A Royal Navy Engineer reworked a clapped out VW Beetle into her own classic Porsche in time to drive it to her wedding reception. Sandhurst Royal Military Academy was the venue for Megan Beel and Rob Ashtons wedding, followed by a reception at the Arborfield Garrisons’ West Court officers mess, which the newlyweds both took a turn driving to – in the rebuilt vehicle.
Mrs Ashton paid £200 for the Volkswagen Beetle when she was a student 6 years ago and transformed it into the car of her dreams in time for her big day.
With her fathers help, Mrs Ashton stripped the forty year old Beetle back to its chassis and reconstructed it into a Porsche 356, complete with authentic speedometer and steering wheel, mahogany finish and white leather interior. They also increased the engine to 1776cc from 1285cc by installing larger pistons and cylinders making the finished product worth £25k although, with the sentimental value of building it with her father, selling is definitely not an option.
Both the VW Beetle and Porsche 356, the first production model for the company, were originally created by Ferdinand Porsche and had a number of parts in common, making the transformation from one model to the other easier.
On the couples big day Megan and new husband Rob, a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers captain, were blessed with sunny weather and took advantage of the long driveway to the reception venue, with Rob beginning the drive and Megan taking over for the remaining 500 meters taking them right to the door.