Description
Still One of the Best Custom Beetles Ever Built.
“The Speedwell Oval” or as it is sometimes known “The Mendeoval”
Built in 2010 and featured in lots of magazines worldwide and still in virtually the
same condition today. Both on top and underneath it really does have to be viewed
to appreciate the time and money invested into this one-off piece of automotive
artwork.
I personally imported this Beetle in 2015 from the original owner in the US who
commissioned the car to be built by Kevin Zagar, who in turn wanted to showcase
his custom suspension company Mendeola. It drives like no other Beetle you will
ever have been in with true sports car handling. Since importing the car, it has turned
no more than 80 miles.
The shell is a genuine 56 Wragg top Oval, but Mendeola used a 73 pan to do the
customisation on, mainly due to the extra strength required, it is therefore registered
here in the UK as a 73, in my name.
I have all the details and a lot of invoices on file from the original build, and many of
the publications the car was featured in.
Money was no object during the build, the level of detail is truly astonishing, from the
wheels that are like jewellery to the pedals that you feel guilty pressing. I hope the
Photo’s (Current) give a brief insight into just how much time and effort let alone cash
was invested, a six figure sum!
But…..
Quite simply she never ran as good as she looked with the Turbo setup, it was far
too unreliable. I’ve now had the turbo setup removed and the engine remapped to
suit. It now drives and sounds as good as it looks. Of course, all the original build
parts have been retained should the new owner wish to put it back to what it was, but
with 170bhp output, why would you?
It now drives reliably, and I guarantee it’s still a show winner and fast! Perspective
buyers should call me so I can explain why I took what some would see as such drastic
action. It obviously still retains it’s 2. 3ltr Chico Performance Built Engine, which was
built to withstand the quoted 300bhp output, but the truth is the car was never ever
tuned to anywhere near that output even with the Turbo fitted.
The Mende has been shown just once in my ownership here in the UK, at Volksworld
in 2015 when it was first imported by me. It was one of the first cars you would have
seen if you visited the show that year. It was placed on the main Volksworld stand
due to her fame! It was voted one of the top cars to attend out of the hundreds of
mint European wide cars that are shown. It was without doubt the most
photographed. People were just astonished at the level of detail on seeing it in the
flesh. Everywhere is custom, from the heated seats to the custom drilled stainless
steel aircraft detail that features throughout the car.
Despite the mentioned problems I encountered with the build, I never got bored of
just looking at the Mende. But it is now time to pass her on for a new owner to now
do more of the same, but with the ability to finally drive it to shows, and no doubt pick
up even more awards, but more important just use her, and I assume watch heads
turn!
In closing, the ad won’t allow me to show the links to the build so if you’re interested
please message me and I’ll gladly send them. They clearly show the underside of
this unique famous Beetle. It is still the same as when built, polished!
If you still have any questions do feel free to get in touch to discuss anything you
need to know about her, from build to current. I am also happy to assist with shipping
anywhere Worldwide upon receiving cleared funds.
If your serious about buying this piece of automotive artwork, then do take time out
to come and view her if you can, I guarantee you will only have the same reaction
has everyone else. It is truly Jaw Dropping.
If I miss your call, please message me through here and I will call back. And Thanks for looking and reading!
