It's not everyday that one can say they've had the good fortune of reuniting with their high school sweetheart. As fate falls into play, each typically go their separate ways. It took 33 years, but for VW enthusiasts Jay McCord, fate has taken a turn. The uniting of old friends has, at long last, materialized.

Don't let McCord fool you; he helped shape fate and played a large roll in the reunion of his high school steady, his coveted 1960 Convertible Beetle. Although not the exact '60 Vert in which McCord regularly cruised the boulevard, it is however, a very close reincarnation.

The 50-year-old maintenance supervisor from Orcutt, Calif., found the car resting under a tree and purchased it from the owner on the spot. There was only 66,000 original miles on the odometer and McCord set out on a two-year restoration, bringing forth its glorious original state.

Virtually every part of the VW is stock, from its black vinyl top and one-year-only Paprika Red colored panels down to its six-volt, 36 horsepower engine.

NOS German components were used in as many areas as possible, including the fenders, bumpers and handles, courtesy of BFY/Obsolete Parts [(714) 639-4411]. The body is straight thanks to Orange County Auto Body [(714) 532-3311] in Orange, Calif.

Other exterior items that were either restored or replaced with original equipment include various chrome molding, side mirrors, antenna, headlamps and taillights. As well, all new rubber and seals were installed throughout the vehicle. The original wheels are beautifully painted and covered with stock caps.

While hardly exposed, a quick peak from under the pan reveals the extra amount of attention given while separated from the body. This effort included new pan halves and running gear, as well as powder coating everything a beautiful black.

Most of the original interior was already intact, with the exception of the narrow convertible back seat cushion, making the job much easier. Fortunately, Bob Koch of Koch's [(661) 252-9264] in Canyon Country, Calif., was kind enough to break up a set to accommodate McCord's needs.

Original TMI vinyl seat upholstery and door panels were expertly installed by Import Interiors [(714) 630-0295] in Anaheim, Calif. The company also pre-cut and installed its own quality carpet kit and headliner, appropriately matching the original. Other cockpit items, including a NOS steering wheel, speedometer and various NOS and quality reproduction handles and knobs, were made available by BFY. One of the finer additions, says McCord, is a Blaupunkt Frankfurt AM/FM Marine band radio purchased on eBay.com.

Within the reconditioned trunk compartment sits a stock spare tire and a powdercoated gas tank.

Last but not least, the engine has also been completely restored, receiving all new stock internals, as well as the appropriate 36-horse hardware. This proficient effort was handled by the reputable Bob Mohler [(714) 633-4003], who also took care of necessary transaxle chores.

"I have fond memories of the original '60 Vert," stated McCord. "Now, I anticipate even more with this one."