Shared from www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz
Winning four awards would have done nothing but fuel Dean Farr's obsession for Volkswagen vehicles.
Taking out the Best Interior, Best Bus Modified, Best Bus Overall and People's Choice awards at the VW Nationals in Dunedin left Mr Farr "satisfied" after four years of blood, sweat and tears put into his 1964 VW Kombi Van.
With what Mr Farr thought would be a straight-forward revamp of the van he bought in Sydney, it soon turned into a big job for the joiner with rust and other problems arising with further inspection.
"But winning those awards made it all worthwhile," the 40-year-old said.
Mr Farr and his partner Lisa Scammell said the People's Choice award meant the most to them as it was one of the most recognisable prizes over the national event involving more than 140 contestants.
"It was nice to know that people appreciated the work put into it," Ms Scammell said. "We never expected to win any awards and by the time we went up to get the fourth award it got a bit embarrassing," she said. Buying his first VW when he left school Mr Farr admitted he has always had a soft spot for VW vehicles, something he blames on his brother Wayne.
He said he was unsure how much he had spent on his prized van and he wanted it to stay that way.
"I'd hate to think how much money has been spent on it," he said while Ms Scammell smirked behind him.
For now, Mr Farr said he was looking to keep his van long term but if a substantial offer came his way he would have to think about it.
Pictured: Dean Farr (left) along with daughter Matilda Farr, 1, and Lisa Scammell were stoked with winning four awards for their 1964 Volkswagen Kombi Van at the VW Nationals in Dunedin during the Easter break.
Photo Johnny Houston
