Cal Look

A Cal looker (California looker) is any air-cooled Volkswagen (most often the Type 1) modified in fashion originating in Orange County, California in the late 1960s.

The Type 1 is popular with car customizers throughout the world not only because it's cheap and easy to work on, but because its iconic looks can be personalised and the flat four motor is so tunable. Its very makes even subtle changes noticeable;

There are many popular Beetle styles, from a Cal looker, to a Cal-Style VW. They vary between themselves but are similar in many ways. Also the California look has changed during the 30+ years of its lifespan. The most typical (and traditional) way to customize the exterior is to change the wheels and lower the front suspension of the car. The favorite wheels are period-style EMPI 5- or 8-spokes, Speedwell BRMs, Mahle "Gas Burners" or satin finish Porsche factory rims like Fuchs from a classic 911. One of the original California look modifications is to replace or remove the bumpers, side trim and vent wing window either to give a cleaner look or to reduce the curb weight; if bumpers are removed, T-bar pushbars are common. The stock bumpers are sometimes painted or powdercoated.

There are many clubs dedicated to Cal look including the DKP in the USA which was one of the first clubs dedicated to true Cal-look cars. Today, the DKP still exists and the club is on their 3rd generation. There are also currently many big Cal look VW clubs based in Europe including the DAS (Der Autobahn Scrapers) in Belgium, the DFL (Der Fieser Luftkühlers) in Germany and the JG54 Grünherz (Greenhearts) in the UK.

A lowrider influenced Vintage VW that was lowered to the extreme for style and cruising called "dumped", "slammed" or "laid-out" The Cal-Style VW was originated in the streets of Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Los Angeles VW Car Clubs like the "Bugs Buddies" and the "Vintage Volksters" were the pioneers of this style building Cal-Style VW's to cruise LA landmarks like the original Tommy's Burgers, the iconic cruise spot Whittier Blvd ELA and to impress the LA teen party crowd. The first documented example of a "Cal-Style" VW was 1980 when Rene Ruelas of lowrider car club fame the "Dukes" combined style and performance with his Karmann Ghia convertible; it was later owned by another the early 1980s Cal-Style builder Robert "VWKIDD" Velis. By the late 1980s, the Cal-Style VW influence spread throughout Southern California and the world.

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