It was our first time at the home of the Westside VW Cartel; Chalfont Cricket Ground in West London. This one day show, run by a  group of real enthusiasts (who have been in the watercooled VW scene for as long as I can remember) was an exercise in what a show should be -Fantastic cars, chilled out atmosphere and organised with military precision.

Arriving at silly o’clock (7.30am on a Sunday, after a 90 minute drive will give some indication at the time we left home that morning!) we were greeted by the guys from Westside, and already their cars were lining up, polished and looking superb – exactly what they are renowned for.

 

The cricket pitch started to fill up with cars from across the country shortly after, the Grounded crew coming down from Derby (an even earlier start for them)  and a devoted Dutchman making the trip over in his patina’d ’79 Mk1 Golf too (he’d been here a few days to be fair!)

The beauty of this show is the organisation. Cars are parked into rows of model type. Want to check out the Mk2 Golf’s? No problem, they are all together, in one long line! For those appreciative of other German metal, there is a handful of Mercs and a bucket load of Beemers on show, offering variety and a chance to interact outside of our usual clique!

The show field is kept toe tapping by the resident Westside DJ, spinning the tunes on todays first raffle prize; £1500 worth of DJ gear – not bad for a £2 punt, with a bit of that going to a local charity too!

Feeling hungry? Of course you could buy a bacon roll, or a greasy burger – but there was fresh curry, and the awesome jerk chicken on tap too, we were spoilt for choice and undoubtedly full!

So, the vehicles that we came to see. Where can we start. Howabout some mid-skool Passat saloons, sat on their stomachs courtesy of air ride suspension. Something a little older for you? James’ Mk1 Polo is at almost every VW show in the UK, Westside was no exception! Some beautiful Mk2 Golfs competed for your attention, small bumpers have never been more popular! Rallye’s were well represented as were 1st generation Golfs – this beige example scooping best Mk1, and deservedly so.

Wheels are always a great topic for discussion. BBS Fans were the accessory of choice, being sported by a number of cars. Check them out on this bronze Mk2 5 door and 6n2 Polo. If they are a little bit over the top for you, the custom 16″ OZ turbo’s on this Silver Mk3 were the epitome of subtle modifying. Of course, BBS split rims where out in force remaining the wheel of choice for those who can afford to join the club! 

Although pretty much exclusively watercooled, there were a few old bugs for those who like things aircooled, the graffiti covered audio demo car in the centre was rammed full of high end stereo equipment!

To summarise, simplicity and organisation wins the day. “Cars on a field” can still cut it; in amongst a season of weekend party shows, drag strips and race circuits. Undoubtedly the notoriety of the Westside Cartel and the cars that they build attracts the crowds, and as long as they keeping building them, people will come to check them out!

Want to see more. Check out even more of our show photos over on Flickr.

Andy