From (sunny) Mexicowith love……

Hola!!! My name is Fidel Davila. I’m Mexican and have been living and working in for Ireland for 8 years now. So Ireland is now home...Ireland

I am originally from a city called Puebla 125 kms to the south of Mexico city . Many Veedubbers might have heard of my hometown as this is where the enormous Volkswagen factory is in Mexico .

My father had worked in the factory as had many of my friends. I grew up surrounded by VWs and especially loved tinkering around with my father’s many Beetles, Combis, Brazilias, and Safaris. I learned to appreciate and love these cars from an early age. Everyone had a “Vocho” as the Beetles are lovingly called. It is truly a car “of the people”. Even nowadays some taxis in Mexico and the odd transit police cars are Beetles. They are everywhere. This really has to be seen to be believed!!!

Precisely as a result of the sheer number of VW cars in circulation in Mexico (cars in all conditions!!!) a great deal of expertise has grown up around them, parts are readily available and labour is very specialized. People are not afraid to restore and customize their VWs. It is a national pastime!! To me it made sense to share this enthusiasm when I came to Ireland .

This is how VW Azteca was born.

The idea I came up with was to source VWs to order - for restoration in Mexico and then to import them to Europe . Needless to say, there’s been huge interest in this new venture (especially camper vans) due to their scarcity and the price of quality restored models here. Also, I’ve been amazed at the damage rust can do to vehicles in this part of the world due to the damp climate while the dry Mexican climate means vehicles remain relatively rust- free. ( I think I am beginning to rust myself due to the lack of sun. My mother doesn’t recognise me any more – but that’s another story!!!)

VW Azteca is  truly a family business. My older brother Cesar and my 21 year old nephew (called Cesar, too!!) are overseeing the work over there and keeping everyone on their toes. I don’t think I would be able to venture so freely into this if they weren’t involved. A lot of trust is needed all round in this business. For me, my brother’s involvement takes away a lot of the risk. I know who I’m dealing with. I am in contact with them electronically on a daily basis to see how work is progressing (to nag!!) and to get evidence (photos and video) to forward to our eagerly awaiting clients here. In this way, clients feel part of what’s going on. After all, it is their vehicle we are working on. They say it’s like waiting for a baby to be born – such excitement!!!!!

It could be you!!

If you are interested in making your dream come true by acquiring a Mexican VW ( Beetle, Safari, Combi, Brazilia, Mustang, Notchback, Kharman Ghia)  to your specifications please don’t hesitate to contact me (Fidel)  

fidel@vwazteca.ie

This is how we do business (Rules of engagement):

1. We take specifications from you eg. What exactly are you looking for? What year? In what condition? When all the details have been thrashed out
2. We source a vehicle to meet your requirements, show you video/ detailed photos of every inch. If you are happy
3. We quote you for the full restoration work of that vehicle (Do you want it restored as classic or with lots of modern extras? What colour interiors etc etc? Lots of decisions!!! ) and shipping. NB. THIS PRICE WON’T VARY ONCE THE DEAL IS STRUCK.
4. Then we look for a deposit off you to seal the deal. If you wish you can pay off your car while it’s being restored. This way there’s less to pay when you car arrives as this can take a minimum of 2/3 months.
5. When work is under way you are kept updated electronically as work progresses.
6. The car arrives in Ireland in your name. All paperwork is handled by us. We see that the vehicle has the appropriate reg. plates.
7. We hand over the keys. Photos are taken for the album and you drive off into the sunset with a grin from ear to ear!!!

. J