Featured Volkswagen Story

A Hollywood Original Stays in the Family - Owner: Dave Cooke

Dave Cook’s connection to Volkswagens goes back decades, long before this 1979 1303 Super Beetle ever entered his life. Growing up around air-cooled cars shaped his appreciation for their character, and that early exposure eventually led him to the beautifully preserved convertible he owns today. What began as childhood fascination has become a lasting family story centered around one very special Super Beetle.

1979 Volkswagen 1303 Super Beetle convertible parked by the water with a bridge in the background

"I'll never forget the sound and smell of that car." For Dave Cooke, the air-cooled obsession began in the backseat of his mother's white late-60s Beetle. While the rugged allure of the VW Thing captured his imagination as a child, it is a strikingly preserved 1979 1303 Super Beetle that eventually claimed his garage and his heart.

Vintage Volkswagen Beetle packed for a trip, Dave Cook’s parents standing beside it in a rural setting

This isn't just any late-model Super; it's a car with a pedigree. Delivered to the legendary Bob Smith VW in Hollywood, California, on January 19, 1979, the Beetle spent its first decade cruising the star-studded streets of Tinseltown. After a stint in Florida, the car found its way to Dave's father in 2004. Upon his father's passing in 2013, Dave inherited the Bug from his step mother, ensuring the family legacy remained intact.

Interior of a 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible with black vinyl seats and wood-trim dashboard

"It reminds me of my Dad and brings back good memories of growing up," Dave shares. He isn't just preserving a car; he is preserving a connection. With the original warranty and maintenance book still featuring dealer stamps from its Hollywood days, the history of this 1302/1303 evolution is as clear as the California sun.

1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible parked by the waterfront with the top down

While the car remains largely a survivor, Dave hasn't shied away from making it a more capable modern cruiser. To tighten up the ride, he installed a Top Line Parts Super Low Pro Kit and a Topline front disc brake conversion. These upgrades provide the "Smooth Ride Revolution" handling that Super Beetle owners crave without sacrificing the car's classic silhouette.

Custom Super Beetle door panel with upgraded speakers installed as part of the audio system

However, the real surprise is hidden beneath the surface. "I got carried away," Dave admits regarding the audio system. What began as a simple head-unit replacement spiraled into a high-fidelity masterpiece. The setup features an Alpine digital powerhouse driving Morel Virtus 3-way components and twin 10-inch subwoofers tucked seamlessly behind the rear seat. "The installer did a fantastic job, but I went way over budget." The result is a car that sounds as crisp as it looks.

1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible parked outdoors with the top down

Despite the high-end audio and performance tweaks, Dave's philosophy remains grounded in sentiment. Aside from a small repair needed on the driver's seat upholstery, the car is exactly where he wants it. You won't find it on the road in the rain, as it is strictly a fair-weather machine. While he hasn't hit the show circuit yet, he is starting to look for local events to stretch the Super's legs.

Dave Cook standing beside his 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible near the waterfront

When asked if he would ever part with his father's Hollywood classic, the answer is a firm "Nope." His plans are simple and heartfelt: "Hold onto it and pass it on to my kids." In an era of fleeting trends, Dave's 1303 stands as a rolling testament to family heritage. It is a piece of Hollywood history that found its forever home.

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Two VW Beetles parked facing each other

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