All About Cars

If you have a heart for cars, you probably would have appreciation for the classic cars that are going to be showcased at the 12th annual George Old Car Show during the weekend of 2 and 3 February 2008 at PW Botha Kollege in George.

“This is one of the biggest motor shows in the country and one of the highlights for car lovers. This old car show is unique in the way that cars do regular rallies so that the public can see them even better”, explains Mike Alexander, Chairperson of the South Cape Old Car Club.

He adds, “The South Cape Old Car Club started the show because we wanted to safeguard our heritage. We want to show people these old and classic cars from history and create an interest. We aim to establish the importance of looking after old cars that would have been lost other wisely. We also find that having the show positively influence the restoration levels of these old cars”.

Exhibitors of more than 800 old cars are expected from as far as Harrismith, Upington, East London, Johannesburg and Cape Town. There will be Cadillacs, Buicks, Borgwards, Plymouths, Citroens, Packards, Hupmobiles, Studebakers, DKWs, Mercedes Benzs, Lotuses, Fords, Chevrolets, Volkswagens and English sport cars such as Jaquars, MGs, Austins, Morrises, Triumphs and other classics. The show also have tractors, trucks and motorbikes from years ago and the very popular model car exhibition attracting many spectators and eager collectors will be an attraction again.

Of the highlights of last year were the 15 Model T Fords that date from 1911 and 1927, 33 Borgwards from 50 years ago, 46 Chevrolets models all manufactured between the 20’s and 70’s. The1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost with the nick name “Lady Moonpenny” was one of the special entries. The biggest One make clubs were Mercedes Benz that exhibited 88 cars and Volkswagen with its 51 models.

Any person with a car, motorcycle or tractor older than 1970, car collector of Marquee clubs or One-make clubs or a classic and special car is welcome to register as an exhibitor. “All are welcome, whether you own a veteran or vintage car or enjoy looking at these old machines. We aim to attract more than 800 proud owners to George to brag with their shining spotless machines from the past 100 years. The oldest entry over the past 10 years was a 1901 Mercedes Benz”, Alexander invites.

“Although we strive to keep the focus on the old cars we will have entertainment for the whole family in the form of a play park for the children, a flea market and a beer tent. Gates will open at 08:00 on Saturday, 2 February and entrance fees will be R25 for adults and R10 for children”, explains Alexander.

The South Cape Old Car Club always donates and a part of the profit is to a beneficiary in the George Community. Previous beneficiaries were Life Community Services, Lyttleton Hospice en JJ Watson Old Age Home.