The 2005 VW Nationals, hosted by Club VeeDub Sydney, was held over the Easter long weekend. Unfortunately the drag racing that was scheduled for the Friday had to be cancelled as there was a clash with another event that served alcohol and the WSID did not wish to be potentially and incorrectly linked to that. However, they have promised that there will be a re-scheduled meet later in the year. Keep and eye open in the coming events section.

On the Saturday, a leisurely yet challenging observation run organised by Phil Matthews was held, starting at the Club VeeDub meeting place, the Greyhound Club in Yagoona. Winding its way through the scenic south-west of Sydney and finishing for a relaxed lunch and some boutique beers (brewed onsite) at the King George IV Hotel in Picton. It wound up around 2.30pm to give participants enough time to get home and prepare their cars for the following day.

On Sunday the day dawned fine and things got into full swing early with swappers arriving from 6.00am and cars for display rolling up around 7.00am. There were a wide range of all things VW at the swap meet from early oval and splitty single cab parts to other parts to suit any and all vehicles. I'm sure that there were some bargains to be had if you looked closely enough and a number of happy customers were seen walking away.

The usual trade displays were set up at the other end of the grounds from the swappers and it seemed that they were busy all day, hopefully with people actually buying and not just chatting. Not that there's anything wrong with catching up with the latest accessories and adding them to your wish list for possible future purchase.

There were 114 entrants for judging in 45 categories and an equal number of cars on display inside the grounds. The carpark almost represented a show on its own, it would have been good to see some of these cars inside on display.

Flat Four participants fared well with Peter Huckstepp and the Billet Bug coming in first place in three categories - engine bay, interior, best displayed vehicle and 2nd place for "Beetle '68 on modified". Trevor Scott came in 1st place in "Type 3 modified" and Ray Rofe in 2nd place in "Type 3 standard". Dave Silvestri also came in the money with a credible 3rd place in the "Beetle / Cabriolet up to '57 standard". All the winners and place getters and some more pictures can be viewed on the Club VeeDub website.

As always, the VW Nationals was a great event and Club VeeDub are to be congratulated for their efforts and for being such gracious hosts.

Click here to view more pictures from the day.