Words and Photos by Curtis Coughlin
Over the last 36 years, the cass river banks in Frankenmuth Michigan have been lined with classic cars for Autofest the first weekend in September. But in more recent years, another show on the banks has been growing, held the weekend following Autofest. Northern Wothersee European car show has been growing by the year since 2013. The show hosted around 50 cars in its first year in 2013 to over 300 cars in attendance in 2019. With many more spectators and sponsors, the show was cursed by rain for many years but has never stopped the show from happening. It was know as “rainwo” for the first few years but the luck has changed and the last two years, the weather has been sunny and the show has grown exponentially in attendance in quality of builds and cars attending.
With Northern Worthersee being the one of the only European car events on the east side of Michigan it goes to show the dedication and hard work it takes to make these shows happen. With a location like Frankenmuth known for all things German, it’s no wonder the show has stood the test of time.
There has always been a Canadian presence at the show and this year was no exception. One of my favorites was Kyle Pearson’s bagged GLI Mk4. He’s owned the car since 2015, bought it relatively stock and began modifying it immediately. The end result is amazing. One of my favorite cars I’ve seen sporting a paint matched roof box because you need all that storage when you have show car goods in trunk. He tells me next in store for the car is a big turbo setup and motor build. He went home with 2nd best VW in show.
Another Canadian attendee Matt Lutsch and his static Tiffany blue Mk5 GTI sitting on rotiform 3 piece BWE wheels. From the paint to the interior, Matt has done all the work on this car himself. This is one eye catching car for sure. He also said it has “Stage 2+ unitronic tune with catless downpipe/straight pipe, bunch of other shit too not gonna list off lol”. He took home 3rd most unique and best form over function. Both in my opinion define this car perfectly. This car serves no purpose but to turn heads and blind you. He tells me that he has driven it more than 500km to shows before but didn’t want to risk driving it on Michigan roads so he trailered it and I can’t blame him. It fell victim to the famous covered bridge in town the day of the show getting stuck on exit.
Johnny Fletchers Corrado made it to the show against all odds. This car gave him all sorts of issues leading up to Northern Worthersee. He was at my house the night before the show at 6pm saying he was towing his car home due to an ignition fire upon reassembling his car after being painted. 15 minutes later I got a message that he got it to crank. and that there was still hope of making the show. This is only one of the many issues he had, but you will have to ask him yourself to get all the details. Nonetheless, I was relieved to see it sitting on the show field when I pulled in that morning to say the least. His car has been dubbed “stupid white car” in our circle of friends out of love. This car always puts up a fight to make it to shows but Johnny always pulls it off with just some help from his friends, a lot of determination and long nights. You may have seen this car in past years but changes to note are the brand new pearlescent white paint, face mounted gold bbs wheels and polished accents. Johnny won the Munk’s Motors people’s choice award, Best VW and 3rd in Forum>Function.
Ben Beacocks custom Volkswagen Scirocco took home best in show. Being a custom rear engine 24v VR6 with a 6speed, it was well deserved. He’s owned the car since 1994 and started the rear engine swap in 2005 it was completed in 2018. He’s been taking it to a few meet ups, shows and has seen track time at Grattan raceway over the past 2 years. I was at the gate when he pulled in and I was very curious to what was under the hatch. One look at the rear of this car makes a statement alone. And that is “what is that?”
Other unique vehicles to mention are Joey Jacobs Audi A4 avant with avant trailer. The trailer isn’t completed yet, but it ended up taking home most unique, rightfully so.
Franks Hot Dog Volkswagen Bus is another one. I spoke with Frank himself briefly while grabbing some cold drinks. The truck been serving food to hungry construction workers and show goers for over 15 years. I asked where his registration number was, he said he didn’t get one but he’s going to register as a show vehicle next year and not just be a food vendor.
This show is very special to me and my wife. It is it the first show we attended together and the show that introduced me to many people I consider lifelong friends and my second family. Northern Worthersee 2019 may be over but the best part is, it’ll be back next September with greater numbers, more great stories and hopefully more beautiful weather. Until next year Auf Wiedersehen.
-Curtis Coughlin @stancedynamics
