The show only happens once every four years, and I’m ashamed to admit this was my first visit to the Lavenham Vintage Volkswagen Show. However, I committed to this one last year while enjoying the delights of the Hessisch Oldendorf International Vintage Volkswagen Show. As with that previous event, I would be co-piloting Scott Spencer’s 1954 Oval, affectionally named Bucket. Scott has visited every iteration of this event, so my navigation skills were unrequired on this trip to Suffolk. I could sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and great company.
Starting in 2008 and inspired by the long-running vintage VW shows in Bad Camberg and Hessisch Oldendorf in Germany, it caters for pre-1967 stock Volkswagens. Alongside the expected Type 1’s (Beetles), Type 2’s (Transporters) and Type 3’s, there was an impressive selection of Volkswagen derivatives, including Hebmuller and Karmann convertibles, Karmann Ghias and a couple of World War 2 era military vehicles.
History everywhere
Starting in 2008 and inspired by the long-running vintage VW shows in Bad Camberg and Hessisch Oldendorf in Germany, it caters for pre-1967 stock Volkswagens. Alongside the expected Type 1’s (Beetles), Type 2’s (Transporters) and Type 3’s, there was an impressive selection of Volkswagen derivatives, including Hebmuller and Karmann convertibles, Karmann Ghias and a couple of World War 2 era military vehicles. This is your best chance to see such a collection of early VW’s in the UK.
Lavenham, a mediaeval village in Suffolk, England, hosts over 300 historic buildings. Many of these are listed as having significant architectural and historical interest, much like the visiting historic Volkswagens. Surrounded by many timbered buildings, including the famous Guild Hall, Lavenham’s picturesque market square is a picturesque setting for displaying many of the earliest vehicles.
The organisers were also creative in their use of other areas of the village. Lavenham Press on Water Street hosted the early Type 2’s. With its stunning backdrop of the church, the sports field allowed for a large display of early Volkswagens and trade stands. Which also included a couple of unique lineups of period-correct, old-school racers and a nice collection of early Porsche 356s.
The village hall was transformed into a banqueting hall on Saturday evening, allowing the international mix of participants to catch up while enjoying some lovely, locally sourced and cooked food.
Sunday Drivers
As usual, Sunday is a quieter affair. Some people were heading off on their drive home, and others were exploring the village. While on the sports field, an impressive number of vehicles were gathering in anticipation of the organised cruise around the Suffolk countryside.
Our little rundfahrt (German for tour) took us out through quiet country roads, passing through many sleepy villages. We had a pit stop at the beautiful Queens Head in Hawkedon at the halfway point. Thankfully, we arrived before the Fathers Day crowds and almost had the car park ourselves, which made for a great backdrop. The return journey was just as thrilling, gently cruising through the English countryside in a 70-year-old Volkswagen. Is there any better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon?
Thanks to all the organisers for putting on such a great event. I want to highlight Rob and the rest of the Amos family, Scott Furness and Charles Oldroyd, for their effort in adding all the little touches that made this event so special. Keep an eye on the Lavenham International Vintage Volkswagen Meeting website for updates on the next show.
2 responses
Great pictures and write up D.
Thank you.