TIEF IM WALD FINALE 2023

Back in July we headed across the continent and down to southern Germany for one of the best, and the most unique, events we’ve ever witnessed - Tief Im Wald. You know what though? There’s only one thing better than checking out this show once in a season, and that’s doing it twice. So, that’s why we got ourselves back on the road for the last one of 2023, which just so happens to be the last stance show in Europe, period.

Now, if you don’t already know, Tief Im Wald literally translates as ‘in the forest’, and it all kicks off in the Thuringian Forest, near the small city of Suhl. You can think of this event as somewhere between a huge car show and a seriously laid-back meet. Like we said, it’s unique, and in our minds that alone makes it worth another visit.

This time around though, what would we take to display? Well, having driven our R32 Skyline GT-R the last time around, we thought one of our trio of VW trucks would be just the ticket. It would also give us the chance to take part in one of our favourite pastimes – getting an old skool VW out on the German B-roads.

It’s a nice problem to have of course but which Caddy to choose? Well, what with our OG Caddy currently on a container ship to the USA, all set to make an appearance at SEMA Las Vegas this year (yes, really), and our Caddy V2 in the bay being detailed to perfection for the winter season, it was an easy choice. We prepped and loaded the most recent VW Caddy build in the Auto Finesse project fleet. The little white stormer that many of the crew love driving the most.

But that wasn’t all, either. Apart from stacking our VW Transporter with a whole selection of the world’s best detailing products, we even had a little time left over to produce a strictly limited-edition quick detailer that would be only available at this and other Tief Im Wald events…yes that’s how much we love this show and the guys that organise this spectacle of car culture!

Anyway, let’s have a little look as we get out to the forest for the second time this season to prove that life really is better in the woods…

You could call Tief Im Wald a classic stance show, in the sense that it offers all the immaculately slammed motors with impeccable chassis mods and posh wheels you’d expect from any of the best events. But it’s not only that, all the cars on display are classics or modern classics in their own right. In fact, the organisers insist every build must not only be the highest quality out there, but the base cars must be at least 23 years old just to get in the gate… that’s ‘built before the millennium’ to you and me.

But that said, it does bring with it a unique atmosphere. An atmosphere where the cars are older than many of the owners… and we have to say that’s right up our proverbial street.

Anyway, just because they’re retro builds, don’t go thinking there isn’t a massive variety that turns up from all over Europe. In fact, there’s quite a few you’d expect to see, but plenty more that come as quite the surprise.

Here’s a just a few of our favourites and - just because it’s a little hard to gauge the atmosphere and quality of these cars from pictures alone - be sure to check out the video at the top of the page to see even more…

And, it almost goes without saying that one of the best things about this show is that it goes on long into the night. As the sun goes down the sparkly lights come on, giving perhaps the most unique atmosphere that any European event has to offer.

Just because the Euro stance scene is over now doesn't mean that you can't be ready for the next one. In fact, the guys at Tief Im Wald lay on quite a few shows and meets 'deep in the forest' throughout the year. Make sure you check out the Tief Im Wald website for details on what's upcoming in 2024.

Thanks to everyone who attended the show and came by our stand, and we'll look forward to seeing you right here in Germany next time.

In the meantime, you don't have to wait at all to see more top show reports from this season. Nope, just check out the behind the scenes section of our blog.