The US has Waterfest, the UK has GTI International and in Belgium, the largest show is VW Mania. As with most of the successful and long-running shows, this event was founded by and for owners and enthusiasts of air and water-cooled Volkswagens and is open to owners of the other VAG brands and even Porsche cars as well.

Now in its 13th year, the event was held at the Sportpark De Nekker in Mechelen (Malines), located between Antwerp and Brussels. Due to its central location, the show drew large crowds from the Netherlands (just north of Belgium), France (to the south) and Germany (east).

The show was divided into two separate sections - one being the campsite near water, with short cut grass and lots of trees, and the other part was designated as a show and shine section.

The main event at VW Mania is certainly the Show n’ Shine, a laid-back event open to all who attend. There are four categories in each class and the cars are judged in a “people’s choice” fashion that leaves deciding the winners in the hands of the enthusiasts.

As with many shows of this type, audiophiles can take part in the Db-drag - a competition for those with high-powered audio systems and decided by a decibel meter.

Other things to see included a sprint race, vendors from several different countries, and even on-site camping (a cornerstone of the event), with designated areas for family camping as well.

The focus on families doesn’t just end with camping either. VW Mania included a children’s drawing for prizes and a large Children’s Truck with games and climbing area.

Quite unique to the event location, attendees (including children) were allowed access to the beach area.



Most of us realize that not all family members share the avid enthusiasm for cars that we do, and VW Mania took a lot of steps to make sure there was something for those non-car relatives as well.

As for the show, the European scene continues to impress us. Vintage water-cooled cars (an oxymoron for air-cooled owners) seem to show up in droves. Most are super-clean, with large vintage BBS or Porsche wheels, period modifications and shaved badges. The days of dressing Golfs up to be GTis seems to be over, and rather a reverse movement toward simplification seems to be settling in. They’re not all Golfs either. Vintage Polos, Passats (a.k.a. Dasher and Quantum in the USA) and even more rarities surfaced in large numbers.

Newer Volkswagens also show, and are often presented in either a clean-modded guise or with the newer glitzier SEMA-inspired showcar style, though with a decidedly European twist. Models ranged from the standard fare Golfs and Polos to Sharans, Lupos and Phaetons. There was even a topless Corrado in true "Spyder" style, built by France’s DSP, and sported a mid-mounted VR6 for motivation.

Not to be outdone, air-cooled VWs also had a strong showing. From Beetles and Ghias, to Buses and even some army-inspired Things held their ground against the onslaught of newer VW metal.

The rest of the VAG group was also well represented. Though not as numerous as the Dubs, some great-looking Audis showed. Modern Audis included mainly A3s and A4s with an A8 and A6 here and there. Vintage Audis seemed to be focused around B1 80s and 60s (basically rebadged Mk1 Polos).



VW Mania is also proof that the SEAT scene is burgeoning. While certainly not even near the Audi numbers, some really attractive Leons and Ibizas popped up and were more than welcome.

For the American enthusiast, the well-planted European show scene is almost something to plan the family trans-Atlantic vacation around. Many of the shows are quite large, and with a decidedly different flavor. Think of it as Napa Valley vs. Tuscany for the wine connoisseur. VW Mania is certainly a wine you’ll want to put on your menu if Europe finds itself on your travel docket, especially as it’s very family-friendly.






The rest of the photos can be found here: http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/ga...W%20Mania/2004

*Fourtitude