Volkswagen Reunites Teacher with Beloved 1987 Cabriolet After 37 Years in Europe

Heartwarming journey of a classic convertible and its devoted owner comes full circle in the U.S.

In a tale of nostalgia, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of Volkswagen, U.S. teacher Charlene Johnson has been joyfully reunited with her beloved 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet after 37 years abroad. Originally purchased through Volkswagen’s now-defunct Tourist Automobile Shipping Program (TASP), the Cabriolet has traveled from Europe to the U.S., symbolizing a lifetime of cherished memories.

Charlene’s story began in 1987 when she accepted a teaching position in the Netherlands. To mark the milestone, she purchased the sleek Golf-based Cabriolet through TASP, a program that allowed U.S. customers to buy a Volkswagen in Europe and have it shipped back to the U.S. after a European road trip. For Johnson, the Cabriolet became much more than a mode of transport—it became a part of her family’s story.

“It was the coolest car, and I loved driving it around with the top down,” said Johnson. “We went to our wedding in the Cabriolet. I taught my kids how to drive in it. We traveled all over Europe, and it’s become a part of the family.”

Her short-term teaching position turned into a decades-long career in the Netherlands, and the Cabriolet stayed with her every step of the way. But when Johnson retired and decided to return to the U.S., she faced a difficult decision—what to do with her beloved car.

A Call for Help That Touched Volkswagen’s Heart

With the TASP program long discontinued, bringing the Cabriolet back to the U.S. seemed impossible. But Johnson had kept all her original paperwork. On a hopeful whim, she reached out to Volkswagen of America (VWoA), hoping for assistance. Her heartfelt plea did not go unanswered.

“It threw us for a loop,” said Mark Gillies, Director of Public Relations and Reputation at VWoA. “The program has been expired a long time. But when we read Ms. Johnson’s story and felt her love of our product, we decided to honor the program.”

Moved by the story, Volkswagen arranged for the Cabriolet to be shipped to Houston, Texas, and then transported to a dealership in Montana, where Johnson and her daughter went to collect it. But upon arrival, there was a minor hiccup—the car wouldn’t start.

“Come to find out, there was no gas,” Johnson said, laughing. “Put the gas in and it fired right up. It’s been super reliable. And I think that’s just part of the Volkswagen brand.”

More Than a Car, a Lifetime of Memories

For Johnson, the Cabriolet represents more than German engineering—it embodies memories of weddings, family road trips, and teaching her children to drive. “For me, the memories about the car, they’re really about the people,” she said. “And it was always part of those memories.”

Her story is a testament to Volkswagen’s enduring legacy and customer loyalty. It’s also a rare nod to the power of nostalgia, as VWoA went out of its way to ensure this Cabriolet could continue its journey in Montana. The car, much like its owner, has proven that some connections never fade with time.

With its classic design, timeless charm, and reliability still intact after 37 years, the Cabriolet has officially found its way “home.” Volkswagen’s decision to honor its discontinued TASP program serves as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to its customers and their stories.

For Charlene Johnson, every drive with the top down is now more than just a ride—it’s a drive through a lifetime of treasured memories.