There is nothing quite like the sound of a flat-four engine echoing off the cliffs of Clarence Drive. Our February run to Rooiels was a masterclass in coastal cruising, proving once again why the VW classic car lifestyle is so addictive. We gathered in Plattekloof under clear skies, the fleet looking vibrant and ready to inject some energy into every town we passed.

Clarence Drive: Where the Atlantic Meets the Air-Cooled

Dave Rowley of Flat Four Racing with his VW classic Beetle at the Wild Buggers club run.
The legendary Dave Rowley from Flat Four Racing also joined us for the morning in his beautifully maintained VW classic Beetle. As a true celebrity in the air-cooled community and a master of VW engineering, having Dave in the convoy is like having a walking encyclopedia of Beetle history with us. It’s not every day you get to cruise alongside the best in the business!

As we hit the R44, the real magic began. Clarence Drive is arguably one of the most scenic roads in the world, and seeing a long convoy of beach buggies and Beetles winding between the rugged mountains and the Atlantic Ocean is a sight to behold. This route never fails to impress, and the perfect weather made it a dream for every VW classic car in the group.

The drive was smooth, with the unmistakable spirit of the Wild Buggers keeping everyone in high spirits. We took our time to soak in the views, making sure the convoy stayed tight and the engines stayed cool. It’s these drives that remind us why we spend so many hours in the garage—it’s all for that feeling of freedom on the open road.

Pitstops and Pub Grub at the Drummond Arms

Every great run needs a great destination, and Rooiels delivered. We pulled into the charming Drummond Arms, where the delightful atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for a long lunch. The anticipation for a good meal was high, but the real highlight was the camaraderie among the members.

We spent the afternoon sharing laughs and reflecting on the journey. Whether you were driving a pristine VW classic car or a rugged “work in progress” buggy, the feeling of belonging was the same. We even had a few unexpected pitstops along the way that just added to the joy of the day—because in this club, the journey is always as important as the destination.

Join the Next Scenic Adventure

If you missed out on the coastal spray and the mountain views, don’t worry—the Wild Buggers are just getting started. We have plenty more scenic routes and breakfast runs planned for the season. If you have a passion for air-cooled engines and great company, there’s always a seat (or a parking spot) for you.


Relive the Rooiels Run and Plan Your Next Trip!

The photos from Clarence Drive are some of our best yet, capturing the essence of the day perfectly.

  • Check the Gallery: See the convoy against the ocean in the Rooiels Coastal Run Photo Album.
  • Drive With Us: Ready to take your VW classic car for a coastal spin? Visit our Next Event page for the latest updates!

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ANTON KLEYN