Snowy Volksworld Show

I've been to the Volksworld Show in all kinds of weather. Monsoon rain that flooded the stand, hurricane winds that threatened to blow us into Central London and baking sunshine that left us all in t-shirts supping cold beer. Today it was the turn of the white stuff to take over the show. Heading up the A3 in a blizzard it was clear it wasn't going to be fun. Parking up and getting a hot drink inside we ventured out side. The first thing we saw was perfect for the conditions. A flat four powered Snow Trac.



Something else that caught my eye and that wasn't a VW was this very cool ratty and slammed DKW van. An unusual base for a ride.



We joined the throng of people crammed into the lobby of the building, waiting for 10am and the chance to surge in, soon enough with wristbands in place we headed up the steps to be greeted by one of the original film Herbies, Lily is obsessive about all things Herbie related, she watches the films every week and we had told her she might see him there. She stood and gasped and was amazed, after a donation to charity she was even more amazed to be allowed to sit inside for a photo (though she looks a bit overawed in the shot!)



With that out the way we headed into the show proper, with our friend Steve in tow we emerged into the main hall, it was a sea of Beetles, Camper and other air-cooled rarities.









The show was celebrating the 60th anniversary of VW sales in the UK, they had set up a showroom with a selection of early Beetles and coachbuilts in, there were some stunners including the Dannenhauer & Stauss Roadster and the Beutler pickup.







At the end they handed out reproductions of the 1953 Beetle brochure, a cool memento. More shiny metal greeted us as we stopped for a Lily snack.





Heading back to the car for lunch we spotted a Bosozoku inspired T4, built by a chap from Retro Rides it confused most people. But it covered all the bases and was a refreshing change.



Refreshed and ready for the off we headed back in, with the snow easing we decided the outdoor areas would be best. Campers were lined up round the ring, snow slowly melting away.









After a brief wander inside to warm up and check out the traders we once again made for the snowy section, the club stands again filled the grandstand area, once again a badly placed music tent made talking difficult, so we moved on quickly.









Another icy blast sent us inside, the Esher Hall downstairs the final place we hadn't been. In an attempt to warm things up they had built a beach for some buggies!





A final scoot around and Lily was able to choose a present, she was so good all day, not running off or getting too bored as we wandered, chatted and snapped away. She picked a bright red Beetle to play with.We headed back outside, the snow now rain and the temperature barely above zero. It was an ominous start to the show season, heres hoping the weather improves!





Steve. 

Freezing photoshoot at Brooklands

After posting up on FB that our Beetle had passed its MOT once more. One of the first comments was from ace snapper Jason Dodd....

"Fancy bringing the Beetle along to Brooklands on Sunday 24th February for a fashion course?"

....I didn't need asking twice. Having already helped out last year by providing an automotive backdrop for the various models to be photographed against I knew what was in store. A day wandering round Brooklands, parking the Beetle infront of bits of motoring and aviation history while the course students practise their photography skills with the models supplied. Somebody forgot to book the weather, snow flicked down, the sun never shone and it was artic all day. But everyone kept smiling.At 10am I rolled up alongside a Rolls Royce out the front of the club house, coffee was calling.



With everyone ready to brave the cold we set off in groups. The Beetle was positioned in the aircraft park against a couple of Vickers. Photographer primed, Jason on hand to advise and Clare the model striking a pose. I took a few photos. I really should do one of the courses properly one day. I still get nervous when the subject I'm shooting smiles back and flicks her hair!







With the cold biting into me I decided to take a wander round the other car and model groups to warm up. A good selection of cars were out including an old AC and a Routemaster bus.





A break for a cuppa and a chance to warm up again was welcome and soon were back outside again. Brooklands had supplied a stunning 1920s AC and a clean Ford Prefect. The Shell Pagoda made a great setting for both with a Morgan alongside.











Another coffee stop and it was time for the last hour of the day. Moving back out to the aircraft the temperature had dropped and we hurried through the last shots. This time against the Bus and RR.









With memorycards full and everyone chilled to the bone I fired up the Beetle and headed home, stopped next to a Bentley for a last photo before the cold drive home.



Another brilliant day out at Brooklands.

Steve.

Quick trip to Mercedes World

As is often the way when we go out, a quick trip turns into a full day out. After munching doughnuts in the morning we were at a loss for the afternoon. As Steve had never seen Brooklands or Mercedes World we decided to do the whirlwind tour around the area and look around the three floors of Three Pointed Star cars. Starting right at the beginning.



Mercedes Clogs?



Upstairs we went through the concept area and drew rude shapes on the car designer computers as well as check out the F200 imagination, complete with joystick control.





The exploded view of the F1 car is amazing, its been updated since I last saw it. So many pieces, so many wires.





We spent a bit of time mucking around in new cars as well. Steve decided to become a hairdresser!



The bonkers SLR 722.



A nice treat, the 800hp Sauber C9 Grp C Le Mans car.





Back down in the lifts we headed back outside to check out the latest AMG road cars.



I have a feeling we'll be coming back here again!

Steve.

Winter Krispy Kreme

Its been over a year since we headed up the A3 to the Doughnut meet. With a full car of friends, Steve and Issy had tagged along for the day, we set off in fog but arrived in glorious sunshine. Wandering along the pavement towards the throng we spied a sheep on a lead. It was going to be one of those days!



The carpark and surrounding roads were already full up with some amazing American muscle and nobody looked like they were leaving anytime soon, so we headed inside for refreshments. An assorted dozen and coffee. Lily munched a whole one to herself this time.





With some sugary sweetness inside I headed back out to check out the cars and get snapping. There were some nice bikes out front.





On the opposite side of the road sat more awesomeness.







As I worked my way back to the front of the building it was getting busier. Every available space was filled.













Back inside another round of drinks appeared and more doughnuts were munched. Lovely hats were also worn!



All too soon it was time to head off, the crowds were still there, the cars slowly heading home. Another great meet at an unusual venue.







There are loads more photos from the morning here.

Steve.