ältester Diesel von Volkswagen Teil zwei (Oldest Diesel VW Part Two )

Several months ago (March 2007 to be exact), we blogged about Volkswagen of America's contest for the oldest VW diesel and also the highest mileage diesel still on the road.

Well, looks like we have a winner - the champion patriarch has been located in Tehachapi, California. Both Volkswagen of America, and Family Volkswagen, a Bakersfield California dealer, have verified that Clint Wilson's 1977 Rabbit is the oldest operating Volkswagen diesel in America. According to a Volkswagen press release, Steve Keyes, Volkswagen Public Relations Director said, "Diesel engines are noted for their long-term reliability and durability, so we didn’t think it would be a problem to find a 1977 Rabbit that was still in great condition, like this one. The entries for the oldest (and the soon-to-be announced highest mileage search) not only represent cars that were well-built and well-maintained, they are also interesting stories from people who are passionate about Volkswagens and diesel."

We wonder if Clint has ever used biodiesel in the Rabbit. Wouldn't surprise us a bit - after all, biodiesel burns cleaner, lubricates better and helps diesels old and new last longer.

As a winner of this contest, Clint has been awarded a Touareg V10 TDI to drive for six months. Lucky Clint.