BeachBuggin' 2000 - Review

2000 Review from VW Motoring Magazine
By Pete Barr

It seems a long time ago now, but for those who went to this years Beachbuggin' show in Bournemouththe memories will stick around forever. Pete Barr was there to soak up the sun - and the fun.

Beetles, Buggies, Splitties and Karmanns, Oh, and ice cream, plenty of it. Over two hundred air cooledVW's of all types and vintages assembled on Bournemouth's Boscombe Pier back in June. Each arrival received a programme, pack with stickers and a Beachbuggin' t-shirt before being directed to park along the sea front. As well as the sounds and the traders most people were there for the cars.

There were forty high quality entrants to the show 'n' shine as well as hordes of VW's parked along the sea front. Without access to a helicopter (er, no chance - Ed) it really is difficult to do photographic justice to this line up but hopefully the pictures here give some idea of what it looked like.

As well as the enthusiasts cars it was good to see some professional builders displaying their wares. John and Sharon Davies of JAS Speed Kits brought along their display buggy which as well as looking the part goes very nicely and is a fine advert for their new business.

Also local to the show is the famous Chesil works owned by Peter Bailey. He produces high quality replicas of the '57 Porsche Speedster and one of those was on show at Beachbuggin' and attracting lots of interest. Other attractions included the 580 bhp Proteus Type 3 Drag car currently being campaigned by Paul Jackson in the VWDRC rounds. Paul's dad Keith told me that they are aiming for an 8.8 second 1/4 mile and 0-100 in 2 seconds out of the 2.4 litre engine - ooer! It really is a beautifully put together car.

For a relatively small event the show 'n' shine was of a very high quality. My favourite well before the judging took place was the eventual winner of Best of Show, the newly finished Karmann Ghia belonging to local lad alan Dreyson. Watch out if Alan decides to campaign it on the VW show scene as it's going to win loads of trophies!

A fine time was had by all at Beachbuggin' 2000 and credit mus go to organisers, college students Jim Chambers and Rich Stannard. It was a superb show and well organised. The question now, of course, is what happens next year? These guys have definitely started something down in Bournemouth and it would be a shame if it were to be a one off.

Keep reading VW motoring as we'll be there next year. You never know, we might even buy you an ice cream.