Beetle-good times enjoyed by fans on the mountain
If you are a bug - as in VW beetle and Kombi fan, but missed the Volkswagen Vintage Car Fest at Kaapsehoop on October 17, you missed out big time. The group of owners and enthusiasts that did participate created an energy-filled buzz sharing knowledge, contacts and just generally a having a Beetle-good time.
The event has seen a steady growth since artists and food connoisseurs and owners of the Bohemian Groove Café initiated the idea in 2014. This “let-your-hair-down” couple brings a lot of energy, hippy-ness and artistic flair to their events and the on-tap German draft beer added to the festivities.
The vehicle which caught my immediate attention (must be the gypsy in me) on arrival was the 1974 Jurgens Kombi owned by, and appropriately dressed hippy-style, by Sky and Rubi and no, they did not offer me a crystal ball reading upon entering the Kombi. But yes, they do come wrapped in an air of philosophical mystery though. Would love to have one of these – travel the country at tortoise speed, stop to enjoy a cuppa and smell the roses as often as a Jack Russell would mark its territory – what a thought?
Which reminds me that the Lowveld’s famous Dr Jack, a Kombi fan of note, also attended. Anton van Niekerk’s meticulously and mint-condition restored 1978 Beetle draw a lot of attention. I was lead to believe that he invested a serious amount of money and time into the project but yes, you will agree – that Beetle looks awesome. There were a number of Kombis in attendance – Francois Grove’s Really Groovy 1972, Freddie and Willem Lourens’ 1975 and of course organiser Charl Fourie’s light blue 1974 Kombi. Charl has also ventured into the manufacturing of roof racks to fit Beetles and kombi’s alike.
And I haven’t seen a VW Fastback in a long time but Henk and Hugo de Beer had a 1968 model on display. Another favourite was Johann Steyn’s 1974 VW Variant 412 LE AT – one of the first VW’s kitted with an automatic gearbox. Hooked up to the Variant was a rare Trek Bar trailer. And a gathering like this would be boring without a Barbie Beetle – with surfboards and all. This 1973 model belongs to the always helpful and passionate petrol head par excellence, Riaan Wolmerans. I am not so sure about that exhaust or the boombox in the luggage space behind the rear seat though – but what the heck, let’s just beetle-chill on this hey?
And what will such an event be without some fun awards – so here it is:
Grand awards
Overall winners:
1. Boiki Gama -1972 – Most original Bug (Beetle)
2. Werner Muller – 1972 Beetle
3. Roy Hensley – Baywindow 1978
Fun awards:
Oldest: Sally Wille – Karmen Ghia Twin Port
Best rebuilt: Anton van Niekerk
Best pimped and best engine: Riaan Wolmerans
Best bus: Charl Fourie
Best variant: Johann Steyn
Loudest horn (scary): Johan Visagie
Most decorated: Roy Hensley
Fastback – old retro look: Henk and Hugo de Beer.
