BeachBuggin' 2004 - Review

By Roger Arnold

This year's BEACHBUGGIN', which took place on Sunday 27 June 2004, had the tag 'BEACHBUGGIN' 5', being the fifth, and by all accounts the best show organised by Jim Chambers and Rich Stannard, and the third held on the magnificent seaside site, Southsea Common Portsmouth. As previously Beachbuggin' was supporting the work of The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Once again VW fans in their hundreds descended on the Common, and at 10.30 am, the published deadline for Show 'n' Shine entrants, an impressive queue of exotic vehicles had formed along the seafront, back as far as the D Day Museum. The previous day heavy rain had covered the whole of south east England, so it was 'touch and go' as to whether Sunday would remain dry, but luckily for all concerned, it did!

Beachbuggin' at Southsea has the added advantage that should the family want to come along, there are a number of tourist attractions within close walking distance along the front; the afore-mentioned D Day Museum, a Sea Life centre and of course the beach itself, with the added spectacle of cross channel ferries coming and going very close in-shore.

Most of the trade stands were up and running early, notably Peter Cooper (Portsmouth) Ltd. the principal sponsor with a display consisting of a super black convertible New Beetle, (Nice, but not a Real Beetle!). Other notable regulars included Testament Clothing, (see DCP1751.jpg) who are based in Southsea, the Eastpak Pro Team BMX display, complete with a massive sound system which provided the PA and sounds throughout the day, (see DCP1755.jpg) and German, Swedish and French, (see DCP1747.jpg) offering parts and accessories to suit classic or modified VWs of all types and ages.

A large part of the field was given over to the Show 'n' Shine, with professionally labelled stakes denoting the position of the various Show categories. I was directed, with 'Blue' my now well known 1964 De Luxe 1200 Beetle, to a line up consisting of pre 1968 Original Beetle/Type 1s, the category I won last year, partly due to being in a very small field. This year there was some serious completion, including an acquaintance of mine from the Bournemouth and Poole area, Howard and his very original 1966 Beetle. The well-deserved prize however went to Robin Allen and his early 1200 Saloon, which was bedecked with period accessories.(see DCP1736.jpg)

The sun came out about midday and it became one of those days when you don't realise the strength of the U.V. until you notice those around you going bright pink. With very little hair, and no hat I suffered fairly serious sunburn to my face and the top of my head! In compensation the sun brought out the usual fine selection of young ladies in various styles of dress, one of whom completed her outfit with a Barbie Doll pink Beetle, with matching interior! Why ?

The Eastpak stand attracted a lot of attention, especially from the children present, with daring displays of BMX and skateboard stunts, interspersed with the distribution of wallets, key rings and similar goodies which were thrown into the air towards those who shouted loudest!

I walked around all the exhibits and again was absolutely staggered at the quality of finish that so many people manage to achieve; a case of "I though mine was pretty special until I saw yours!" Buses and Campers, both Splits and Bays were very much in evidence with families and groups of friends enjoying a day out together, with the added advantage over us Type 1s of being able to produce hot drinks or cool beers! After many years of being just a Beetle fan I begin to acknowledge their attraction and can just see myself in a year or so with a 'Westie'.

One particular vehicle that caught my eye was a ' K' registered Beetle, in incredibly clean condition, finished in a metallic green. (see DCP1735.jpg) The number plate bore the message 'Built in Suffolk', which intrigued me. I started to chat with its owner Karl Bartz and discovered the story behind the number plate, which would make a super picture story for VolksWorld to publish, (Editor please note, I saw it first!)

Karl started a restoration project with two vehicles, intending to cannibalise one, building all the best bits into one finished vehicle. Having built a rolling chassis, his attention turned to the bodywork, at which point he received a daunting figure for the cost of building a body to his own very high standards. His answer was to import a whole Mexican body shell, which arrived unglazed and untrimmed. The result, following months of hard work, is the superb vehicle shown in the photograph. Attention to detail included using adhesive for the exterior trim, rather than drill holes in the pristine new body shell. Other notable vehicles on show was the Hebmuller Replica owned by Maria and Alastair Pether, previously featured in VolksWorld, (see DCP1754.jpg) and a 1972 Brazilian SP2, a steel bodied production model coupe using Type 3 & 4 components. (see DCP1760.jpg)

A brilliant day was enjoyed by all present, especially the Show and Shine winners who were:

Best original Beetle/type 1 pre '68 Robin Allen
Best original Beetle/type 1 post '68 Carl Bartz
Best custom Beetle/type 1 pre '68 Stuart Edwards
Best custom Beetle/type 1 pre '68 Gareth & Vicky Rees
Best original Split window/type 2 (camper/commercial) Mick & Clare Case
Best custom Split window/type 2 (camper/commercial) Pete Yeoman & Joy Holbrook
Best custom Bay window/type 2 (camper/commercial) Jay Chapman
Best original Karmann Ghia Simon Clarke
Best custom Type 3/4 Neal Anderson
Best Aircooled VW powered Beachbuggy Lee Cater
Overall Best in Show Lee Carters Beachbuggy

Watch this space for news of next years show Beachbuggin' 6; alternatively keep in touch by visiting the website beachbuggin.com