We’re all aware of Jensen Button’s motor racing successes, including his fabulous 2009 Formula 1 World Championship win. But did you know his dad, John, was a top racing driver too and actually drove a Beetle and Mk1 Golf during the ‘70s and ‘80s….

Precise details are a little sketchy, but from what we can gather John Button, who sadly passed away earlier this year, cut his teeth rallying Beetles in the mid-‘70s before moving on to a Mk1 Golf GTi in the 1980s.

Driving what was nicknamed, Colorado Beetle, his best overall result is thought to be coming runner up in the 1976 RAC British Rallycross Championships. Button, who was involved with the Autoconti VW/Audi franchise in Trowbridge, also drove a 2.1-litre Beetle alongside the late Peter Harrold in the European Rallycross Championship (ERC) at Lydden Hill where he again claimed second place that year.

As for his progression to Golfs, it’s thought the engines were twin-overhead cam 180bhp 1900cc 16v units, developed from Formula 3 using lots of trick kit from top tuners Schrick. Success was limited due to lubrication issues, it’s reported; the heads were originally designed to run upright but had to assume a slightly reclined position in the Golf.

If you know any more about the cars, or indeed, whether they still survive in any form – we’d love to hear from you…

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage