A 50 year love affair with the Volkswagen Beetle is set to continue for a Welsh motoring expert, after he bought a brand new retro bug from a leading motor group in Swansea.
David Gallagher, from Llanelli, picked up his 11th Volkswagen Beetle this week from Sinclair Volkswagen Swansea.
The 67-year-old’s love for the brand began at the tender age of 17 when he bought his very first Beetle – a 1956 ‘Oval Window’ for £120. This was soon followed by a 1954, left-hand drive Beetle which he bought while working as an apprentice mechanic in Sussex; the owners were unable to fund the repair so David snapped it up for a mere £4.
And it was through their mutual admiration of the brand that love blossomed when he met his wife, Linda; who owned a 1970 1500cc Beetle.
Thirty eight years of marriage, 11 Beetles and a Volkswagen camper van later, David and Linda’s love of the brand continues.
Mr Gallagher said: “When considering what car to buy for my retirement both Linda and I thought the new Beetle would be perfect. We started our driving lives in Beetles so we thought why not continue this in our retirement.
“We had a great time on Friday when we collected our new bug. Cameron, the team and everyone at Sinclair Swansea was so helpful and friendly. Linda is enjoying whizzing around Llanelli, eliciting many comments about what a fantastic colour combination we have chosen.
“Our little family is continuing to grow, with our fifth grandchild on the way. We’d like to pass on our love for Volkswagen to the grandchildren and can’t wait to take them out for a ride in the new car.
“For me, it’s important to buy local and service has always meant a lot – it contributes to the whole excitement and joy of purchasing a new car in fact the entire process was a real pleasure at Sinclair Volkswagen.”
Cameron Davies, sales executive at Sinclair Volkswagen Swansea, said: “It was so endearing listening to David and Linda’s Volkswagen journey. I took David out for a test drive in the car and you could tell how passionate he was for the brand.
“I was thrilled to play a part in helping them find their first brand new Beetle and felt a genuine sense of pride when I handed over the keys.”
For further information on the Volkswagen range call the Sinclair team, located on Langdon Road, on 01792 621748.