Words: Aron Norris | Photography: Jeroen De Plancke

Welcome to the Old Folks Home.

It’s April 23rd and we’re at Laylow, Belgium. In its 6th year, this event continues to go from strength to strength, and the quality of cars has remained high. Laylow attracts metal from all over Belgium, with heavy support from the air-cooled VW community. This event is the perfect place to find “old timer” cars on the floor, with unique touches aplenty and character in spades. If you like your stanced cars air-cooled, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

We've said it before and we'll say it again, we take our hats off to the classic car fraternity, these cars require a lot more than just a few aftermarket parts. Old cars are a labour of love.

Everything is Better, Lower.

In this chapter we take a look at some of the most authentic “old timer” VWs in Europe, with the odd Audi, BMW and Mercedes thrown in for good measure. You will see both ends of the spectrum, from perfectly restored, meticulously presented examples to barn-find originals on the floor. It’s rare to see this collection of cars at one event, let alone all driven there (no trailer queens!). We love them all.

Of course, in the authentic corner, don’t be fooled into thinking these cars aren’t mechanically perfect underneath, these air-cooled beauties might wear their battle scars on the outside but mechanically, they're spot on, proud in original patina, every scuff, every scrape, tells a story. After all, isn’t that what cars should be about?

It's The Journey That Makes Us...

If you’re reading this in Europe, get yourself along to RollHard: The Belgian Chapter show on 27th August 2017 when we will be celebrating everything automotive. We'll see you there.

For now, take some time out of your day to enjoy the early years of car design, with a modern twist, of course. Doesn’t everything just look better, lower?