.481
From a normal Type 60, normal sedan to be an off-road sedan,

00:17:32.661 --> 00:17:37.061
82E, and then to be a phone drive, 877.

00:17:37.641 --> 00:17:44.341
Yes. I want to talk about the 877. How does the 877 feel when you're driving

00:17:44.341 --> 00:17:46.501
it compared to a standard Beetle?

00:17:46.681 --> 00:17:52.501
That means 82E and the 877, it is nearly similar.

00:17:53.501 --> 00:17:58.321
Because engine is the same, front suspension, rear suspension is the same.

00:17:59.161 --> 00:18:06.341
The only thing is the A77 is a little bit heavier in front because it got a

00:18:06.341 --> 00:18:10.841
drive shot from the rear to the front and it got the front differential.

00:18:11.141 --> 00:18:18.001
The only difference is like this. But you must say, compare with Willis, Willis is a truck.

00:18:18.990 --> 00:18:25.450
My first collection is a wheelies, you know. When I'm 15... I see it in the

00:18:25.450 --> 00:18:28.370
pictures that you sent me. Yes. I'm looking at it.

00:18:28.890 --> 00:18:33.690
When I'm 15, I go to the Philippines to buy two wheelies.

00:18:33.950 --> 00:18:37.410
And then I'm through. Because classic cars in poor countries,

00:18:38.090 --> 00:18:40.110
all very bad, all not original.

00:18:40.590 --> 00:18:46.210
And when I'm 16, I go to California to buy one wheelies. I keep until today.

00:18:46.350 --> 00:18:47.630
I still got that wheelies.

00:18:48.390 --> 00:18:52.710
And the wheel is just a truck. You know what it means a truck?

00:18:53.330 --> 00:18:58.930
Lift spring suspension and the whole axle and no any technology.

00:18:59.370 --> 00:19:02.770
Even the engine is a side valve. Do you understand?

00:19:02.990 --> 00:19:08.610
At that time, no overhead cam valve and the truck is in another room.

00:19:09.110 --> 00:19:13.710
So this is not a high-performance engine, but you can see Beetle.

00:19:14.150 --> 00:19:18.630
Really overhead cam, right? Yes. Not the same level they are.

00:19:18.990 --> 00:19:21.150
No. That's why we love them.

00:19:21.630 --> 00:19:28.570
And the American people always believe that Jeep are the first small four-wheel drive vehicle. No.

00:19:28.890 --> 00:19:33.690
In 2001, I wrote something, and there's many people very angry.

00:19:34.170 --> 00:19:39.130
But I showed them the truth because before World War II, even before Beetle,

00:19:39.750 --> 00:19:42.330
Germans already got a 4x4x4.

00:19:42.650 --> 00:19:44.470
What do you mean 4x4x4?

00:19:45.250 --> 00:19:48.710
Four-wheel drive, four-wheel independent, double A-arm suspension.

00:19:49.610 --> 00:19:52.150
Four-wheel steering, full-time four-wheel drive.

00:19:52.690 --> 00:19:56.030
Whoa! This is one of my collection, too.

00:19:56.730 --> 00:19:59.810
A prototype. Whoa! What is that model?

00:19:59.930 --> 00:20:05.730
It is 1936, early than Jeep for five years, right?

00:20:06.090 --> 00:20:08.110
Yeah. Everybody can hear that.

00:20:09.050 --> 00:20:13.670
Most incredible is even free limited-sensitive pressure on this car.

00:20:14.630 --> 00:20:18.310
Technology was just... Full-time full-wheel drive. And steering.

00:20:19.690 --> 00:20:23.370
I need to tell you something. I don't like the wall.

00:20:24.250 --> 00:20:29.510
For me, I like the collection of high-technology vehicles, but I don't like

00:20:29.510 --> 00:20:33.350
to have a wall. Nobody likes the wall, right?

00:20:33.770 --> 00:20:36.830
Because we are just normal people. We are not a king.

00:20:37.270 --> 00:20:41.450
If you and me are king, maybe we like it because we can occupy other things.

00:20:42.090 --> 00:20:46.450
But for us, we like peace, right? That's right.

00:20:46.990 --> 00:20:54.970
And one thing most interesting is before World War II, Hitler already paid a

00:20:54.970 --> 00:21:00.470
lot of money for the engineering to decide something very interesting.

00:21:01.526 --> 00:21:07.546
And why titular will lose the wall? Because some things, the money for the engineering,

00:21:08.366 --> 00:21:12.086
to build their dream, it really is so simple.

00:21:12.426 --> 00:21:14.946
But the A4x4x4 is so complicated.

00:21:15.626 --> 00:21:22.266
Even at that time, normal mechanic cannot repair because it's too complicated. Right.

00:21:22.746 --> 00:21:27.546
It got semi-jumped. It got free differential. It got free LSD,

00:21:28.126 --> 00:21:30.746
limited civil differential. It got forward stealing.

00:21:31.526 --> 00:21:39.466
And maybe you don't know the story. German in Africa, one captured by one four-wheel

00:21:39.466 --> 00:21:44.506
stealing one, captured by the British Army, and the car sent to the U.S.

00:21:44.806 --> 00:21:48.106
And the wheels copied immediately, four-wheel stealing.

00:21:48.506 --> 00:21:53.126
But they don't understand. My one came back to two-wheel stealing.

00:21:53.686 --> 00:21:57.706
If it's four-wheel stealing, the car will lose control in high speed.

00:21:57.706 --> 00:22:02.746
More than 30 kilometers when rear wheel steering, it is very difficult to control.

00:22:03.086 --> 00:22:04.806
Sure. Just like a Ford lift.

00:22:05.246 --> 00:22:09.526
Ford lift, you cannot drive high speed, right? Right. Because the back will

00:22:09.526 --> 00:22:11.406
swing around. The rear wheel steering.

00:22:11.786 --> 00:22:17.306
Yeah. Yes. And the one German made, it can back to two wheel steering.

00:22:17.786 --> 00:22:19.266
This is the big difference.

00:22:20.206 --> 00:22:28.386
And the Beetle are the best because German engineering understand If you build

00:22:28.386 --> 00:22:33.726
a 4x4x4, still carry four passengers or five passengers maximum.

00:22:34.666 --> 00:22:38.826
But a Cooper wagon two-way drive also can go anywhere and more light.

00:22:39.286 --> 00:22:45.286
And it only uses 30% of material. This is why Cooper wagon is so successful.

00:22:45.806 --> 00:22:50.306
And the four-stealing, they only build a limited because it's too complicated.

00:22:51.372 --> 00:22:55.772
And, but these cars are really a history.

00:22:56.072 --> 00:23:01.552
In Volkswagen Museum, they are quite unhappy when I rode that in 2001.

00:23:01.952 --> 00:23:07.692
You can see the record. What did they say? They say, 82E, off-road sedan,

00:23:07.972 --> 00:23:12.972
they built more than a handful, a little bit. I mean, 500 something.

00:23:13.452 --> 00:23:18.892
And they say, the four-wheel drive metal also built a handful. I say, not true.

00:23:19.232 --> 00:23:27.532
You know why? In past 20 years, I always see eBay until these five years I stop.

00:23:28.352 --> 00:23:31.292
I collection the photograph, wartime photograph.

00:23:32.192 --> 00:23:37.272
I nearly cannot find any four-wheel drive photo photograph.

00:23:37.592 --> 00:23:43.712
You know, a commander must have money to buy a camera, right? Not a soldier.

00:23:44.372 --> 00:23:47.312
The car called Commander Wagon. This car called Commander Wagon.

00:23:47.312 --> 00:23:52.912
I buy so many photo, they are also 82E.

00:23:53.052 --> 00:23:56.512
I only got one photo. It is a four-wheel drive.

00:23:56.912 --> 00:23:59.992
It is not the test photo.

00:24:00.592 --> 00:24:02.752
You know, you only can find the 87.

00:24:03.972 --> 00:24:09.392
The 87.7 is the Porsche workshop test the car photo.

00:24:09.772 --> 00:24:14.172
And I got one. It's not. And the car is turned over.

00:24:14.832 --> 00:24:20.832
P2 is very difficult to turn over. And the hope is damaged, but there's still

00:24:20.832 --> 00:24:22.732
nothing, nothing big accident.

00:24:23.312 --> 00:24:27.192
Just turn over and a little bit crash here. I only can find one photo.

00:24:28.112 --> 00:24:35.932
And what I believe, Normandy, before, before, I think seven years ago, I stopped.

00:24:36.212 --> 00:24:39.312
Before, every year I go to Normandy. You know why?

00:24:39.672 --> 00:24:41.772
Why? I want to talk with the old soldier.

00:24:42.232 --> 00:24:44.572
History is not a truth.

00:24:45.312 --> 00:24:49.172
History is the winner. he wrote something do you understand he wrote

00:24:49.608 --> 00:24:56.928
If you are a king, I am a king. My history, your history is you are happy somebody to write your success.

00:24:57.328 --> 00:25:04.128
If somebody loses, they will not have money to make a history. History is just a story.

00:25:04.728 --> 00:25:09.468
I believe it's from the old soldier because they are really fighting at that time.

00:25:09.768 --> 00:25:16.588
And all the German soldiers at that time told me they never see a four-wheel

00:25:16.588 --> 00:25:18.908
drive. Kubawa get a four-wheel drive vehicle.

00:25:19.268 --> 00:25:21.208
Only swimming wagon. You know why?

00:25:21.648 --> 00:25:24.228
Because Germans are very small countries, right?

00:25:24.808 --> 00:25:28.628
And they are material shortage. How small compared to U.S. or China,

00:25:28.788 --> 00:25:31.328
right? Germans, if you compare in U.S.

00:25:31.988 --> 00:25:35.248
Or compare in China, you can see them back. How small?

00:25:35.808 --> 00:25:40.728
And they don't have material. If a two-wheel drive can off-road.

00:25:41.468 --> 00:25:43.248
Why need to build four-wheel drive?

00:25:43.428 --> 00:25:46.908
Why swimming wagon need a four-wheel drive? because it's so simple.

00:25:47.128 --> 00:25:52.988
When you're landing, you need the front power because the landing must have an angle. Right.

00:25:53.708 --> 00:25:57.268
The landing must be marked condition, right? This is why.

00:25:57.808 --> 00:26:01.508
And Volkswagen Museum are very unhappy with this. But I say,

00:26:02.128 --> 00:26:05.668
I've flown so many years. The answer is like that.

00:26:06.328 --> 00:26:12.528
If the same, both handful, why I can't buy any photo in eBay?

00:26:12.528 --> 00:26:18.108
Hey, you know, German people, they don't like World War II vehicles.

00:26:18.508 --> 00:26:21.628
Maybe you don't know, or maybe you don't know.

00:26:21.928 --> 00:26:29.008
If you build a King Tiger model, it can be sold everywhere in the world, but not in Germany.

00:26:29.328 --> 00:26:32.388
The German people, they hate the world. One crazy guy.

00:26:33.188 --> 00:26:37.988
Make all the men go to die, even children, right? Yeah. Do you think it is correct?

00:26:38.368 --> 00:26:46.968
Now, not many people are really German, to be honest, because 10-year-old children need to fight in 1944.

00:26:47.348 --> 00:26:52.928
If you are a boy, in 1944, you need to go to fighting. Even a gun,

00:26:53.368 --> 00:26:54.928
told them you are similar.

00:26:55.288 --> 00:26:59.028
So how the German people will like the war, right?

00:26:59.428 --> 00:27:04.788
World War I, World War II, all the men go to die. Just like if today we are

00:27:04.788 --> 00:27:09.888
living in Russia, you and me, because we are men, you need to fighting.

00:27:10.408 --> 00:27:15.408
Fighting for what? Fighting for a crazy guy, right? Especially in the U.S. right now. Holy crap.

00:27:15.648 --> 00:27:21.568
Let's talk about the Volkswagen Iltus. This is the other off-road.

00:27:22.128 --> 00:27:25.828
Some say the most underrated off-road vehicle ever built.

00:27:26.268 --> 00:27:31.348
How does it perform to these other four-wheel drives that we're talking about?

00:27:31.348 --> 00:27:36.688
Now, the Iltis was actually the one that was the inspiration for Audi's Quattro

00:27:36.688 --> 00:27:39.268
four-wheel drive system or all-wheel drive system, right?

00:27:39.268 --> 00:27:44.668
2000, when I finished the world trip, in 1999,

00:27:45.088 --> 00:27:51.128
I used 131 days from Greece to Egypt, from Egypt to Jerusalem,

00:27:51.468 --> 00:27:52.828
from Jerusalem to Jordan,

00:27:53.228 --> 00:27:58.008
from Jordan to Iraq, from Iraq to Iran, and then back to China,

00:27:58.248 --> 00:28:00.988
from India, Pakistan, and then back to China.

00:28:00.988 --> 00:28:07.708
I go to Europe to buy a Volkswagen 1.3 or 1.8.3.

00:28:08.188 --> 00:28:16.168
And after test drive, I cannot believe it is not a normal 4x4, you know.

00:28:16.548 --> 00:28:24.708
At that time, SUV, even not many SUVs just got a RAV4, CRV, Japan-made,

00:28:24.828 --> 00:28:31.088
right? Not many SUVs, but that is a military vehicle.

00:28:31.768 --> 00:28:36.908
And after I test drive, I cannot believe my feeling. It is the house table.

00:28:37.288 --> 00:28:41.588
It is independent front and rear suspension. And the design is like a double

00:28:41.588 --> 00:28:45.748
A, but the top A, not use an arm.

00:28:46.308 --> 00:28:49.868
Not use an arm. I have to use a lift spring to put on the both.

00:28:49.948 --> 00:28:56.428
So it looks like a double A arm suspension. And the car is super nice Also got

00:28:56.428 --> 00:28:58.928
the deflock 100% deflock Why?

00:28:59.328 --> 00:29:06.148
Because independent suspension The freight travel Is not like a A normal car Normal truck.

00:29:07.073 --> 00:29:12.513
So they put a 2D flop, front and rear. And a very, very amazing drive.

00:29:13.053 --> 00:29:18.413
It drives on the road just like any good passenger car. You cannot believe.

00:29:18.593 --> 00:29:23.033
That's awesome. And this is the first time. Remember, this is the 70s design. Right.

00:29:23.653 --> 00:29:29.573
70s. And at that time, it was still called West German Army, right?

00:29:30.073 --> 00:29:32.653
Because it got East German and West German.

00:29:33.513 --> 00:29:39.513
And the Canadian, just your neighbor, they also got some interesting.

00:29:39.953 --> 00:29:44.853
And remember, part-time four-wheel drive, independent suspension,

00:29:45.273 --> 00:29:46.933
and the 2D front and wheel.

00:29:47.433 --> 00:29:55.093
This is how amazing design at that time, 70s. Even G-Wagon haven't bought before G-Wagon.

00:29:55.293 --> 00:30:00.433
And the G-Wagon also used truck-tie axle, just the coil spring.

00:30:01.353 --> 00:30:04.693
So performance cannot compare. Right.

00:30:05.293 --> 00:30:11.013
And I don't know why they don't build many for civilians. They only build limited for civilians.

00:30:11.533 --> 00:30:17.673
And even today, I still got the gearbox. I buy some spare gearbox because I

00:30:17.673 --> 00:30:22.653
wanted to see how they make the gearbox and the first case inside.

00:30:22.933 --> 00:30:27.693
The design are totally different as normal 4x4 and also 1D floor in front.

00:30:27.693 --> 00:30:34.373
Out of your off-road military-style vehicles, meaning the Volkswagens,

00:30:34.533 --> 00:30:36.033
which one gets the most attention?

00:30:36.033 --> 00:30:42.793
Maybe at car shows or when you're out with it, what car gets the most attention?

00:30:43.093 --> 00:30:48.553
So many people go to Hong Kong and find me in the world everywhere because I

00:30:48.553 --> 00:30:50.953
got a four-wheel drive vehicle.

00:30:51.273 --> 00:30:57.813
Right. My shop in Hong Kong, and this few years, I have not gone outside.

00:30:58.293 --> 00:31:03.333
Before, Paris to Dhaka, every year, I'm at least four months not in Hong Kong.

00:31:03.893 --> 00:31:10.673
And now I'm 56 years old. And four years, five years ago, I stopped to go outside.

00:31:11.293 --> 00:31:15.593
So many people visited me during this five years.

00:31:16.073 --> 00:31:21.433
And even you, you are welcome to Hong Kong. I can show you everybody if they

00:31:21.433 --> 00:31:25.493
like a full drive, they like a supercar, they like a classic car, are welcome.

00:31:25.673 --> 00:31:27.793
Because I got a clutch in Hong Kong.

00:31:28.313 --> 00:31:32.493
For our city, it's not small because we got free shop together.

00:31:33.313 --> 00:31:39.693
And many people also from U.S. to find me. Because...

00:31:41.020 --> 00:31:44.540
All the four-wheel drive Beetle are in Europe. They're very,

00:31:44.660 --> 00:31:46.500
very rare. I've never heard of it.

00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:52.540
I've never even heard of it. Before I talk to you, and I've been a Volkswagen

00:31:52.540 --> 00:31:56.180
enthusiast most of my life, I'm 47 years old.

00:31:56.440 --> 00:32:03.960
And before I talk to you, I never even knew that a Beetle had a four-wheel drive.

00:32:04.120 --> 00:32:08.180
This is why I like to build a model, radio-controlled model,

00:32:08.340 --> 00:32:12.640
to show every Volkswagen lover. So we're going to talk about that here in just

00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:17.420
a moment, but I want to ask you about any more of your builds.

00:32:18.380 --> 00:32:21.860
You've built some crazy stuff, right? I mean, you've got some,

00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:24.560
how many cars do you have? 30, 33?

00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:32.060
After I got more than 30, I haven't calculated.

00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:35.800
He lost count at 30, but amazing.

00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:42.040
He's got an old Testarossa. I got pictures of all of these, these cars from

00:32:42.040 --> 00:32:45.720
the, from the past, but an amazing, an amazing collection.

00:32:46.040 --> 00:32:52.500
I think this might be a good time to talk about this, this insane radio control

00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:57.880
model that you built on the box. It says the people's car, right?

00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:02.460
And let's talk about that. This fascinated me.

00:33:02.560 --> 00:33:06.080
The first time you and I connected and had a conversation, you

00:33:06.080 --> 00:33:09.700
showed me like you are now you showed me on video you

00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:12.880
know what this car was and and i really didn't

00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:16.220
understand until you showed me all of the working components

00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:19.200
all the way down to even the fan

00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:22.220
belt spins i mean i was blown

00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:28.700
away so tell the listeners about this rc car because from what i understand

00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:33.500
they can even buy one from you right you know you cannot find any good detail

00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:40.180
model in the market because no real car mechanic can help to decide radio control, right?

00:33:41.057 --> 00:33:46.377
And especially this is a rare vehicle. If I don't do that, nobody will do that. You're right.

00:33:46.717 --> 00:33:53.657
Because I've seen some radio control beetles, and they're garbage.

00:33:55.457 --> 00:33:57.577
They're not like what I saw from you.

00:33:58.717 --> 00:34:05.157
Five years ago, a China manufacturer contacted me. They are doing FMS.

00:34:05.377 --> 00:34:07.877
They are doing the flight airplane model.

00:34:08.137 --> 00:34:10.657
And they wanted to do radio control car.

00:34:11.057 --> 00:34:16.437
And they ask me what to do. I tell them, in the market, they have everything.

00:34:17.137 --> 00:34:22.237
How about realistic RC model? They say, why not?

00:34:22.417 --> 00:34:26.057
But I told them, very expensive to build because it's realistic.

00:34:26.837 --> 00:34:30.557
Display model quality, but with running gear.

00:34:30.897 --> 00:34:36.117
And also not just can walk, also with high performance like a real car.

00:34:36.537 --> 00:34:39.937
And I'm so lucky they accept this.

00:34:39.937 --> 00:34:42.837
So a fms do the

00:34:42.837 --> 00:34:45.777
airplane and then suddenly they also do another link

00:34:45.777 --> 00:34:48.497
is about the realistic rc model now they are quite

00:34:48.497 --> 00:34:51.577
successful i am

00:34:51.577 --> 00:34:57.537
they are they are engineering consultant i mean i told the engineering how to

00:34:57.537 --> 00:35:02.457
do because the five years ago if you remember we cannot go cross the border

00:35:02.457 --> 00:35:08.697
everything lockdown but the lucky we got the modern telephone right so just

00:35:08.697 --> 00:35:11.097
like now that's We can talk with each other.

00:35:11.237 --> 00:35:13.717
Even if you are in American, I'm long gone. That's right.

00:35:13.957 --> 00:35:16.437
We are long, long, long distance.

00:35:16.717 --> 00:35:19.397
So, so lucky. And that they are engineering.

00:35:20.497 --> 00:35:22.617
So clever. So clever.

00:35:23.484 --> 00:35:26.724
Everything just needs to discuss two or three times.

00:35:27.504 --> 00:35:31.344
They can build a prototype. And I'm so lucky. This is why.

00:35:31.924 --> 00:35:39.604
And then for me. When we post this podcast, I'm going to put a link to the videos that you sent me.

00:35:39.844 --> 00:35:47.544
So people can see this model. But you have one here, right? Even this one.

00:35:48.184 --> 00:35:55.584
Wow. Look at that. A prototype. That's a prototype, and that's a prototype that's Hitler in there, yeah?

00:35:56.124 --> 00:36:02.484
Yes. That's amazing. Now, what I was fascinated by with all of the cars that

00:36:02.484 --> 00:36:10.264
you build, especially these prototypes or these models, is the door handles work.

00:36:10.704 --> 00:36:15.924
The levers inside work. The steering wheel works. The differential works.

00:36:16.924 --> 00:36:21.804
Everything works. Even the depressor with full limited sleep function. Look at this.

00:36:22.524 --> 00:36:28.124
Door opens and closes. Engine in the back. The belt works. That's a split window?

00:36:28.304 --> 00:36:30.504
Even the lights working. The lights work? Yes.

00:36:31.164 --> 00:36:33.264
The hood pops. Everything is working.

00:36:34.144 --> 00:36:41.164
Now, this is the most realistic model RC car that I've ever seen. Unbelievable.

00:36:41.504 --> 00:36:45.644
And the price is everybody can afford. Very low price. In U.S.,

00:36:45.644 --> 00:36:48.064
how much is that? About $300, $350?

00:36:48.344 --> 00:36:53.944
Something like that Maybe less Okay Maybe less Which And including everything

00:36:53.944 --> 00:36:58.304
Yeah When you go It is ready to run Yeah I want one.

00:36:59.664 --> 00:37:03.504
I want one I think they're so cool Now,

00:37:04.324 --> 00:37:10.524
maybe got trouble Because the tax Now with tariffs Yikes I don't know I don't

00:37:10.524 --> 00:37:17.924
know What happens soon You know Because the tax Is direct to you Not to me That's right.

00:37:19.324 --> 00:37:25.184
125% they said today On the news And that's why You have a vote And then You

00:37:25.184 --> 00:37:30.624
need to pay a lot of tax Everything You need to pay tax Yeah That's how it is here Tax,

00:37:30.704 --> 00:37:34.824
tax, tax Biggest gangsters in the world Is the IRS And the taxes,

00:37:35.904 --> 00:37:40.244
I believe the vote Is just like a big village Just like a big village,

00:37:41.237 --> 00:37:46.577
Just now we can talk with each other. Maybe one day you'll talk with me. You need to pay tax.

00:37:47.797 --> 00:37:53.397
It's probably coming soon. Let's hope not, though, because I appreciate the

00:37:53.397 --> 00:37:57.777
opportunity to be able to communicate with you in Hong Kong,

00:37:58.037 --> 00:38:04.657
me in Central Florida, USA, and be able just to have a conversation like this.

00:38:04.657 --> 00:38:11.057
You know, something I wanted to ask you was If there's VW fans out there That

00:38:11.057 --> 00:38:16.377
are interested in off-road Or military Volkswagens What would you say a good

00:38:16.377 --> 00:38:21.357
starting point Would be for them to start to To understand and discover The

00:38:21.357 --> 00:38:23.017
four-wheel drive side of things?

00:38:23.377 --> 00:38:30.517
I believe if you like a Volkswagen And you want to remember I don't think U.S.

00:38:30.677 --> 00:38:35.397
Got them Maybe you need to buy from Europe because there's still many ex-army

00:38:35.397 --> 00:38:38.077
ones in very good condition in Europe, I believe.

00:38:38.697 --> 00:38:43.217
And also the van, you know, the VW van, some go forward drive.

00:38:43.597 --> 00:38:45.677
They do. You can find in the U.S., I think.

00:38:46.097 --> 00:38:50.637
But the golf forward drive may be very less, right?

00:38:50.997 --> 00:38:56.117
Any golf forward drive in your country? No. You know, golf got a forward drive. Not here.

00:38:56.297 --> 00:39:02.017
But not the new one. The new one is for high performance. I mean, the old one.

00:39:04.537 --> 00:39:10.137
So you can see it can go anywhere The modern one, V6 one 10 years ago,

00:39:10.197 --> 00:39:15.257
20 years ago Not for off-road If people want to find you And they want to find

00:39:15.257 --> 00:39:18.777
your collection And they want to see your work And they might want to find,

00:39:20.117 --> 00:39:24.637
These smaller RC cars How can they follow you?

00:39:24.737 --> 00:39:31.397
I have a YouTube channel It's called Realistic RC Model And not only the Volkswagen

00:39:31.397 --> 00:39:37.117
model It is all about 70s to 80s RC car history.

00:39:38.060 --> 00:39:42.600
And I believe all the boys like that because at that time when maybe you got

00:39:42.600 --> 00:39:47.460
one or even maybe too expensive but that you still want the one and then you

00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:50.460
always sit in showroom to see, the toy showroom to see them.

00:39:51.080 --> 00:39:54.580
I'm so lucky. I got all of them when I'm 18.

00:39:54.780 --> 00:40:00.600
What is your YouTube handle? What is the YouTube channel called? Realistic RC Model.

00:40:01.140 --> 00:40:04.560
Realistic RC Model. RC Model. Yes, I can send you the link.

00:40:04.560 --> 00:40:13.460
And every week We have one video And my English is poor But I do everything

00:40:13.460 --> 00:40:19.940
by myself Even I use a single hand Use an iPhone And radio control the car Wow,

00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:25.640
that's amazing Victor, this has been incredible Your knowledge and your passion

00:40:25.640 --> 00:40:31.700
For rare Volkswagens Is next level I know the Volkswagen community Is going

00:40:31.700 --> 00:40:36.560
to love this episode I know it's a little bit with a language barrier.

00:40:36.560 --> 00:40:41.840
It's a little bit hard to understand, but I think it adds to the mystery. It's okay.

00:40:42.320 --> 00:40:47.720
You're patient. I'm patient. And I think the Volkswagen community is going to

00:40:47.720 --> 00:40:53.860
love this episode and then also love to find you and be able to learn and connect

00:40:53.860 --> 00:41:00.820
and understand I'm blown away by you and some of these prototypes and these vehicles that you own.

00:41:00.820 --> 00:41:07.320
And by the prototype models that you build with everything functioning all the way down to headlights.

00:41:07.900 --> 00:41:12.680
I mean, I'm just blown away. I thank you for your time tonight.

00:41:12.680 --> 00:41:16.640
I don't want to take too, too much of it, but I thank you so much for coming

00:41:16.640 --> 00:41:21.160
on to the podcast and sharing with everybody. We'll have to do this again sometime.

00:41:21.520 --> 00:41:26.260
Yes, you're welcome. And that's a wrap for this episode of Dub Life Diaries.

00:41:26.520 --> 00:41:30.300
Thanks for riding along with us and diving into these incredible stories of

00:41:30.300 --> 00:41:32.360
the people in the Dove that drive their dreams.

00:41:32.620 --> 00:41:37.180
If you loved today's episode, don't forget to subscribe or hit that follow button

00:41:37.180 --> 00:41:38.500
so you never miss an adventure.

00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:43.440
Do you have a story to tell or know somebody else who's living the Dove life? Awesome.

00:41:43.860 --> 00:41:49.360
Reach out to us. You can find us on all socials at Dove Life Diaries or shoot me an email.

00:41:49.640 --> 00:41:53.480
I'm not hard to find dovelifediaries at gmail.com.

00:41:53.640 --> 00:41:58.080
Until next time, keep the engines humming and the wheels turning and always

00:41:58.080 --> 00:42:01.060
follow the road that inspires you. This is Joe Person.

00:42:01.260 --> 00:42:04.220
I'm signing off. I'll catch you on the next ride.

00:42:06.480 --> 00:43:01.227
Music.