Community Corner
VW Club Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary
It holds a monthly meeting in the parting lot of a Temecula burger joint.
After two years, the HerrKooled Volkswagen club is running strong.
It celebrated its second anniversary Saturday with a meeting in the 29000 block of Via Las Chacras in Temecula.
The club has more than 300 active members who come from as far as San Diego and Anaheim. One of the largest clubs in Southern California, it was started by Temecula resident Sebastien Schmit, 38.
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“I had just moved here and I wanted to make a few friends. I worked hard, had a family, bought a house but never had the time to socialize,” said Schmit. “I loved VW so I decided to start the club.”
Schmit has three classic Volkswagens of his own: a 1972 Super beetle named Super, a 1971 bus named “The Bus” and a 1957 rag top named “Rag Rold.”
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Thought the club’s called “HerrKooled,” German for “air cooled,” a reference to the VWs that lack a radiator, the club does not discriminate. Although an air-cooled enthusiast, Schmit and the club welcome all those who love Volkswagen.
The club is made up of those young and old, those who drive their classic VWs daily, off-roaders and those who are into full restoration. The club holds a "Show and Shine" monthly at the EZ Take-Out Burger in Temecula where all cars, no matter the make, are welcome.
Some like the club because of the casual feel. “The people are so laid back,” said Murrieta resident Dan Ellis, 18, who owns a Porsche 914 and has been a member for a few months. “It’s good fun and cool cars.”
Richard Escamillo, who makes the trip from Corona, agreed. “The people are so friendly, we just hang out, talk, look at each others cars and help each other out,” he said. Escamillo owns a 1977 Volkswagen Bus named Tiki.
Another reason it’s so popular is it appeals to those who aren’t just there to talk shop.
“The club is very family oriented,” said Rhona Halpern, of Corona. “The guys here admire [each others cars] more so than compete.”
Halpern used to get mad when her fiancée, Escamillo, would say he loved his car more than her.
“The car was running great and then one day he took me outside and told (his car Tiki) he loved me more,” said Halpern. “The next day, it wouldn’t start; she ended up needing a new engine.”
Many VW owners will tell similar stories; coincidence it may be, most owners don’t take the risk.
Volkswagen owners say their hobby is temperamental, frustrating and addictive.
“It’s an adventure!” Schmit said.
