California Dreaming
Flower power, peace, hippies and Woodstock
“Oh Lord won’t you buy me … a Mercedes-Benz …” – the 1970 hit by Janis Joplin – almost a flamboyant closing chapter to many years of Flower Power. Even if she sings about almost the “wrong” brand for the dropouts of the 1960s and 1970s. It was the era of Woodstock, VW Bullis, beach buggies, the Mamas & Papas, Fleetwood Mac, and boundless freedom. Whether in Ibiza, San Francisco or Goa.
We look forward to hippie cars and colourfully painted, alternative vehicles. From Pril flowers to peace symbols. From Beetles and VW buses to classic estates and convertibles full of Sixties flair … and of course, it’s important that the occupants of the vehicles radiate the spirit of the era too.
From the peace movement to colourful lifestyle
The good old T1 Bullis were already showing their age, but as used vehicles they were perfect and reliable for long journeys, escape and a free-spirited life under the southern sun.
Vehicles of freedom
A new movement needed the right vehicles: camper vans, motorhomes, colourfully painted VW Beetles, trailers with “Peace” and “Love” symbols, Volvo Amazons with roof racks, old Mustangs – or why not a classic Mercedes-Benz Strich-8, perhaps adorned with a painted or stickered Rolling Stones tongue on the bonnet. (Fun fact: this design was created by a student named John Pasche in early 1970 as a poster motif and logo for the Stones’ upcoming European tour.)
Willkommen in der „Kommune“
Let’s start with a batik blouse on a frayed denim skirt and a straw hat with daisies between your teeth, hippie clothes and flower child dresses – preferably with Pril flowers. And as you know, hippie comes from “hip” = trendy! With “California Dreaming,” the “Kommune Grand Meeting” opens with lots of fun and ease, inviting all owners of crazy cars and beautiful picnic decorations who want to reminisce about the hippie era to the Grand Meeting. The theme fits the generation in which Ginsberg coined the term “flower power” in 1965.
Anything goes here
Vehicles up to model year 1975 are permitted. Colourful paintwork or decals are (almost) mandatory – but period-appropriate clothing on the owners is absolutely essential! We look forward to colourful and individual vehicles, and a fun, fashionable, free-spirited and peaceful group of participants, accompanied by plenty of hair, Scott McKenzie, and Beatles music.
