The idea of a Cali-look inspired show featuring air-cooled and pre-90s Volkswagens absolutely got my attention, so myself and mate Tom took a drive down to Barry on Sunday 22 May to check out the first Barryfornia event organised by the awesome Rothfink industries.

A baking hot day on the Welsh coast awaited us as did a cornucopia of everything cool within the VW scene. Classic VW buses, vans, split-screens, beetles, Karman Ghias, golfs as well as some additional BMWs and American customs, were all on display on the sun drenched beach front.

There was a strong turn out for the first show, and this is testament to the strength of the VW following as well as the Rothfink brand bringing together a great free show for everyone to enjoy.

Some of my particular favourites on the day would have to be the ultra rare 24 window classic Samba bus, as well as some mint split-screens and nice bay window vans. Seeing the Beetles on display made me pine to own one, it was actually my choice of first car many years ago, but they were too expensive at the time. Having owned many really nice VW’s over the years including a stunning MK 2 16v Oak Green GTi, ohh how I regret selling that one now… it was great to surround myself with Volkswagens again by visiting this show. It was also great after many years to catch up with a university friend Marie Stacey who had a stall selling her own unique and personalised pin-up artwork under the name Miss Doodle 1977. Check out the great work she is doing… i’ll leave a link to her instagram below.

Photography wise, I was spoilt for choice of subject matter on the day and whilst my iPhone 13 Pro captured quite a few shots and some video, I’m alway keen to slow things down and use a camera with more control, so I opted for my Canon R6 coupled with the f1.8 50mm STM prime lens. This lens is great for producing some nice bokeh and isolating the subjects as well as making you work a bit harder for the right composition by eliminating the option to zoom. Also it doesn’t break the bank in terms of price. I don’t like to ponder too long on all the composition options, and with some very bright / harsh afternoon sunshine, there was some strong contrast in some shots, but overall I was pretty happy with the results I captured.

I would have to say with the level of people in attendance and the subsequent level of exposure on instagram… luckily for us the guys at Rothfink have decided to put on a second - Summer Barryfornia event in late August. So that is definitely going to be on my list of events to attend and I cannot wait to see all the awesome cars that turn out for it.

Check out Rothfink and also the upcoming Barryfornia event in August 2022 by clicking on their website links below:

Barryfornia

Rothfink

Miss Doodle 1977