It’s mid-August and I’m back at dawn in Lower Manhattan watching the steady arrival of vintage Volkswagens. Pretty soon there’s a collection of bugs, busses and Ghia’s qued up for a spot on the first ferry. This part of city is usually desolate on Sunday mornings and it was fun to see the reactions of sleepy eyed Staten Island ferry riders emerging to see this crazy looking traffic jam.

The friendliness of this VW community again got me a lift on the ferry. The sub ten minute ride means the opportunity for photos is fleeting. Once docked on Governors Island, the air-cooled parade drove down to the southern tip, aka Picnic Point.

Gridlock is the only car show held on Governors Island and affords a unique venue to see a range of vintage VWs against a backdrop including the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. There are no bridges to the island, the only way for vehicle transit is by boat. Michael Hoddinott, owner of a pristine cream colored VW Beetle has been leading the planning and logistical efforts of the event for years.

The overwhelming majority of participants are Beetle and Bus owners. But there’s typically representation of VW less popular vintage models. For 2026 this included a few VW Things, Type 3s (both square and slant backs) and Karmann Ghias (convertible and hardtops)

One element that’s never in short supply at this event is good vibes. I think that’s partially down to the friendly character that this era of VWs project. It’s a characteristic of contemporary VW vehicles that’s been completely drained away. The current design language has drifted into the vortex of anonymous styling, giant grilles and fake vents. I don’t think the way forward is another churn through retro history, but I’d like to see a rediscovery and modern take on joyful practicality, a trait at the core of the Volkswagen brand for so long.

Photos and Text: Dave Pinter