Usually, Grill-n-Chill is a full weekend event, but for reasons, this years event was a one-day affair – hench the ‘Lite’ tag and thankfully this didn’t deter people from coming. In advance, when we announced that the show would only be a single day this year, most people were disappointed. With concerns that it wouldn’t the full event that they were used to and some people were not particularly won-over by our choice of venue either. However, the Cyclopark Gravesend proved not only to be a superb venue, but the staff were all extremely helpful and made our event a pleasure to put on.
The sun shone and people turned up in a truly eclectic mix of rides. Although our roots are firmly in the air-cooled VW scene we love all things classic and retro. As you can see from the photos we certainly attracted a varied selection of rad rides.
We had the whole venue to play with and lined the vehicles around the track, which made a refreshing change to the ‘cars-in-a-field’ format. Feedback over the day suggested everyone appreciated this new style show. Although there was one person not happy at the lack of VW Caddy pick-ups in attendance, we can’t please everyone all the time and suggested he build one and bring it along next year…
Right-hand drive Ovals were everywhere at Grill-n-Chill Lite. Our own PaintScrapers club bought four along, each with a very different personality.
We’ve always prided ourselves on managing to attract a really good mix of cars along to Grill-n-Chill over the years and we were delighted to see that trend continue this year. This ex-Paul Knight (@ss9design) 1974 BMW 2002, was looking a lot different and a whole lot more honest too then when Paul had it. The current owner Dave Smith has put a huge effort into this build and we think it looks awesome. Update: Robb Pritchard has written this great article on Drive-My if you’re interested in more details.
Slammed cars enjoyed a speed-bump free track and the grass edges provided a fairly level spot for most. They also helped to make sure we didn’t leave any oil spots on the cycle track. This lovely early big-window Bug was spot on, another high quality build.
Awesome, lowered Chevy Apache pick up rollin’ into Grill-n-Chill Lite. @tub_n_slam know how to arrive in style.
Gavin’s spotless Split Bug is spotless and hides a potent punch under the stock bodywork – 2ltrs of air-cooled tomfoolery.
Although only a static show, we still attract some outrageously quick drag focused cars. Like Outlaw Flat Four member @james100wotton and his street-legal pro turbo Oval Bug.
Cards on the table, I’m one of the organisers of this event, so I may be a little biased, but I think the new venue and format worked a treat. The people, the venue and the weather all worked perfectly to create a great one day show. Next year, keep September 13-15th clear and come visit Grill-n-Chill at the Hop Farm, we’ll be back to a full weekend event too.
