These photos were sent to us from Australian David O'Conner, whose Adelaide-based '69 once again demonstrates that a Cal Looker does not necessarily need to be based on a '67 or earlier model.

David purchased this '69 - his first VW - back in 1987, and drove it for the next 10 years in stock condition. The car soon found life on the low side of 13 seconds (13.3 at 100 mph on street tires) with a 10:1 compression, FK 10-equipped, 2176. David has since made some changes to the combination (see the specs. below for all the details).

David's '69 runs polished Porsche alloys with 145 Michelins up front and 205/70's out back. To help the car launch better, Type 2 snubbers are installed on the rear with 90/10 shocks up front. The interior features a TMI upholstery kit in black vinyl and red velour, a Flat 4 GTV steering wheel, Autometer gauges and a shift light.

Future plans call for the installation of an MT8 Microtech fuel injection system with dual 50mm throttle bodies to replace the IDA's (say it ain't so, David!). David's hoping that the fuel injection will smooth out the bottom end of the FK 87 and help with torque and improve his ETs.

David reports that he's had some Firestone slicks for awhile, and if he gets brave enough to risk the gearbox, he might give them a try at the strip. Considering that his 13.3 second run was run with an 2-plus second 60 ft. time, it sounds like he needs them!

2176cc: AS41 case; 78.4mm Okrasa crank; 94mm Mahle pistons and cylinders with Total Seal rings; Berg 191s rods; FK 87 cam with Berg 1.45:1 ratio rockers; 160,000 P.S.I Berg Pushrods and Pauter wide pushrod tubes; Street Eliminator heads with 48 x 37.5 stainless steel valves; Chevy style dual springs; MSD 6AL 009 distributor with Compufire; 8.7:1 c/r (98 Octane Unleaded); 1 3/4 S&S exhaust; 48 IDA Webers (42mm venturies) with tall Skat Traks; Holley Red pump; Kennedy Stage II disc with a 4 puck; Vintage Vee Dub Supplies Porsche Fan Conversion Kit; blueprinted and balanced; Oberg oil filter; Berg 7.5lb Equalizer pulley; Berg Traction Bar; 1.5 quart deep sump; and a Supertrapp Muffler.

Swingaxle with a 4.12:1 ring and pinion; Alvin Albins main shaft; 3.55 1st, 2.21 2nd, 1.48 3rd, and 1.04 4th; Super Diff.; Sway Away axles; solid mounts; Berg front tranny mount; Berg side cover savers; Berg Poor Mans Posi; and a Washington Anti-Shocker.