3o. Brazilian Classic VW Meeting

FLOWER POWER

For three days, the City of Flowers became the world capital of classic Volkswagens, bringing together the very best of Brazil’s air-cooled culture

Some events happen every year. Others, precisely because they are rare, carry a special significance. Such is the case with the Brazilian Classic VW Meeting, which held its third edition from November 7 to 9, 2025, transforming the beautiful and picturesque city of Holambra, in the countryside of São Paulo State, into a true garden of automotive rarities.

Organized by VW Klassik magazine in partnership with Restaurakar, the gathering takes place only once every two years—more than enough time to build anticipation among Volkswagen enthusiasts and justify the presence of participants traveling from every corner of Brazil and even from abroad.

Following a tradition already well established at major European events, Belgian sponsor BBT organized its famous cruise to the venue for the first time outside the Old Continent. Those who took part agree that the journey itself was every bit as memorable as the event. After all, few sights are more impressive than dozens of classic Volkswagens traveling together toward a common destination.

And what a destination it was. Praça Moinho dos Povos Unidos, one of Holambra's most iconic landmarks, served as the backdrop for the exhibition area. The setting appeared almost too perfect to be real, with colorful flowerbeds and the town's giant Dutch windmill surrounded by hundreds of historic Volkswagens.

An interesting detail is that the windmill is not merely decorative—it remains fully operational and continues to produce corn flour on a regular basis.

As in previous editions, organizers arranged the Beetles by decade and grouped the remaining models according to their respective styles. Unsurprisingly, the section dedicated to 1950s Volkswagens attracted a large share of attention.

Among the most talked-about vehicles were an exceptionally rare 1950 Beetle Cabriolet and a 1949 Deluxe Sedan recently imported from France, both making their debut at Brazilian events.

There was something for every type of enthusiast.

From meticulously preserved originals to honest survivors proudly displaying the marks left by time, the event celebrated every aspect of the hobby. After all, at a gathering like this, well-documented original patina can generate just as much admiration as a flawless restoration.

Another veteran drawing considerable attention was the legendary 1946 Beetle that had been converted in Germany for use in a Wall of Death attraction.

For the first time, Volkswagen do Brasil also participated with vehicles brought directly from the Volkswagen Garage, the company's own historic vehicle collection.

The sports-car contingent enjoyed its moment in the spotlight as well.

Within the Karmann Ghia display area, visitors were able to admire three examples of the coveted Low Light generation gathered together at a Brazilian event for the first time.

One of them—a completely unrestored 1958 model—impressed judges and spectators alike with its remarkable condition and authenticity, ultimately earning the Best of the Show award in the Originality category.

Nearby, Clube do Bizorrão arrived in force with an impressive lineup of 1600-S models, while the SP2 Club helped reinforce the prestige of Brazil's homegrown sports cars, including a particularly rare SP1.

Volkswagen Buses were equally well represented, divided between the Split-Window and Bay Window generations.

In the section dedicated to the oldest examples, three Barndoor buses formed one of the most photographed displays of the entire event. The standout among them was a 1954 pickup that captured the Best of the Show award in the Custom category.

Fans of the Type 3 family were treated to an extraordinary selection of Brazilian- and German-built examples, including the only known Volkswagen Fridolin currently residing in Brazil.

Just across the street lay the expansive lawns of Expoflora, home to the main gathering area as well as the traditional swap meet, which featured more than fifty vendors and many of the industry's leading companies.

Weathering the Weekend

Not even the weather managed to disrupt the festivities.

Friday brought intense heat and clear blue skies—the perfect conditions for strolling among the cars, sampling the event's culinary offerings, and cooling off with an ice-cold draft beer.

Saturday began with rain, but as soon as the sun returned, visitors quickly resumed their activities. In fact, the puddles left behind created entirely new photographic opportunities, producing spectacular reflections of the classic vehicles.

By Sunday, the warm weather had returned once again, and the awards ceremony brought another memorable edition of the event to a close.

When it was all over, many attendees shared the same feeling: three days simply were not enough to absorb so much history, so many rare vehicles, and so many conversations among people united by a common passion.

Now the countdown has already begun.

In 2027, Holambra will bloom once again to the unmistakable soundtrack of air-cooled engines.