Alaskan VW legend has come and gone. Here’s a hat nod to Mike Strang.
Mike Strang passed this morning Friday 01/03/2025.
Mike owned and operated the Abbey Auto in Wasilla and kept many old Volkswagens alive and on the road here in Alaska.
He dove head first into grease and grime, and knew everything there was to know about these old Volkswagens, all you had to do was ask.
I think those who knew Mike knew he was a BIG kid, with a big heart who absolutely loved his dogs, his motorcycles, and of course his Volkswagens. He used his 1969 bus as a daily driver, taking it around town, on fishing trips and destinations around Alaska.
Those who had the opportunity to meet him knew he had a story (…or two) to tell. He could lay out all the good and bad about parts available for your old Volkswagen, but especially focused on the importance of keeping it stock.
Mike, here’s to you, a man who never left anyone in need on the side of the road.
He leaves his wife Jayna, family, and his friends. Mike, you’ll always be remembered by all who happened across the Abbey.
President AACVW’s
Eddie Hoecher
The 19th Annual Volkswagen Family Reunion was another great show! It was held at the Dimond Center Mall on June 15th 2024 from 10-3, with awards given at 3pm. Check out our Photo Gallery page to see some of the photos!
A HUGE amount of thanks to The Dimond Center Mall for hosting our event, and handling participant perks! We look forward to another great show next year!
Midnight Sun Street Rod Association Thursday Night Cruise
A summertime tradition! Join the MSSRA on Thursday nights at 6pm, they start at the Midtown Mall (former Sears Mall) parking lot and end up at different locations. Check their website for updates.
Facebook
AACVWs is on Facebook
Become a fan and let everyone know where the air-cooled crowd hangs out.
Also if you’re on FACEBOOK, look into the Volkswagen Preservation Society of Alaska, great, active public forum to stay connected with all VW heads, locally and beyond!
The Classic Volkswagen That Rules the Anchorage Car Scene
Bill Crawford’s 1960 VW Karmann Ghia convertible has been turning heads in Alaska for nearly 40 years.
Article on The Wall Street Journal. Click here to read!
Past Events
VDubs at The Pub
Our first movie event was held at the Bear Tooth Theatre Pub, May 31st 2014, with live musical entertainment by AACVW’s very own Jared Woods, and featuring the movie “The Bus” by Damon Ristau. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed some great food and drink.
If you have any photos you’d like to add to our online album please send them to info@arcticaircooledvws.com or jeff@arcticaircooledvws.com.
AACVWS In the Media
- Greg Wilkinson’s RHD “Aussie in Alaska” (Clayton) makes the cover of Via West magazine!
- AACVWS gets published in VolksWorld magazine!
- AACVWS gets published in Dunebuggies & Hot VWs magazine!
- Kevin Arseneau’s awesome Bus restoration makes the cover of Dunebuggies & Hot VWs magazine!
Mike Brown is organizing a new chapter of the AACVW…the AORVWs (Arctic Off-Road VWs) for all you off-road enthusiasts. The AORVWs will be planning off-road and camping trips throughout the summer…so watch for announcements.
R.I.P., Wayne Johnson
It is with a heavy heart to let all know that on 10/21/2021, local legend, guru, master mechanic, and so much more to so many of us – Wayne Johnson of Johnson’s VW Repair – passed away. Please keep his family in your thoughts, and please share a memory on our Facebook page. Here’s to you, Wayne, and all the VWs that live on in your name.
Gone, but never forgotten…
We are sad to learn of the passing of a club member and friend, Ted Beilman. If you didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Ted, you can read about him here: Beilman: “A True Home Town Man”.