A Hard Core VW Owner & Lover

Interviewed By Julia Khazan of Riverbank Volkswagen

We have a one of a kind customer that has been with us and has seen us grow from a new dealership, to a successful (54 year old) dealership, that it is today.  Mr. Wicke says, “Riverbank VW had a very friendly and open atmosphere – and has not changed a bit ever since” and he loves it! 

“I’ve been Riverbank’s customer since 1961.”   “It is a very warm environment to this day.”

“Riverbank was the spot.  I was there all the time; the guys and I hung out a lot.”  “My two best friends, Ernie Finnegan and Guy Amundesen worked at Riverbank VW back in the 60’s.” Fred bought great cars and continues to come to us exclusively, for all of his VW needs.  “Riverbank is still the spot;” The dealership continues to prove to be reliable and continue to provide great service and care.

In the span of 50 years Fred has bought two Beetles and now presently owns a 1984 Camper Eurovan.  “My initial Volkswagen was the Beetle; I paid $1,800 for my first one back in 1961.”  Currently, for the past 27 years and still under 120,000 miles, Mr. and Mrs. Wicke are very proud owners of the Eurovan have gone very far with it; you name it there’s a very high chance they’ve been there before!  They are living the life!  I am confident that they have the best of both worlds with their awesome and rare Camper Eurovan. 

One seldom sees a Eurovan and when one does he/she cannot help, but stare in awe and amazement. People acknowledge the van’s scarceness and the chances of them seeing one are close to slim.  It is pretty safe to say that no one has ever taken advantage of both their vehicle and time in such an extraordinary way.  For over 25 years Mr. & Mrs. Wicke have been enjoying their Camper Eurovan and have been taking advantage of it by traveling everywhere their hearts take them.  The couple enjoys taking spontaneous road trips and has been in every state and in every part of Canada.  “It’s a great feeling to take road trips anywhere, anytime.”   The opportunity is awesomely out of this world.  “It’s so great to discuss where we want to go this weekend and just take off and go!”

Mr. and Mrs. Wicke are always thinking about their next trip and are boundless; hotels do not apply to their traveling plans; their room is always ready for them anytime, and is always free.  On top of that, no RSVPs are necessary!  Who can beat that!      

The roads are the limit for these two!  As long as there are roads and amazing places to visit, no matter the distance, they are sure to be there no matter how far or near, they are sure to be there!  They are rockin' their Eurovan!       

Besides ripping the roads on the North American Continent, Fred and his wife enjoy traveling around the world and experiencing various cultures, historic points and food.  Thus far they have been to 72 Counties.  The next trip in their immediate future is Germany!  They are really excited about this one; I wonder why!  They can’t wait to see the Eurovan there. Volkswagen has reinitroduced and redisgned the Eurovan for next year and will go on sale in Europe soon.  Needless to say, they are really excited about it and are very eager to seeing the new Eurovan.               

We are very fortunate and grateful to be the first Volkswagen dealership in Connecticut and have such loyal and happy customers.  Fred has stuck with us because we are very "friendly and helpful, but most impotantly, friendly."  For more than half of a century, we continue to focus on our customers’ satisfaction.  

(Scroll down to for an awesome picture.)