Well, I have loved the Volkswagen Beetle since I was about 10 years old and I am finally in the position when I can actually build one and have a project. I have been picking up the odd VW magazine over the years, so I do have some knowledge(A little, not much

).
Now my question is, what year VW is going to be the best performer with the least amount of work? I knwo this sounds like a stupid question, but this is what I would like to build.
I love the Callook (Please don't kill me), but I really want a performer, and to me, the modern wheels just do not really suit the lines of a Vdub. Not to mention 17" wheel are not the best performance aid. So I would love a performance Cal Looker.
I am planning to build it from the ground up, and it is definetly a long term project. In the end I would like to use it as my auto-xer and as a nice weekend driver.
Suspension and brakes are the biggest problems(Doesn't take much engine to move such a light car) that I can see, so I would like to start off with the best base I can.
What are the differences between years (Suspension wise). I believe I read that in the early '70s they adapted the macpherson strut setup???
I have also noticed that alot fo you guys are adapting Porsche suspension, is the VW really that bad?
Thanks in Advance