GEORGE NEWS - Matrics in the Southern Cape have an unfair advantage when it comes to that special ride to the matric farewell venue - the availability of beautiful, well-preserved cars, ranging from antique to vintage to classic.
And whereas many may prefer a chariot fresh off the production line, a discerning posse is aware that George and surrounds house numerous members of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), some of whom own several incredibly cool old cars, often availed for special occasions.
The preservation of our automobile heritage is a subject very close to the heart of Erfenistoer organiser Pierre Olivier, and this year's road trip from 22 to 25 September will once again present an opportunity to expose Western Cape residents to the fine art of automobile preservation.
"Our members are not only obsessed with old cars, but also feel very strongly about the preservation and restoration of cars from days gone by. It is especially satisfying to show the fruits of our painstaking maintenance work to the younger generation," says Olivier.
During September South Africans from all walks of life celebrate Heritage Month, with many an event centering around Heritage Day (aka Braai Day) on 24 September. It's also Tourism Month, and the time of year when the South African Veteran and Vintage Association hosts its National Drive It Day - another event to be enjoyed in the good company of old cars and their owners.
André Fourie's 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Coupe
Erfenistoer 22 is proudly supported by Multi-fine Products, and takes place under the auspices of the SCOCC, which was founded back in 1988. All participants in this year's outride are affiliated with the club, and so share a passion to preserve our motoring history while creating public awareness in the process.
Two of the snazziest cars in this year's line-up must be André Fourie's silver 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Coupe, and Chris van Staden's red 1968 Porche 912 Targa - celebrating its 10th anniversary of participation in this special event.
But these cars are veritable teenagers when compared with some of the more senior models: Gert Albertyn will participate in his 1931 Ford Model A; Waldo and René Scribante in their beloved 1970 280SE 3.5; with Gerhard and Fienie Hoepfner in a 1956 Borgward Isabella.
The fun kicks off at Halfway Toyota in George on 22 September, before heading to Oudtshoorn, De Rust, Prince Albert and Matjiesfontein. Day 2 includes the towns of Ceres, Tulbagh, Porterville, Velddrif and Saint Helena Bay, with Day 3's route leading past Vredenburg, Windmeul, Worcester, Robertson and Montagu. The final day on September 25 will see Erfenistoer drivers return to George via Barrydale, Tradouw Pass, Buffeljagsrivier and Riversdale.
Western Cape residents must take note that this venerable fleet can be admired exclusively during tea stops in Prince Albert, Matjiesfontein, Tulbagh, Saint Helena Bay, Windmeul, and Montagu.
Email mimi@gojipr.net or call 084 583 3144 to find out more.
Gerhard Hoepfner's 1956 Borgward Isabella
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
