Hessisch Oldendorf 2026 - A Weekend to Remember
November 2, 2026
Some weekends stay with you long after you’ve packed up and headed home, and for us as the Carter Brothers, Hessisch Oldendorf 2026 was definitely one of them.
Volkswagens have always been about more than just cars to us. They’re about the people you meet, the friendships you build, the places they take you and the memories you make along the way. It’s a passion that has played a huge part in our lives and helped shape everything we’ve built with Cool Flo.
So, to be back in Hessisch Oldendorf after four years, surrounded by thousands of people who share that same passion, was something pretty special.
The buzz of the crowd around the official merchandise and registration booth.
The 9th International Vintage Volkswagen Show was everything we’d hoped for and more. The streets were packed with incredible Volkswagens, old friends, new faces and enthusiasts who had travelled from all corners of the world.
Some unreal examples in attendance, with our good friend Rikki James heading up the displays.
With over 900 registered vehicles, more than 40,000 visitors and people from over 35 countries, HO26 was a fantastic reminder of just how far this community reaches.
Attendees from over 35 countries!
First morning of the show and opening of the Cool Flo store and HO26 registration.
When we first started Cool Flo, we had no idea where the journey would take us. We certainly never imagined we’d one day become the official event merchandise partner for Hessisch Oldendorf.
The Cool Flo crew welcomes new arrivals to the show.
The conversations, the familiar faces, the people travelling thousands of miles to be there and the excitement around the weekend are what make it all worthwhile. It’s easy to get caught up in the planning, the late nights and the hard work, but moments like these remind us exactly why we started Cool Flo in the first place.
This year, we also wanted to bring something a little different to our involvement. Alongside producing the official merchandise, we set ourselves the ambitious challenge of attempting a world record by bringing together the largest gathering of first-year production 1950 Volkswagen buses in one place. And where better to attempt it than at one of the world’s most internationally attended vintage Volkswagen gatherings?
A record-breaking line-up of 1950 buses. Seven in fact, and a new world record!
With seven fantastic buses lining up at the main entrance, right by the registration office, the display created a brilliant welcome to the show and went down a storm. Seeing these early buses together in one place was something special, and we were proud to help bring the idea to life.
The Carter Bros of Cool Flo, super proud of breaking the world record.
Of course, the real stars of Hessisch Oldendorf were the vehicles and their owners. From beautifully preserved originals to incredibly rare examples of Volkswagen history, the quality and variety on display were amazing. Every vehicle had a story, and the passion and dedication behind them never cease to impress us.
26.5 hours, 1217 km. Bengt and Thomas drove all the way from Sweden. In fact, this bus is the 2nd oldest known in the world!
And then, just when we thought the weekend couldn’t get much better, we picked up a trophy for our own 1950 bus! That was the icing on the cake and made an already unforgettable weekend even more special.
The Cool Flo team collecting the trophy for the Cool Flo 50.
A massive thank you to the Grundmann family and their entire team for the incredible amount of work that goes into making this event happen, and for trusting Cool Flo with the official merchandise once again. To everyone who stopped by, picked up some merchandise, shared a story or simply came over to say hello, thank you. Your support means more than you probably realise.
Scottie from Cool Flo with Traugott and Christian Grundmann, the masterminds behind the HO26 event.
We headed home with brilliant memories, plenty of stories and an even greater appreciation for the community we’re lucky enough to be part of.
The Carter Bros in the HO26 Cool Flo shop: Darren, Scott and Jamie (from right to left).
Hessisch Oldendorf 2026, you were something else. Roll on 2030!
The Carter Brothers & all the Cool Flo crew.
Autos. Culture. Music.
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