REME MUSEUM of TECHNOLOGY

This vehicle was purchased in 1948 by the late AJ Colborne-Baber of Colborne Garages Ltd from a member of the Allied Control Commission returning from Germany. After driving the car for ten days, "John" Colborne-Baber decided to specialise in Volkswagens and "Colbornes" are still Volkswagen Retailers today.

JLT became the first "demonstrator" and was found and re-purchased by Peter Colborne-Baber, John's son, in 1967.

By being driven to Wolfsburg in 1950, JLT was instrumental in obtaining the first import licence for parts, and later cars, into the UK. John also founded the Volkswagen Owners Club of Great Britain in 1953 and called the club magazine "Beetling" because the boys at Peter's school all called JLT a "Beetle", the first published use of the world famous name perhaps? It was also painted in Oxford and Cambridge blue to make it more appealing. They just happened to be the school colours, which pleased the headmaster! Most deluxe accessories were fitted to this car.

JLT was the start of the Volkswagen story in the United Kingdom.

Make/Model

Volkswagen Model 11

Date of Manufacture

12 August 1947

Chassis No

1-068380

Engine No

96383

Cubic Capacity

1131 cc

Bore

75 mm

Stroke

64mm

BHP

25

Engine

4 cylinders horizontally opposed, air cooled

Transmission

4 forward, 1 reverse, non-synchromesh

Brakes

Cable