Like swallows returning to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, February 23 witnessed the return of the O.C.T.O. (Orange County Transporters Organization) Winter Meet, Swap and Display to Veteran’s  Stadium in Long Beach California.

This year marks my second time attending this event, and I’m sure there were a lot of other people who like myself, came with aspirations of VW Type 2 ownership. And just like last years event, there was a parking lot filled with the prospect of amazing vehicles to suit just about any taste.

And there’s nothing quite like the sense of anticipation, as one approaches a parking lot filled with nothing but Type 2 Transporters as far as the eye can see..

Single cab and double cab row (below)…

A beautifully restored, Dove Blue single cab wearing DunnTech Motorsports graphics…

and its equally impressive engine compartment and detailed motor.

A pair of “his and hers” buses (below). His – a two-toned copper and white, 1964 deluxe, and Hers -a 1967, blue and white 21 split window…

Another two toned, safari windowed bus, representing the “Oil Drippers” car club.

Another of the current automotive trends is matte finish paint. Below are some of the Type 2’s in attendance wearing matte paint finishes, in both monochrome and two-toned schemes.

Parked amongst its normal proportioned peers, was this  blue “Shorty” bus, a post 1955 vintage panel van; a very well executed modification, with one very short wheelbase…

Another beautifully restored, two toned Type 2 bus…

complete with safari front windows and side pop-outs (above & below).

Classic banjo styled steering wheel and custom upholstered interior.

And out back, an unexpected surprise: a custom turbocharged motor.

In stark contrast, and located several rows over, was this Dove Blue single cab with its OG finish, yet sporting a set of polished, Porsche Fuchs 5 spoke alloy wheels.

And no Type 2 show would be complete without at least one pre 1955 bus, in the classic two-toned color combination of Chestnut Brown over Sealing Wax Red.

An example of the rare, European fluted headlight lens (above & below)…

One of my personal favorites from the show was this amazing, 1958 Dove Blue single cab (as seen below).

Another example of the very cool European fluted headlight lens.

This particular single cab was fully equipped with safari front windows, a single driving light, wood slat roof rack and rear bed rack…

A beautifully restored interior, right down to its three spoke steering wheel…

And once again, another Type 2 wearing a set of polished Porsche Fuchs 5 spoke alloy wheels, but in this case running a wider wheel set up front, instead of the traditional (narrower) 4-1/2″ X 15″, 5 spoke wheels.

Period correct details, right down to the combined brake light / tail lights, and rear and side gates with the stamped panel reinforcement details…

Another of the beautifully restored, mid 1960’s vintage, two-toned buses, fitted with dual wooden slat roof racks and wrapped in a flawless, mirror like paint finish, perfect for reflecting its surroundings.

As the license plates notes (see below), this is another 1966 vintage, two toned bus (Velvet Green over Pearl White), fit with a pair of fully functioning Safari front windows and side pop outs. Equally impressive is knowing the amount of time needed to produce these type of visual results and flawless paint finishes as displayed.

The second of my favorite buses from the show was this spectacular 1966 model (as seen below), complete with front safari windows and its unique two toned paint. The owner  when asked about the paint colors, shared with me that he had stayed brand loyal, and specified a 2004 VW color for the pale blue lower panels, and a 2009 VW color for the pale cream panels (nose, roof and dash).

Seeing this bus, and appreciating all of the hard work and efforts put into creating such stunning results, is what provides inspiration for those of us with dreams of Type 2 Transporter ownership.

This unique color palette even carried over into the interior, with the owner using a light tan upholstery, complemented by the light cream colored piping accents found on the seating.

Another perfect choice of wheels as seen below; Polished Porsche 5 spoke Fuchs alloys, mounted front and rear.

And for the finishing touch; a dash mounted hula girl, serenading and watching over the occupants…

On the way back to my car, I happened to pass by this pale gray colored single cab, and in the process, caught a glimpse of a silvery object resting in the rear bed.

As I approached, It quickly became apparent that the silver object in the rear bed was in fact a scaled down version of a Porsche 550 Spyder.

After talking with the owner, I learned that this single seat replica was in fact an electric-powered, and potentially a very cool ride for a small child.

And what an ironic way to wrap up my morning spent at the O.C.T.O. Winter meet;  at the weekly car show that I usually attend, there is a high percentage of Porsches in attendance, with a handful of vintage VW’s present, and now here at an all VW Type 2 show, what should I encounter but a scaled down replica of a Porsche 550 Spyder.        Go figure…

(All photos by the author)