Grandfather and Grandson Embark on Epic Buggy Road Trip

After dedicating decades to restoring a classic vehicle, collector vehicle enthusiast Doug James has gifted his beloved 1962 Volkswagen Beetle-based Meyers Manx dune buggy to his grandson, Austin Hannaford. Instead of a simple handover, the pair decided to embark on an unforgettable journey from Calgary to Petawawa, Ontario, driving the buggy along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway.

The adventure began on the morning of October 14, 2023, when the duo left Calgary amidst chilly temperatures. Initially, the weather posed challenges, with temperatures dipping to -5°C. As they filled the tank at the Brentwood Co-op, the excitement of their trip overshadowed the cold. The buggy, while equipped with a top, offered little protection from the elements. James donned layers of clothing, including a heated electric vest, to combat the frigid air.

The first day saw them covering 710 kilometres, with an overnight stop in Regina. James covered fuel and meals, while Hannaford utilized his Marriott hotel points to secure accommodations. The journey continued the following day to Winnipeg, where they experienced clear skies, a brief respite before the rain moved in on the third day.

As they drove the 702 kilometres from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, rain transformed the trip into a battle against the elements. “It wasn’t thunderstorm heavy, but we were getting dang wet,” James noted. Despite the challenges, they pressed on, with James using an extra windshield wiper to manage the moisture that seeped into the cockpit.

On the fourth day, the rain persisted as they traversed another 702 kilometres to Sault Ste. Marie. Unfortunately, moisture infiltrated the engine oil through the filler/breather tube, prompting an emergency stop at a Canadian Tire in Nipigon for an oil change. With fresh oil, they continued their journey, carefully monitoring the engine for the remainder of their trip.

Despite the harsh conditions, the journey was filled with memorable moments. “Our trip across the country is one that I will remember forever,” Hannaford said, reflecting on the adventure. He added, “Not because the sun was shining and everything went perfect but rather the opposite.” The duo shared laughter and warm moments, including nights spent in a hot tub to recover from the cold.

James’s passion for the buggy began in the early 1990s when he discovered it advertised in the Bargain Finder. Though he faced challenges restoring the vehicle, including fixing several major issues, he cherished every mile spent driving it, even taking it on two journeys to California.

Hannaford, now 28, has fond memories of learning to drive in the buggy. “My grandfather has owned this car longer than I have been alive,” he remarked. The dune buggy has always held a special place in his heart, with its open concept and vibrant history making it an extraordinary vehicle.

As the trip concluded, James spent time touring Petawawa with Hannaford before returning to Calgary. The emotional connection between grandfather and grandson deepened during the journey, with both recognizing the significance of the buggy not just as a vehicle, but as a family legacy.

In Hannaford’s words, “It was truly a privilege and an honour to be gifted the dune buggy but also to share that cross-country road trip together.” He looks forward to sharing the experience with friends and family for years to come, ensuring that the spirit of adventure continues in the family.