Golden oldies a tourist magnet

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GEORGE NEWS - A surprisingly large number of visitors from the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand made the journey to the Garden Route for the 24th George Old Car Show last weekend.

Among them was a Canadian couple, Eric and Linda Edwards, who shipped their 1911 Model-T Ford to join 15 other veteran cars (built before the end of 1918) in the 2020 Veteran Tour (Vettoer) from Albertinia to George.

"It's the second consecutive year the Edwardses have toured with us," said Phillip Rosser, a member of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC). "We get a lot of calls from enthusiasts in other countries who ask for show dates to plan their holiday."

With about 12 500 visitors through the gates at the sports grounds of Eden Technical High School, SCOCC chairman Mike Alexander said the show remains a once-a-year occasion for old car lovers to meet, network and simply enjoy spending time together. "For the first time the SCOCC had their own ten,t which afforded members the opportunity to spend quality time together as a club."

Over 900 vehicles participated in the show, with more than 100 bakkies forming the centre display. This year the Mopar Owner's Club celebrated 60 years since the first Valiant was built in South Africa, while next year at the 25th George Old Car Show scheduled for 13 to 14 February, it's Borgward's turn. Between 80 and 90 owners and their Bogwards are expected next time round.

A 1959 Coupe Cabriolet Borgward attracts the attention of a German car lover, Michael Terme, who said he loved the "topless ones" best. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

The Trader Auctions auction had 26 vehicles on offer, most of which were sold. The model vehicles attracted considerable interest and stall holders were extremely satisfied with their sales figures.

Click here for a photo gallery.

Alexander thanked the sponsors - the media sponsor George Herald, the George Municipality for their financial support, Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George, Click-on-it, CMB George, Midas and SAB. Special thanks were extended to Waldo and René Scribante of the Scribs Benzeum (car museum) - which he called "the very embodiment of what the SCOCC represents" - for their huge contribution.

See the CARmag supplement in this week's paper for more photographs.

Ockert and Dienkie van der Berg with their wooden 1915 Model T Ford.
Photo: Michelle Pienaar