Bobby Garcia's 1955 VW Beetle

Retired construction worker Bobby Garcia purchased this '55 Oval Window Ragtop as a project over nine years ago from a friend in Nanakuli, Hawaii, where it sat in his yard covered for years. The body was separated from the pan, just waiting to be loved. "I saw the potential, and felt this build could be special." This wasn't his first VW. He had a chopped-top '66 in the early 1980s, but this would be his first full restoration. With the influence of a few good friends, he would build a one-of-a-kind stunner!

After bringing it to his home in Ewa Beach, he went to work, starting with the body. This included repairing the bottom of the driver's door, a portion of the quarter panel, and some floor pan restoration. Overall, the bodywork was minimal for a car that had sat neglected for nearly a decade.

With the prep work completed, the choice of paint was up next. Bobby selected the brown from a PPG paint book due to its uniqueness. "I felt like not everyone has this color, and it stood out to me. I love how it is similar to an old military vehicle." Friend Leroy Perreira laid down the color — Leroy had completed the bodywork as well. Bobby's brother Mike painted the fan shroud and engine tins to match.

The rest of the restoration went rather smoothly for Bobby, with the only major challenge being sourcing parts. "We had to get many of them from the mainland, as well as finding some I needed around the island. We were looking high and low for everything… The turn signal switch was a particular challenge!"

Bobby's choice for wheels was 15-inch Cutt Face Fuchs from Vintage V-Dubs. The front are 4.5s with 155/60R15 Continental tires, and the rear are deep 6s with 205/60R15s. The braking system has been upgraded with a Classic VW conversion kit from Airkewld, which features BAD Series rotor assemblies, Wilwood calipers and a dual-circuit master cylinder. "Thanks to Thomas Andrews for running the master cylinder brake lines."

For suspension, Bobby again turned to Airkewld for a PRObuilt 4-inch narrowed beam, powder-coated black, with 2.5-inch dropped spindles and adjustable shocks. The rear was indexed with adjustable spring plates. One of the more eye-catching additions to the exterior of this Oval are the running boards, which were crafted from Koa wood. Brad and Teresa Lopez supplied Bobby with the log of Koa from the island of Maui, and Grady Cabral created the running boards to mimic standard VW units. The look is unique to the overall color and theme of the Beetle.

Inside the cabin, we find more custom touches, and more Koa! Bobby and Al Cadelinia from Al's Upholstery worked together to design the special treatment for this ride. Hawaiian design and complementary colors were the choice for the two-tone brown and tan scheme, which continues throughout, including the sun visor. David Perreira from Campbell High School's wood shop sculpted the Koa door armrests. A Scat Drag-Fast shifter was installed, along with a chrome e-brake lever for extra shine. Pioneer speakers in the kick panels and parcel shelf are connected to the retro-style stereo in the dash. Dark tan carpeting ties the interior together.

To power this Oval around the island, Bobby enlisted Sonny Robello to build the 2110cc engine. Starting with a VW Type 1 AS41 case, the build continued with a counterweighted 82mm crankshaft with Chevy journals, an Engle FK-7 cam, Empi Stage 2 heads, and AA pistons and cylinders. Dual Weber 48 IDA carbs deliver fuel, while the CB Performance MagnaSpark distributor and coil provide spark to the NGK plugs. A Freeway Flyer gearbox from Rancho Transaxles is paired with the engine for proper island cruising.

With the build finally complete, the '55 made its debut at the 2025 Shaka Weekend Car Show in Honolulu, where it was met with an abundance of attention all day. "I was happy to see lots of friends, happy to display my build, meet all the wonderful people, and receive positive remarks about my project," Bobby said about his first event. "It makes me proud that I have built this amazing vehicle from the ground up."

What began as a forgotten project has transformed into a show-stopping Beetle that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and a touch of Hawaiian soul. From its deep paint and custom interior to its carefully crafted Koa accents, it's more than just a restoration — it's a tribute to the Islands, his friends, and his own determination. As for Bobby, with the build finished and a smile on his face, he says, "I have no plans for the moment, I'm just going with the flow!"