Bustypes 2011

I suppose with fewer jobs to do on the van and spending more time in the van, I should probably turn my attentions elsewhere. Something that has been close to my heart for many years is the VW show scene - albeit something of a love/hate relationship...

The first foray into the v-dub scene was with a 1966 Beetle. I quickly grew an understanding of the cal-look and resto-cal vibe that our car had fallen into. There were (and still are) awesome show-cars to look-up to and take inspiration from - something to aspire towards. Same when we had the T3; other people's take on style - interior and exterior - what modifications worked, there was always something out there to help raise the bar.

One of the nicest vans at this year's Bustypes

But walking around the camping fields and showground of Bustypes I found nothing in the form of a T5 that made me stop and look (and I mean really look!). Where are the mould-breakers and risk-takers? Is the T5 still too 'new' within the v-dub scene?

I chatted to one guy with a T3 Karmann Gypsy who, when I pointed out my old T3 and my T5 parked in front of it, said 'don't like T4s or T5s, what's the point, hate 'em...'. I laughed, we chatted some more, and as I walked off I said I'm sorry you don't like T5s - more out of pity than for the sake of being apologetic.

The old van, the current van.

I guess this makes me more determined to stick my van in a show line-up some time - I've nothing to lose - it might not be the lowest, shiniest, loudest or most ground-breaking. But I'm passionate about it, it is unique to me, and that's all that matters.

On another note; I always start to worry for a show when it reaches 'AA yellow sign' status. Gone are the 'bit of cardboard with a VW logo and an arrow' days. The show has become almost too popular - will there ever be enough toilets (and enough toilet cleaners) at a show? And what's with people bringing caravans? I don't mean those cute Eriba Pucks but modern, ugly, pikey caravans - they don't really belong - maybe a separate field should be put aside for these?

Finally, it was good to meet Matt (albeit briefly) who tracked me down having recognised the van from the blog. Cheers for the feedback and I'm glad the blog has been of some help. See you again soon, and I'll try and be a bit more awake next time...