Classic Velocity

For an outdoor weekend event complete with camping in November, Florida sounds like the right place. And so it is every year that thousands make their way to Dade City for the annual Bug Jam event. It is billed as the largest VW event in Florida, which is saying something, because FL is probably 2nd only to CA in terms of an active air-cooled VW scene. The weekend takes place at a fairgrounds complex, so space and amenities are good.

The weekend has something for everyone if you like air-cooled Vdubs. There is a formal camping area where Westfalias from all generations were most prevalent. However, there were a fair number of other travel trailers housing sand rails, dune buggies, and other variations of on-street machines.

The standout machines for us at this event were two different Type 3s. Type 3s don’t often get much love in a sea of Bugs and Buses and Things, but these two were worthy of praise. The first was a silver Fastback. Modified, but in a quality fashion. The second was a green Squareback in an exceptional state. It was great to see such great examples.

However, you have to appreciate the ingenuity that goes into some of the vehicles, and even into the swap meet area where vintage suitcases get transformed into booming stereo systems that look great in an old vehicle.