I’d like to think that the term ‘petrolhead’ is a unifying identifier.
That being, that if any two petrolheads were to find themselves in each other’s company then they could strike up a lengthy conversation with ease. It’s certainly a trait that I see in myself; if you’re interested in cars in any way, shape or form, then we’ll probably hit it off pretty well.
With this in mind, if you assemble a gathering of said individuals, with a wide selection of very cool cars, throw in some sunshine, good music and BBQ food into the mix, I’d say you’ve got a formula for a great day.
That’s exactly what happened this past Sunday at Meguiar’s UK HQ in Daventry, Northamptonshire.
I’d go as far as to say that if you’re into cars, then this is what Sundays were made for.
The invite stated that proceedings kicked off at around 10:00am, and promised a free swag bag to the first 50 cars to park up. However, it also asked kindly for people not to show up before 10. Arriving at the right time would be a fine balancing act.
Obviously wanting to nab some Meguiar’s goodies, yet not wanting to seem too keen, I nonchalantly rolled in at 10:05am, only to be told that around 70 cars were already parked up.
Note to self: next year don’t try and play it so cool.
Meguiar’s has been hosting its annual BBQ Club for a few years now, but this is the first year I’ve made it over for the event. To be honest, it’s the way it’s approached that has always intrigued me.
The Meguiar’s BBQ Club isn’t a car show, but rather an invite-only gathering of friends, family and cool cars from around the UK. The exact date of the event is kept hush hush too, and invitees are even forbidden to mention it on social media until the day of the event.
Odd, you might think, that in the days where everything is striving to become bigger and bolder that Meguiar’s don’t seek to expand the BBQ Club into a full-blown show.
However in doing so, I think they’d lose the one thing that this special day has over other similar affairs – the good vibes.
There’s none of the hustle and bustle of a busy show, and you’re not constantly fighting agains the ebb and flow of the crowd around the most popular cars.
And the food is great. I mean, give me cool cars and burgers and I’m a happy man.
Oh, and an abundance of lovely dogs to pester. Can’t get enough of doggos.
All You Can EatWith this year’s BBQ Club being announced on the same day as the FittedUK event in Manchester, I had wondered whether the turnout was going to be affected. While I’m sure there were some absences, they still managed to cram around 100 cars into the small parking lot at Meguiar’s HQ, with only a small overflow onto the surrounding roads.
The variety was something to be admired too. From hopping hydraulic low-riders to JDM track machines, super-low Golfs on polished three-piece wheels to custom hot rods.
This might well be the first time a hot-pink slammed 964 has been in the same presence as an originally restored and completely immaculate classic Austin?
You’d struggle to assemble a more eclectic mix of vehicles if you’d hand-picked them yourself.
Inside the loading bay, the Forge Motorsport Mk1 Golf was sitting in the detailing booth, looking pristine yet ever so menacing at the same time.
This is the first time I’ve seen it in its latest guise since Paddy spotlighted it earlier this month. Pulling off a livery as iconic as the John Player Special black and gold isn’t easy, but Forge have managed it immaculately in my eyes.
In contrast to the wild modifications on the Forge Golf, the warehouse also hosted a handful of lovingly restored cars in original, or almost-original guise. While I’ve not got anywhere near enough patience to handle a restoration like this myself, I’ve got a lot of time for the people who do. Getting to look around these cars in near-showroom condition is like stepping into a time machine.
Back outside, even more cars continued to show up throughout the day.
I’m very much into my performance Audis at present, so seeing this Nogaro Blue S2 saloon was a real treat.
As was this deep green, slammed B5 RS4 Avant. The gold Rotiform wheels work perfectly against this hue.
Keeping it Euro and retro, this E28 had apparently just been finished before the meet. Photos don’t do justice to just how immaculately prepared this thing was.
Speaking of clean, this Mk2 Golf was also insane. I shot a small spotlight on this to bring you later in the week.
There was plenty of Eastern inspiration too. While Jay from Players Show was up north at the FittedUK event, the Players Datsun made an appearance. The want for a retro Z-car is strong.
This bright red kouki 180SX stood out too. While I’m a firm believer in using cars for their intended purpose, it’s great to see a Nissan that hasn’t been destroyed by drifting. I think tidy S13s will actually command a strong premium one day.
Mazda fans were appeased too, with this Rocket Bunny FD3S Mazda RX-7 in attendance, sitting over a set of Work Wheels with ridiculous dish. Love it or hate it, if there was ever a look that encompasses the last five years in car modifying trends, I’d say this is it.
Mark Riccioni’s RX-7 was also tucked away at the back. From the videos I’ve seen, this thing sounds awesome on boost. I still need a passenger ride, Mark!
Burgers ‘n’ BurnoutsThose seeking a little Americana wouldn’t have been disappointed either. My buddy Ash showed up in his very German car with a very American heart. I was riding passenger with Ash on a track day when its S54 lost all of its smoke in spectacular fashion, so it’s great to see it back out there again with a new beating heart.
This Chevrolet pickup was a late entry to the meet, but soon drew a crowd. The contrasting patina paint, immaculate chromed engine bay and rustic rear deck held my attention for a good period of time. Each of the trunks in the back opened up to reveal extra hidden details about the build. Very cool.
Max from MMR rolled up in one of my favourite cars from the day – this gloss black ‘70 Dodge Charger. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these before in the metal and it didn’t disappoint.
While it’s not a car show, the Meguiar’s team handed out a handful of awards and goodies for their favourite cars throughout the day, including an Air Lift Performance 3P kit for one lucky winner. How cool are these trophies? Good enough to eat…
Fed, watered, entertained and feeling chilled, there were smiles all round.
This is exactly what I love about car culture – no matter what you’re into or where you’re from, we’ve all got one thing in common. It breaks down barriers and brings us together.
The motive for heading down and spending the day at Meguiar’s is simply to enjoy some cars, chat to people and tuck in to some good BBQ food in the sunshine.
There’s no merch stall, no exiting through the gift shop, and no sales tactics to get you to buy products. It’s a day off for the Meguiar’s staff as much as it is everyone else.
When the time came for us to go our separate ways, naturally there’s only ever one way to leave this party. The bigger the burnout, the better.
A huge thank you to the Meguiar’s team for accommodating us all and creating such a great atmosphere and a day to remember – here’s to BBQ Club 2018…
Jordan Butters
Instagram: jordanbutters
Facebook: Jordan Butters Photography
jordan@speedhunters.com
"Speaking of clean, this Mk1 Golf was also insane. I shot a small spotlight on this to bring you later in the week"
Isn't that a Mk2?
It clearly is. No idea why I typed Mk1 - thanks!
Unless the front end was swapped, that Charger is a 1970 MY. Good article/pics though
And my American car knowledge fails me again.
Great story and pictures but that Charger is a '70. Take the front bumper to the lab.
Damn it. I was pretty close though.
Looks like a super chilled day. The scene would benefit greatly from more events like this.
Excellent article, pictures (especially that 1st pic) and that event.
Like Seriously WTF!!!!! If yourl guys have the time on hand and the passion that drives the Author to do what he does then ii suppose yourl STFU! with your'ls corrections cos bro aint nobody perfect , the Author does a spectacular job i feel and you'rl guys reading an article to correct it other than enjoy it and learn something new is really annoying.
I think you are disproportionately angry. Both of us who said it was different model year said thay we enjoyed the good coverage and pics.
If I ever got the MY wrong on a Euro Capri or Polo etc. Which would probably happen. Id want someone to let me know.
Thats the problem with written communication: inflection is never communicated.
It's cool – I appreciate people taking the time to pick up on errors.
And there are tons of sweet Euro-spec only rareties that I have no clue about. Thats a benefit of enthusiast communities, we can share knowledge.
*Cross-Atlantic fist bump*
Really good day that, well organised by Meguiars! Great read and some great photos! Especially chapter two top photo dc5! Haha!
Guessing the damage on the 180sx's bumper is from great british road bumps rather than skids then Also you gunna gunna do a post on your new steed?
The owner of that Red Kouki S13 does drift it, quite regularly actually, he also has a cool purple S14a that he drifts
In the last photo before the cutting room floor, what is the white coke bodied coupe?
MKII Escort, and in particular, this one: http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/04/riding-around-with-an-armed-escort/
I do have a soft spot for old skool air cooled... Wish more coverage was around for them.
I'm an aircooled fan too. My first car was a '69 Bug.
Butters!!! Its your number one fan nostrathomas Great job on the coverage buddy!! I have a few questions
1. What kind of Audi wagon is that cuz I want one!
2. Unmodified S-chassis will fetch top dollar some day but don't you feel the same way about that chopped up fd3s?
3. The burger on your plate looks pretty good but is that supposed to be a hotdog? lol
Thomas!!
1. The green wagon is a B5 RS4.
2. FD3S are already expensive, and there are far more tatty drift S13s than widebody FDs.
3. Technically it's a sausage not a hotdog. Proper sausage. From Lincolnshire or Cumberland. The sausage to bun ratio is off, however.
Butters!! lol
Thanks for replying and I agree the bun ratio is off BUT it still looks pretty good
Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3.... This was one hell of a fun machine..
Well this is just a disguised Meguairs advert innit? *angry typing intensifies*
All jokes aside sounds like the perfect event and way to spend a few hours on a Sunday morning/afternoon
I've never heard of Meguairs.
The 964 and Austin contrast quite nicely in that photo. Plus whoever owns that red 180 is doing something right, wide fenders and Type X aero. Definitely got that early 2000s style.
Like... I have lived in this town for the past 3 years and never heard of this event, they do a really good job of keeping it hush! Looks like a brilliant day though!
Aw man, in all the aerials I see a Mad Maxian car dressed up, but no close ups.