An Outsider’s View: Ultimate Dubs 2016
On The Outside, Looking In

Full disclosure – I don’t really follow the VAG scene. In fact, I’m embarrassingly out of touch with the show world as a whole. You might find this a strange precursor to an event feature about Ultimate Dubs 2016, one of Europe’s biggest VAG shows, but bear with me.

As I’ve explained previously, part of my ethos as a fledgling Speedhunter is to broaden my horizons and experience as many aspects of car culture as I possibly can. Hopefully through seeing, talking, shooting, experiencing and understanding the different aspects of automotive culture I can reach a better appreciation of the motivation behind the different builds that I come across. The hunt for my automotive epiphany continues…

DSC_8952

Historically, the VW scene has got a lot of flak from those who don’t particularly care for it. It’s easy to understand why it polarises opinion so strongly though – at the top end of the show scene there’s nothing vanilla. Decisions are bold, customisation is often extreme and occasionally controversial.

DSC_9409

The thing is, I think it’s all too easy to find a subgenre of automotive culture that doesn’t particularly float your boat and dismiss it without reason. This is further amplified by the cynical nature of many people’s online e-personalities. People derive pleasure from cars for all manner of reasons, none are right, and none are wrong.

DSC_8815

Talk about a ‘stanced’ front-wheel drive show car to a group of hardcore drift enthusiasts and you’ll often find yourself at the receiving end of a barrage of verbal and/or written abuse. To the same end, reveal your deep-burning love for driving sideways to grip-driven track enthusiasts or old school motorsport aficionados and you might be met with guffaws and dismissive comments about how drifting isn’t a real motorsport/is pointless/belongs in a McDonald’s carpark.

DSC_8821

This ‘us and them’ mentality is all a bit silly really, because when you look at the bigger picture there are so many crossovers in automotive culture that by taking the time to actually experience them before dismissing them, you’ll probably discover details that are relevant to your interests. So, that is why I wanted to bring you my outsider’s view of Ultimate Dubs 2016.

DSC_9077

The annual congregation of the UK’s best VAG show cars at Telford International Centre in the West Midlands plays an important part in moulding the trends that you’ll see throughout the rest of the year.

DSC_8839

I can’t stress how insanely popular this event is. In a country that often struggles to stir up any kind of interest towards anything that isn’t football (soccer for our associates over the pond), this show bucks the trend. Enthusiasts work tirelessly with Ultimate Dubs being the end goal. People travel thousands of miles across Europe to attend.

DSC_9163

You see, Ultimate Dubs marks the end of winter, a period when the UK car scene pretty much shuts down in its entirety. Builds are tucked away in their respective garages and workshops over the colder months while people go to work on improving them.

DSC_9116

Keep your ear to the ground in the months and weeks leading up to the event and you might hear or see a sneak peak into some of the cars being worked on, but for the most part people tend to keep their cards close to their chest. Ultimate Dubs is where many of these builds get their big reveal.

DSC_8834

The main indoor show comprises of a carefully curated selection of cars. There’s limited space, so predictably not everyone gets a slot. While this does create a certain degree of animosity towards those that do make it in (and the show organisers), you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

DSC_9233

There’s a large outdoor show area that’s packed with all manner of builds. In the past this has been battered by wind, rain and even snow. Luckily this year the sun was shining.

DSC_8748

Also, as a result of the curation process, the calibre of build that you tend to find inside makes for a better event. I think it also encourages everyone to up their game, so that they’re in with a chance the following year. I’d like to say it’s not really about one-upmanship, but it actually is, 100 per cent. Going lower, louder, faster, crazier and more luxurious is the name of the game.

Stick It To The Man
DSC_8796

The whole VW customisation scene has long been closely linked with a sense of anti-establishmentism, and this ethos still runs strong today. Rocking the boat, going against the grain, sticking two fingers up at ‘the man’ – I’m getting all the clichés out of the way now.

DSC_9200

So, when you see a bagged Porsche 997 dropped to the floor on Air Lift Performance suspension, running custom white Rotiform LHR wheels and housing two Bride Low Max seats, you could get mad. But you’re better off just embracing the fact that it’s an impactful car that’s been built to turn heads, get people talking and, most likely and simply, because the owner likes it this way.

2016-03-15_0012

How about a shaved VW Bora wearing brakes and wheels that are surely worth far more than the car itself? The choice of base car might seem strange, but the combination of an average everyday car, clean OEM-plus styling, a smattering of no-expense-spared parts and a near-subterranean ride height seemed to be turning heads throughout the show.

DSC_8851

What’s more anti-establishmentarian than featuring non-VAG cars at a VAG show? This is always an issue of contention for fans of Ultimate Dubs. While many call for a ban on marques outside of the VAG banner, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that they’re included. It all helps add to the variety.

DSC_8860

Car Audio Security had its new BMW M4 demo car on display, amongst others. The scope of modifications isn’t vast here, but the changes that have been made have been done well. Aired out over a set of polished Rotiform RSEs, the M4’s aggressive standard body-line looks quite at home so close to the floor.

DSC_8825

There were a handful of other BMWs scattered throughout the halls. Brandon’s battleship grey E30 takes a mix of styling cues from different places and pulls it all together. It sits on a set of custom-finished VIP Modular VX210 wheels.

DSC_8867

The Players Classic stand was probably the most diverse of the lot. The usual combo of the Players bright green Mk1 Golf, a BMW E21, mean Ford Cortina estate and fellow Speedhunter Bryn Musselwhite’s Project Strip Club Volvo still managed to draw the crowds.

DSC_8862

Before long I found myself being sidetracked by the sheer amount of intriguing machinery surrounding me. One thing that I quickly learnt walking the halls at Ultimate Dubs was that there’s almost always more than meets the eye. Taking the time to look over each build revealed details that couldn’t be appreciated during a passing glance.

DSC_9398

This is the perfect example, and I completely missed it on my first pass. Remember the rotary-engined Mk1 Golf with the air-cooled Beetle floorpan that we featured a while ago? That car is sadly no more after a garage flood, so its owner, Pipey McGraw, has built something almost as bonkers. This K70 isn’t actually a K70 at all – underneath sits the chassis and beating heart of a much newer W8 Passat! Impressively, it was decided upon and put together in just a few months before the show. Mr. Musselwhite is looking to bring you more on this car further down the line.

2016-03-15_0004

I struggled to get a shot of Plush Automotive’s Audi RS6 through the constant ebb and flow of people that surrounded it. It wasn’t until I fought my way through that I realised that the entire front end was made from carbon fibre and had been gradually blended into the car’s dark grey paintwork. Once again, the quality of finish just astounded me.

DSC_9184

Slightly less subtle was the carbon front end on Lee Ross’s insane drag Jetta. Sparse of detail minus a single intake hole, air is sucked into a huge Garrett GTX4202R turbo as power is transferred to the ground through giant Mickey Thompson drag slicks. The final numbers? Circa 1200bhp! Who’d like to see more on this crazy build?

DSC_9143

There were notable influences from all forms of car culture to be found; from track-inspired builds to retro motorsport liveries, JDM influences to Euro style. This Mk6 Golf struck a chord with me. I’m not sure what lies under the bonnet, but the sticky, wide R888s, Recaro seats, Takata harnesses and full cage left me hoping it was something at least mildly potent. I quite like the gloss-black overfenders and copper exterior details too – please don’t lynch me.

Old’s Cool
DSC_8795

I’ve a strong fondness for well-built, clean or interesting retro cars, and Ultimate Dubs definitely catered for those tastes. It’s a look that’s seemingly witnessed a surge in popularity of late thanks to a simple recipe: take one cool retro car, lower the suspension and add a nice set of wheels for an instant show hit.

DSC_8753

Obviously I’m simplifying and there’s a lot more that goes into it than that, and indoors at Ultimate Dubs it’s the quality of finish and attention to details that makes the difference. This immaculate yellow ‘78 Mk1 Polo greeted me as soon as I entered the show. Dropped over a set of polished BBS RS wheels and packing a 1.4-litre 16V motor from a Polo 6N on twin Weber carbs, I think tasteful is the best word to describe it.

DSC_8884

This ultra-clean, pea-green Mk1 Golf had me fixated for a while, too. The owner had brought it over from Belgium specifically for the show. A carefully curated selection of period-correct features adorned the outside, alongside a controllable drop thanks to air suspension.

DSC_8875

As with many of the builds at Ultimate Dubs, the wheels maketh the car, and this particular Golf rocked a gorgeous set of custom numbers, machined and fabricated to accept original Beetle polished hubcaps.

DSC_8780

Equally simple in execution and cooked from a similar recipe was this ‘68 Type 3 Squareback. A last-minute addition to the show, I’m glad it made it. My first ever car was a ‘67 Beetle, so to me these older Volkwagens have a huge amount of appeal and character.

2016-03-15_0010

This one was running Beetle wheels with air ride on the front. A handful of SoCal-inspired details and the surfboard strapped to the roof would make this the ultimate summertime beach car.

DSC_8800

Undoubtedly, the car of the show for me was Rich Colvill’s beautifully restored 1968 Porsche 912. There was barely a moment over the course of the day when this car wasn’t swamped by a crowd on the RollHard stand. With low-offset being on trend, the narrow front beam and low-slung, brushed gold exhaust definitely divided opinions from onlookers, but for me these attributes fitted perfectly with the style of the car.

2016-03-15_0005

From the raw aluminium seats to the leather-strapped bonnet and boot latches, gold badges and brass clasps, every little tactile detail had been carefully considered, well designed and lovingly crafted. I’m hoping to bring you more on this car in the near future…

DSC_8897

Don’t worry, I’m not ignoring the elephant in the room. You may, or may not, be aware that Ultimate Dubs has gotten a bit of a reputation for showcasing cookie-cutter cars. The stereotype of taking a financed new car, adding air-ride and wheels and you’ve an instant show car is banded around on social media a lot. It’s a bit of an in-joke, but there’s a sliver of truth in everything, and we’ll touch on this further in another post covering the trends and discussion points from the show.

DSC_9430

Before I knew it, the day was over in a blur and the halls started to empty out. I hadn’t eaten, I hadn’t drank. I’d barely stopped shooting and talking to people. I was actually bamboozled by Ultimate Dubs – there was too much to see, too much to find out about, too much to shoot. I needed another day there and a second me to be able to achieve all that I wanted to. But, rather than cram all of the info in here, it’s given me a great base of feature cars to bring to you over the coming months.

DSC_9437

The UK show scene has moved on an amazing amount since I last showed any kind of interest towards it. Sitting here now, writing this, the other thing that stuck with me was that the sense of animosity that reared its head online before the show doesn’t exist at all once you’re there in person. Even the word ‘scene’ is designed to keep outsiders out; to make them feel like they don’t belong. That certainly wasn’t my experience – everyone I met at Ultimate Dubs was more than happy to chew the fat without prejudice, and I’m looking forward to highlighting some of the incredible builds that debuted for everyone else to enjoy.

Watch this space.

Jordan Butters
Instagram: jordanbutters
jordan@speedhunters.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

45 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

Another well written article Jord! As always dope pics. That W8 K70 is the ultimate sleeper. So much want!

2

Great pictures, always had a soft spot for Volkswagens, I bought my first last year a mk5 GTI Edition 30, no plans for air ride or rotiforms though.

The only issue I have with any show like this is this... "There were notable influences from all forms of car culture to be found; from track-inspired builds"

if it looks like its meant for track then use it on track!!

3

Jay_TrackAddict I don't agree, visual inspiration can be taken from anywhere. At first I didn't see the point in track-day tyres, full cages and harnesses if the car wasn't going to see action, but if that's the aesthetic that the owner aspires to create then who is anyone else to judge their tastes? Keeping an open mind is pretty important I think.

4

Not gunna lie, Laughed a few times at "VAG" hahaha great pictures.

5

Any possibility of more details about the K70 W8 swap? Really interested to see the engineering involved & I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person thinking this. Thanx

6

P.S. Am I the only one who doesn't understand why people like these wheels? They just look goofy.

7

markforza It's literally only just been finished before the show, but we'll have a full feature on it later in the year for sure.

8

CharlesChris15 It's quite the misfortunate acronym.

9

CharlesChris15 some people like the prius. So, opinions i guess?

10

Truth be told even the owner might not really like them either, but it helps to get people talking about the car if that happens to be the builders main goal.
I'm not saying that is why this builder chose these wheels, chances are the owner probably loves them.. My point is just that it can and does happen these days, where any reaction on social media can serve as advertising, be it good or bad.
To me they sit right between love and hate, they don't ruin the car but I wouldn't ever rock a set myself.

11
turbo BEAMS ae86

VW scene = spend $1000s for reddit upvotes

12

Everything you posted looked great but this one stood out for me due to it's simplicity and the simple, effective stance and wheel/tire combo: http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/15070732/DSC_9409.jpg

Do you recall the wheel tire size? At first I thought they might have been 17's but realize the Golf/Rabbit was a small vehicle and realized they are likely 15's.

13

Actually that is any scene. JDM, retro, drift.

14

Need a full feature of the carbon drag jetta. I've always had a spot for wrong wheel drive dragsters.

15

Some love some hate. That W8 K70 is insane, and the vid I've seen of it launching is soooo gooood, the sound is orgasmic. The RS6 wagon is also perfection, my absolute dream car! Love all the old MK1 Golf's and Polo's etc too!

However, the fad of putting some giant tool on your wheel just to make sure everyone knows they're centrelocks has got to stop, as does the fad of supercar brakes on cars with sub-100hp, nup, not cool IMO.

16

rook56 Unfortunately you're right these days....it's spread far and wide. Sad really.

17

CharlesChris15 Zero lip is shite. I agree.

18

markforza Look up @pipey_mcgraw on instagram

19

Thanx Guys! Appreciate the replies

20

Vw scene usually gets a bad rep at times when it comes to the ''Cookie-Cutter builds'' and Air-Ride, but lot's of times some owners will never admit they like the fame and attention they get. Not to say that's wrong but, I just let them do them as long as they enjoy it.

21

I'd probably never own a VAG car but I sometimes buy VAG magazines to get inspiration for my Ford. The innovation and attention to detail in some of these builds (particularly the older models) is incredible.

22
turbo BEAMS ae86

Jordan_Butters Jay_TrackAddict " who is anyone else to judge their tastes?"  everyone?? they put it in car show???

23

vw in everything

24

More pictures of the bronze Skoda Fabia, please :)

25

@turbo BEAMS ae86 Jordan_Butters Jay_TrackAddict I dont judge anyone's taste in cars, I can't like everything I see but I can certainly appreciate the time, money & effort that goes into it. What works for me might not work for you. Its also great to see someone taking pride and having a passion for cars. A car enthusiast is same whether is stance or track in my book.

I just don't like seeing a car sat still that looks like its meant for a track, cages, sticky rubber, fixed bucket seats...  I'd have so much more love for the car if I saw it on two wheels hopping over a curb. Its great to see them on show as well, I love poking around under the bonnet and checking out what mods have been done but I just want the owner to drive it and make the most of the R888's and cage.

26

Ekoumvak Really well composed explanation. Thank!

27

What does the G stand for in VAG? It's Volkswagon, Audi, and then what'd the G?

28

Volkswagen Auto Group

29

So. Much. Wrong wheel drive!

30

They're 15" Porsche Fuchs.

31

Trentworth clueless

32

Dude, its a joke...text doesn't communicate tone very well unfortunately.

33

Trentworth Fair enough. But too many people hate on FWD for no real reason.

34

I wished the US had SEAT. I seen stanced ones in South America and I think they look cool. That red and white one needs a feature!

35

SkizurtImports it actually stands for "Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft" which basically translates to "Volkswagen Group" not Volkswagen Audi Group or Volkswagen Auto Group as many are led to believe.

36

That Audi RS6 is gorgeous!

37

Canned opinions, brother. Many don't take time, make effort or are unable to formulate ideas/opinions/well researched conclusions of their own.

38

Isaac C Looks like Jordan actually asked the owner for you!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDBqAotTeqd/

39

Jordan_Butters CharlesChris15 And fun at the same time

40

All part of the service!

41

Nothing getting my attention here. 
Airbags and tucked wheels....ok.

42

kphillips9936 dont forget the horrible wheels lol

43

Not a big fan of vw. But awsome culture there. Great article sir!!

44

My god Jordan. "The whole VW customisation scene has long been closely linked with a sense of anti-establishmentism" this sentence has finally been placed to the drawing I have to the VW scene. The feelings and thoughts in my head have finally been able to culminate into words and so much makes sense now.

Thank you.

In other news, how are the wheels on that W201? The centres are standard W126 items but with polished lips? Clearly massive work done there and it looks the tits!

45

good car for the race and I'm sure very fast http://yakuza4d.com/

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS