Ep 3. Beetle Mania

Tony Orlando is a music legend and a classic car connoisseur, so it's no surprise that he's got a serious case of 'Beetle Mania.' In this episode of Chasing Classic Cars, Tony brings his hunt for the perfect Volkswagen Beetle to Wayne Carini and his team.

The episode starts with Wayne and his team checking out Tony's current collection of classic cars, which includes everything from a 1957 Thunderbird to a 1968 Porsche 911. But Tony's real obsession is with Beetles - he's had a few over the years, but none of them quite hit the mark for him. Now he's looking for the perfect Bug to add to his garage, and he's turned to Wayne for help.

Wayne puts the word out to his network of classic car contacts, and before long they've found a few promising leads. The first Beetle they check out is a 1959 convertible that's been fully restored. It's a beauty, with a two-tone red and white paint job and plenty of original details still intact. But when Tony takes it for a test drive, he's not quite feeling it - he wants something with a little more oomph under the hood.

The next car they look at is a 1960 Beetle with a ragtop. When they arrive at the seller's house, they're greeted by a yard full of classic cars - it's clear this guy is a collector. The Beetle they're interested in is in good shape, but there's one problem - it was originally a European model and has been retrofitted with American bumpers, which Tony doesn't love. They take it for a spin anyway, and while Tony enjoys the ride, he's still not quite sold.

Next up is a 1963 Beetle that was previously owned by a Volkswagen mechanic. It's got a lot of original parts, which is a huge plus for Tony, and it's been well-maintained over the years. The price is right, too - but when they take it for a test drive, they discover a couple of issues that would need to be addressed before it's road-ready.

The final Beetle they check out is a 1963 "Herbie" replica, complete with the famous number 53 painted on the doors. This car was built specifically for the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of VW Beetles, and it's a real showstopper. Tony loves the look and the story behind the car, but again, there's one problem - it's got a small engine that doesn't quite pack the punch he's looking for.

After considering all their options, Wayne and Tony decide to go back and take a closer look at the 1960 ragtop they saw earlier. They make an offer, and after some negotiating, they come to a deal. The car just needs a little bit of work to get it up to snuff, but Tony's excited to have finally found the perfect Beetle to add to his collection.

Throughout the episode, Wayne and Tony also discuss the history of the Volkswagen Beetle, from its origins in Nazi Germany to its rise in popularity in America during the 1960s. They talk about the various models and variations over the years, and what makes the Beetle such an enduring classic car. It's a fascinating look at one of the most iconic vehicles of all time.

Chasing Classic Cars: Beetle Mania is a must-watch for any classic car enthusiast, especially those with a soft spot for the beloved Beetle. It's a fun, informative, and exciting episode that showcases the thrill of the hunt for the perfect car, and the joy of finally finding it. And of course, any episode featuring the legendary Tony Orlando is sure to be a hit.