Classic cars and Architecture by the sea

The Dubs at DLWP classic VW car show in Bexhill last summer was a great first off event. I had a great time, so was hoping that something was going to be put on again this year as a follow up. It was on my radar and I had started seeing some posts on Facebook about it, so I knew it must be on soon?

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Spotted this beauty just now. @vdubxs it is gorgeous. Hope you can make it to #dubsatdlwp #vwsplitscreen #splitscreencamper #redsky #vwbus #aircooled #splitty #vanlife

A post shared by Dominika Hicks (@dominika2303) on Jul 29, 2019 at 12:22pm PDT

I happened to see that a photo of my bus was put on Instagram taken whilst I was out shopping at our local supermarket one day. The great photo was by one of the organisers of the event. We got to chatting online and I was invited to come along to this years event and be on the main terrace area of the fabulous De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill 🙂

A local show… what’s not to like

The show is organised by local company Combe Valley Campers. With all the local VW Camper and classic/custom VW car owners in the area, there was an opportunity to put on a family friendly day of music and fun. Combine this with an iconic architectural venue with parking by the sea and you have the potential for a winning event! 🙂

This year, being on the front sea facing terrace area of the DLWP, meant we had to arrive a bit earlier than most. Not a problem for me as I live so close. It gave us time once parked up in position, to go grab a tea and a spot of breakfast before the show started. Result!

This year it was nice to come along to the show with my son Indiana. We had wanted to shoot a short film from the event together. It was something we had talked about doing for a while now. Unfortunately some of the car shows I normally go to in Europe, make this logistically difficult. Not so much of a problem here when the show is right on your doorstep! Feel free to share the link to this page or the video itself. It would be great to hear what you think of it….

Weather. What weather?

With UK ‘summer’ weather being what it is, you can never be 100% sure of what it might bring. We set off from Hastings in the sun, but it ended up being quite a changeable day, but at least it was dry. Just very windy!

Whatever the weather, it was good to see a strong turnout once again for the show. Seems like there are a whole bunch of VW owners in and around the East Sussex area! Great to see them bringing a variety of vehicles out for the show.

Not everything on show was classic or vintage. Not everything was air cooled either. It’s always interesting to see a variety of vehicles at a car show. OK, so not a classic VW, but hey, still a pretty cool. A full on adventure wagon for round the world, go anywhere adventures!

By contrast to this, a beautiful classic VW Beetle. With its nose down stance and Porsche Fuches, it looked ready to go, go, go!

Maybe not original factory VW paint, but it certainly did have very ‘original’ paint! With a custom graffiti paint job on the sides, plus windows cut into the sides of this converted panel van. Not to everyones taste I’m sure, but hey, it’s on the road and being used!

Magnificent motorhomes

There were a couple of very cool motorhome style coach built conversions on display. One smaller ‘micro motorhome’ Tischer built camper conversion based on a VW Caddy. I have a secret love of these, über cool in my eyes!

The next was a big step up in size. A Karmann Gipsy coach built based on a VW T25/T3. Big motorhome luxuries, but on a slightly smaller scale to the massive motor homes you see on the road these days. Not so many around, so great to see them both! 🙂

Iconic DLWP design

Having the DLWP building as a backdrop was pretty special. Classic cars and classic modernist architecture go really well together. Two different forms of iconic design.

Another example of iconic engineering design is the humble air cooled flat four engine. Great to see this nicely detailed example in this cool VW Beetle. A lot of time and effort must have gone into this! 🙂

Stance… stay high or go low?

Stay stock? Go low? Raise it higher? Plenty of examples of how people prefer to have the look and stance of their ride. Performance modifications, personal taste, aesthetic fashionistas? Plenty of reasons I guess for why people like what they do. Always interesting if nothing else, to see a variety of ride heights on display.

Not sure how this paint finish/effect was achieved on this tough looking ‘Kopparbug’ Beetle? Subtle and distinctive. I really liked it.

Reaching for the sun

Taking the idea of solar power to a whole new level. This bus was like a generator on wheels! I thought my solar set up was good. This guy had taken things to a whole new level!

I thought I was being helpful letting him know that I noticed that his headlights had been left on. He told me this was deliberate to show off the funky LED headlight bulbs that were fitted. So much home DIY customisation and innovation going on here, with what looked like external plumbing for an outside shower!

Fans of kids animated television comedy series ‘Scooby Doo’ would instantly recognise this bus. The iconic ‘Mystery Machine’ inspired look suited this T25 panel van. Pretty sure it’s owners live not far from me as I see it quite a lot.

When a low stance becomes a ground scrapping slammed look, it can only mean air suspension is in effect!

All in all it was a great day out at the DLWP 🙂 It was windy, but the rain held off and on occasions, the sun came out to make it feel more like summer. Big thanks to all involved, especially to Combe Valley Campers for making it happen. Looking forward to next years event…