i have a customer that wants a VW bug cake. I don't want to invest in the pan, as I don't know if I would ever use it again. I like the idea of carving the cake into the desired shape, but I'm not sure where to begin. Any suggestions? (This would be my first carved cake)

Not sure how many serving you need, but you could do a1/2 sheet with a 1/2 egg shaped cake on top...and then carve it from there.

I did a police car cake with two 13 by 9 pans and then an 8 by 8 on top (with filling between cakes). I used a serrated knife to shape the top.

I did a police car cake as well using a similar method as cakesbycathy. It's in my photos. I'm not pleased with the end results but before I put the fondant on, it looked decent. I made two 11x15 sheet cakes, leveled them, filled with buttercream and stacked them, then cut about 1/3 off (lengthwise) then cut that 1/3 in half widthwise. I put those two halves on top of the remaining 2 1/3. I then took a serrated knife and carved away to make a windshield, rear window and rounded off the front and back ends where the lights are. I crumb coated it, and then the next night I put the fondant on. I was happy right up until the fondant started going on. Oh well.

There are photos of VW Bugs that others have made in here. They all look great and would probably be very helpful to you...

Thanks for all the advice! I've seen the vw bug car cakes on here and that's what makes me know it is possible!

MrsMissey: I like the idea of the egg pan, I have that pan but had not
thought of using it!

...don't forget to post a pic when your are finished your masterpiece!!

I finally got to do a "practice" cake for my sister-in-law (an auto insurance agent) for a meet-n-greet at work. I just got the photo posted.
I had lots of fun doing this one! I couldn't have done it without all the great advice, thanks!

...OMG, that is excellent!! You really did a fantastic job...love the added touch on the windshield to make it look like glass!

It looks awesome!!! Congrats