Old Car Show to celebrate silver jubilee

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - Petrolheads had better reserve 12 and 13 February 2022 in their diaries - these are the dates of the George Old Car Show's silver jubilee, set to take place at Eden Technical High School.

Details of the event were announced last Friday, 3 December, at the Protea Hotel King George. The announcement was as attended by various stakeholders, including Dirk Wessels, mayoral committee member for finances and strategic planning.

The annual event could not take place this year due to Covid-19.

Next year's Old Car Show will be the 25th iteration. The first one was held in 1996. As one of the most popular events on the George calendar, it attracts not only locals, but also visitors from all over South Africa.

Photo gallery: George Old Car Show's silver jubilee in February 2022

Excitement is already running high for next year's show. With the Covid pandemic casting a shadow of uncertainty over all planned events, organisers have backup plans in case the Old Car Show cannot be held in February. If necessary, it can be moved to April, and if spectators or visitors are not allowed, a big private party will be held for owners of veteran vehicles.

Wessels said the Old Car Show is a flagship event and is on the municipality's list of important strategic events in George. The municipality provides logistical support during the show.

At the announcement ceremony, chairperson of the George Old Car Show Alewijn Dippenaar said the theme for next year's show is "The Southern Cape Old Car Club". He said there is no reason to believe that Covid-19 is going to disappear, so we must find solutions.

He said there are different reasons why people like old cars. They have style and unique character and features. Modern cars are easy to drive, but old cars require special skills. He said old cars generate a lot of interest and when people see one, they tend to stay around and talk about it.

The old cars are stylish and simple and their drivers don't have all the driving aids available in modern cars, therefore old cars create better drivers. Drivers of old cars must be much more aware of what is going on around them.

Dippenaar said old cars are a valuable piece of history for South Africa and the world.

He later told George Herald that cars made up to 1974 are classified as veteran / old cars. Cars dating from 1975 onwards can also participate, but will be accommodated in another section of the show.

The organisers hope to attract at least 800 old cars to the 2022 show. The DKW club has indicated that they will bring 25 cars. A group called the Thunder Tours plans to bring 80 cars to the show, driving from Pretoria via Bloemfontein, Montagu and Oudtshoorn to finish in George at the time of the show.

Entries are already open and will close on Friday 4 February 2022. For more information, send an e-mail to info@scocc.co.za.

Gerhard Hoepfner and Japie van Rooyen with a 1930 Ford. Photos: Eugene Gunning