Area’51

The vintage automotive scene encompasses numerous varieties, from hot rods and muscle cars to Japanese classics and, of course, air-cooled Volkswagens. If truth be told, the latter have long been looked at with indifference, if not disdain, by the V8 crowd in particular, but that tide started to turn with the turn of the century. Signs stating ‘No VWs! No Minitrucks!’ at the entrance to car shows and cruise nights are now largely a thing of the past as all classic car enthusiasts realise we’re all just car guys at heart, and accepting ‘others’ is a more healthy way to enjoy our shared hobby.

It likely boils down to the fact that pre-1980’s cars are increasingly uncommon sights on the road now. To the point that when we do pass one – regardless of what type it is – we feel a stronger connection with its owner, another kindred spirit prepared to travel without the numerous