For most people, a cross‑country road trip is best tackled in a modern vehicle. For Peter Rood – known throughout the Volkswagen world as THEBUGNUT – the journey is all about doing it the old‑school way.
In late May 2026, Rood will point the nose of his meticulously restored 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle west and set off on Wagens West, a road trip more than 50 years in the making. Departing from Toronto, the ambitious adventure will span over 4,000 kilometres one way as Rood drives all the way to Anaheim, California, with the ultimate destination being VW Week 2026.
The journey is about far more than simply reaching Southern California. Along the way, Rood plans to experience classic highways, evolving landscapes, small towns, and iconic destinations, all from behind the wheel of an air‑cooled Volkswagen. Bucket‑list stops include Disneyland, a visit to the legendary EMPI Inc. warehouse, and attendance at the renowned BUGIN.com VW Revival event.
After reaching California, the adventure will continue north along the coast, with a scenic drive to San Francisco and the unforgettable moment of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the Beetle, before turning east and beginning the long journey home. In total, the round trip will exceed 8,000 kilometres and include more than a dozen planned stops.
Every mile of the adventure will be documented on camera, forming the basis of a full‑length film project set for release in 2027 at the German Aire Car Show & Social in Niagara Falls. From late nights in the garage to roadside repairs and encounters with fellow VW enthusiasts, Wagens West aims to capture the true spirit of classic Volkswagen culture.
The project is supported by a growing group of sponsors, including the Toronto Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo, whose backing helps keep both the Beetle and the storytelling rolling.
At its core, Wagens West is about proving that a well‑built vintage Volkswagen can still do exactly what it was designed to do – drive.
For more info about Rood, his VW Bug and Wagens West, go to www.thebugnut.com.
