Edition 38

Letter sent to Classic and Sporscar - that they did not print.

I read James Butler's article in 'our classics' about his Golf GTi with more interest than normal this month. In fact I recently scanned all of my back issues for Golf information. This is because my younger son appears to becoming the next generation of 'enthusiasts'.

We saw this car at the Silverstone classic where it diverted the attention of my son (also a James) who has become besotted with Golf's since taking up learning to drive. An interest that I did help along the path by buying a nice MK2 Golf GTi for him to learn in - and I've noticed you don't see many with L plates do you !

After the e-type parade (we were in car 254) we went over to look at it and its great example if a near stock MK1, I was told. I'm now learning to spot MK1's by the narrow front wing.

I have been a serial offender when it comes to classics. So my kids have grown up around old cars - whether taking holidays in a Citroën DS, enduring long trips to camp sites in a cramped Ginetta G4 or taking their mates home 5 up, in a Series I Sunbeam Alpine.

All this exposure to fine motoring metal seems to have rubbed off on my James. He recently persuaded to take him and a mate to Edition 38. I discovered this was a festival of VW car culture (mainly Golfs) with 100s of well-maintained and beautifully prepared and modified cars gleaming in the weak sunshine.

What struck me having knocked around the classic car scene for 20 years was that it put a typical car club meeting to shame with the dedication shown to the cars. The level of cleaning that took place, put my efforts to 'detail' the E-type ahead of Silverstone under a dull shadow.

Finally I indulged in a spot of photo-shopping when I got home and produced the poster below - showing the colour, shine and above all variety of 'rims' on offer !  Made me pop out and polish my wire wheels as soon as I could the next weekend.

Come on the next generation I say !