Social partnerships the golden thread that turns George Old Car Show into top-level event

GEORGE NEWS - The success of the annual George Old Car Show (GOCS) is cemented by the involvement of social partners.

According to head organiser, Alewijn Dippenaar, the active participation of these organisations is one of the main factors that make the event so unique.

“Our social partners aren’t beneficiaries sitting at home awaiting their cheque. They are actively involved in executing the show - being a part of it by working closely with all operators.”

Social partners include Carpe Diem School, Glenwood House School, the Laerskool Blanco tennis club, Firstcare Wildfire Support, Round Table, the Vryburgers and more. “They come to the party by trying to sell as many tickets and products as possible,” says Dippenaar.

“They help with parking and crowd control and are an active ingredient to keep the blood line running throughout the show. Rather than the norm of passive beneficiaries, these partners are active participants that make up the social fabric to raise money for a variety of charities.”

Photo: Herman Pieters

This year the 29th edition of this massive team effort attracted more than 9 000 guests who poured through the gates at Eden Technical High School to experience the George Old Car Show (GOCS) on Valentine’s Day.

The hosts - the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC) - were joined by dozens of fellow organisers and hundreds of volunteers to welcome exhibitors from all corners of the country and even a handful of foreign participants.

Elon Musk would blush

On the subject of variety, the GOCS presents a diversity of vehicles second to none. This year, cars from the very start of the motor industry brushed sides with models that would make present-day hybrid-car pioneer Elon Musk blush.

Photo: Herman Pieters

An 1886 three-wheel Motorwagen was the oldest car on show. Albeit a replica, it’s built well enough to take passengers for a drive and fascinating that it could be a working model on this year’s Vet Tour. This prequel to the motor show departed Prince Albert on 13 February, boasting a fleet of 33 cars and seven motorcycles.

Mercedes Benz models on display spanned the century from 1926 onwards - a range in era and engine that was seen in many different marques.

This is what makes the GOCS so special: a variety that’s simply unheard of. With cars dating from 1886 to 2026, the event showcased 140 years of motoring and truly celebrated pioneers of the automotive industry.

Photo: Herman Pieters

Another key ingredient of the GOCS is that each exhibitor - whether it’s an old, new or model car, a stationary engine, tractor, or motor-related stall - went the extra 10 miles to ensure that everything they brought to the show was in immaculate shape.

Even with hundreds of people asking questions throughout show day, exhibitors were more than willing to share the stories of where they got their cars and other collectables. So, a veritable encyclopaedia of knowledge is gathered at a single venue for one memorable day, and this rare information readily shared.

Photo: Herman Pieters

Economic impact

When it comes to official support, Dippenaar says that both Garden Route District and George Local Municipality have reached a stage where they need no convincing, figures or statistics as proof of the GOCS’s benefit to tourism and the economy.

“It’s a given that the economic contribution to the town and region is exceptional. This year, stallholders from Hermanus joined lots of other first-time exhibitors. They travel back to their hometowns and tell everyone what they’d experienced, which is of immense tourism value.”

Dippenaar adds that apart from local and district bureaux, they were joined by teams from Hessequa, Swellendam and Mossel Bay tourism offices. “Even SanParks was on site and shared beautiful stories about opportunities that the district is offering.

Photo: Herman Pieters

“Whether exhibitor, stallholder or funder, everyone played their part. About 2 000 people actively formed part of the show including vendors at snuffelstalletjies, food and motor-related stalls. They tell their friends and families that George and surrounds is the best place for a holiday!”

Taking responsibility for their products with the same gusto are the GOCS industry partners. “We don’t have sponsors, but rather role-players that take pride in promoting and creating awareness for their products,” says Dippenaar.

“They don’t expect the show or club to take responsibility, but piggyback on the event to showcase their wares. Having industry partners instead of sponsors, you buy into a winning team that refuse to shift accountability. They use this exciting and colourful platform to woo overseas and local visitors. Our industry partners are co-responsible and co-accountable.”

Photo: Herman Pieters

Thank you

The SCOCC thanks the following fine institutions for their contributions: MUA Insurance, Protea Hotel King George Marriott, George Municipality and Tourism, Castle Lager and Coca Cola, JPS Spares, George Herald, AlgoaFM, MTN, Midas, Shield Racing, MyGlass, Auto Pavilion, Tyremart, CMB, TAG, Kazin, Brent on Fire, SOUTH magazine and Garden Route Mall.

Finally, Dippenaar pays tribute to everyone willing to collect, restore and display something from the past. “By doing that, they make accessible a timeframe and a part of history that most people won’t be able to experience.

Photo: Herman Pieters

“When looking back at the 2026 George Old Car Show, its importance in the context of the automative industry is clear. Apart from their production years, cars can be classified into three categories: ‘Before my time’, ‘In my time’, and ‘Living the now’.

“In my time refers to people who can recall a car that was part of the era they lived in - perhaps a particular car remembered with nostalgia. In 25 years from now, the ‘In my time’ relationship would have disappeared. By 2050, very few people will be alive to claim that a specific car was part of their era, considering our display of pre-1970 cars.

“Within a quarter century from now, no one will be able visit the show and say, ‘In my time’. After 2050, all cars on display would be ‘before my time’. This is what makes it so important to give recognition and appreciation to those willing to maintain these cars and bring them to life during the George Old Car Show.”

Photo: Herman Pieters