Eight years later, his dad sold it to a local farmer who then gifted the car to his son, who was also a friend of Pfenning's. After Pfenning's friend graduated from high school, the Type 3 fastback was used as a utility vehicle for several years before being stored in a barn for around two decades. Pfenning worked at an automotive plant for 20 years, but he became determined to track down his father's original VW Type 3.

"Over the years, we may have gone our separate ways, but I always kept track of that car," said Pfenning. "I would check in every five or so years to see if he was willing to sell me it," but the owner refused to part ways with the car. This changed in 2013 when he contacted his friend to find out if the car was available to purchase. After some haggling, Pfenning reacquired his father's VW for a fraction of the asking price.