YourVolkswagen: Rob Hawkins and his collection

Have a read about Rob and his incredible collection of classic Volkswagen cars

Robert Hawkins is a lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast and has built his incredible collection over several decades which comprises some of the brands greatest and most iconic models from the original beetle through to the MK7 GTI.

They may be prized possessions but Rob doesn't overly pamper his cars as they've been used for civil service work and driven all across Devon, their current condition is a testament to his love and care for these cars even with regular use!

If you attended our Murray Meets MK3 event you'll have seen a portion of Rob's collection housed in our showroom and likely talked to the man himself!

Read below to learn more about Rob's collection.

1956 VW Beetle Delux Sedan

First registered in 1956 at the Seymour Horwell VW dealership in Newton Abbot, Rob has owned the car since 1981 and passed his driving test in it the following year.

In 2001 Rob drove it to the home of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg Germany, a trip of nearly 2,000 miles.

Over the years the Beetle has had several upgrades and restorations including having the engine rebuilt to factory specifications in South Africa in 2006, aftermarket chrome wheels and an anti roll bar from a 1960's model to help improve the handling and stability.

VW Scirocco Scala 1.8i

One of the last examples sold of this model Scirocco after originally being ran by Volkswagen headquarters before being sold through a dealer in Somerset.

Under Rob's ownership the car recieved a respray to Tornado Red in 1999 alongside some choice upgrades like forged wheels, Koni shock absorbers and upgraded front brakes to improve performance.

The car is still on it's original engine, now sitting at 108,000 miles and has been on multiple four day trips to Germany where it would easily cover the 2,000 miles journey's.

Golf GTI Convertible

Purchased from a local family business following a chance conversation with the owner in 1991, Rob went with the GTI convertible over the brand new Golf Clipper convertible available from dealers at the time.

Like others in the collection Rob took the car to Germany in 1996 over 5 days ending up in Karlruhe. During this trip a police officer encouraged Rob to take advantage of the autobahns and drive as fast as he liked on the unrestricted sections, which he did!

A new mohair top was recently fitted to replace the original that lasted 32 years!

2015 VW Golf MK7 GTI

One of the three vehicles that Rob kindly displayed in our showroom during Murray Meets MK3 was his 2015 MK7 Golf GTI,

A rare 3dr model in Tornado red the MK7 is renowned as one of the best GTI's ever thanks in part to Porsche designed suspension and steering.

1987 Scirocco GTX

Rob has owned multiple Scirocco and this GTX was his second to replace a 1983 Papyrus Green Scirocco GL that got him hooked on the model line!

It was purchased from Renwicks Torquay with just 6,000 miles on the clock which had been done with their sales manager behind the wheel.

It was this Scirocco that Rob drove back to the original Karmann factory in Osnabruck where it was originally built. Rob was treated to a comprehensive factory tour and also a special look at the vehicles in the Karmann families' private museum that was not open to the public.

Published: 11 October 2024