Old Car Show has huge economic impact

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The magnitude of the economic impact of the 2025 George Old Car Show was highlighted at a thank you event for sponsors held on Tuesday evening at 'die Benz', where the Old Car Club's clubhouse is located.

"Over and over this is not just an event to bring car enthusiasts together to show the world the value of history and old cars, but it is also a show that makes a huge socio-economic and tourism contribution to our town," said show committee chairperson Alewijn Dippenaar.

The marketing value of the show is estimated at close to R4m. On top of this, visitors spent more than R2,5m on accommodation, and if only 500 vehicles fuelled up in George, it adds another R0,5m spent locally. Dippenaar said the turnover of the stalls was anything between R400 000 and R600 000. More than R0,5m also went to local service providers in George for services such as toilets, security, electrical work, fencing, and more.

There were more than 150 volunteers who were paid, and payment was also made to Glenwood House School, that handled the ticket sales locally instead of an outside company. Various charities in total received more than R300 000.

Southern Cape Old Car Club chairperson and co-organiser Dr Waldo Scribante said most of the cars exhibited came from outside the Southern Cape - 25% was from George, 25% from surrounding towns, and 50% from the rest of the Western Cape (the biggest contributor), the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and other areas.

Committee members of the Southern Cape Old Car Club, from left: Japie van Rooyen, Willie van Zyl, Chris and Rensche Kuhn and Pierre Marlherbe (back).

"The exhibitors return year after year, enjoying the wonderful nostalgia evoked by the event and the solidarity they experience," said Scribante.

He said the show would not be possible without the contribution and enthusiasm of the sponsors and volunteers.

Old Car Club vice-chairperson Philip Kuschke said the show is so popular that some overseas visitors even plan their holidays here around the show. "Next year, we will be celebrating 140 years of the car in South Africa."

The next George Old Car Show will be held on 14 February 2026.

Group Editors CEO Servaas de Kock (left) with the chairperson of the organising committee of the George Old Car Show, Alewijn Dippenaar.

Adell du Plessis of Tyremart with Southern Cape Old Car Club vice-chairperson Philip Kuschke

A few sponsors, from left: Nikki du Toit (Lekker in George), Angelique Strydom (Radio Algoa), Mich Prinsloo (Group 1 - Cherry George), Jacques Herselman (Tavcor), Yolanda Herselman and Rickus Strydom (Luniscape).