And this year’s VW Fest in Kaapsehoop had plenty of Beetles to admire. Some came dressed in original factory fitted attire and others, well, let us just say – they were a lot more free-spirited and colourful. Some would say, “They were oh so ’60s, doll!”

The morning was foggy with a serious drizzle but cleared at about 11:00 to make way for serious koppie krap VW chatter and admiration.

The judges had their work cut out for them because with only two kombis on show and many Beetles, there were (although just for fun) not enough categories to at least award every participant a little something.

One can always expect Johan Steyn to bring something out of the ordinary. This year it was a shortened army Beetle.

The Lowveld’s own doctor of humour sciences, Dr Jack, brought his double-cab kombi. And then, there was a truly beautiful 1964 Beetle worth an estimated amount of R500 000. It was a judge’s favourite, but when Danie Stassen arrived with his brilliantly kept 1962 Beetle, the scales tipped. His Beetle was crowned overall winner of the day.

Thandi Mbewe proudly displayed her 1972 Beetle which she bought from Riaan Wolmerans. And on this note – it would seem that Wolmerans has become your go-to guy if you are interested in a Beetle. Also, Mbewe’s son has apparently already claimed this Beetle as his. “We just love Beetles,” they chirped.

Once the excitement of the Beetle arrivals had subsided, everyone retreated to the shade with a cold one and a bite to eat while reminiscing about their wild- and not-so-wild-loving Beetle escapades. Shout out to the organisers and all the sponsors.

So for now, we will give it a honk till October 15, 2021. VW Fest is all about peace and love M