MOTORING NEWS - Cars from all corners of the country are making their way to George for this weekend's display of classic, vintage and even ultra-modern engines.
The Southern Cape Old Car Club's flagship annual event, the George Old Car Show, sees a remarkable variety of cars, tractors, and bikes displayed at Eden Technical High School (formerly PW Botha College).
This year hails the 25th anniversary of the show and SCRIB BENZeum is the event's premier partner for the second time running.
The Silver Jubilee gathering is made all the more special since last year's lockdown regulations prevented the show's staging. So GOCS chairman Alewijn Dippenaar and his 35-strong team have ensured an even bigger show terrain this year, with different time slots allowing as many visitors as possible to enjoy the spectacle with all Covid protocols in place.
"About two thousand engines will grace our 6 500 square metre showgrounds this year. The three most important components are old cars, of course; then secondly modes of transports such as tractors, bikes, and military vehicles; and finally, the hot rods, built up, and modern models displayed by 15 different traders," says Dippenaar.
The old car (pre-1975) display is so well supported by clubs and private owners from all over South Africa that a big percentage of the 930 entries date back to before 1939, with the 1913 Benz of Waldo and René Scribante of SCRIBS BENZeum fame being one of the jewels in this display's crown.
Fans of these beautifully restored machines can look forward to famous marques representing most every letter of the alphabet, from Anglias to a Ford Zodiac Sport built in England back in '64. The Borgward Club turned 60 last year and with no fanfare allowed at the time, chose to grace GOCS 2022 with the presence of 40 Borgwards to fête the occasion.
"An old car is not just an old car," explains Dippenaar. "The restoration to its former glory of any classic car is an art, and it takes lots of research to ensure that original parts are procured, and all specs are exactly the same as when the car was originally manufactured.
"Collectors across the globe cooperate to promote the preservation of these motors, and the chance to display the result of years of labour doesn't come around every day. Come show day, each model – be it a vintage lady, quirky tractor or the latest Gelandewagen – will be oiled and polished and looking as impressive as the day it rolled out of the factory," he says.
A moment in time... Michelle Rae Rademan sitting in Hannes Pienaar's Mercedes. Photo: Desmond Scholtz
Dippenaar and his SCOCC clan invite you to be moved by everything that the George Old Car Show will have to offer on 12 and 13 February. Book tickets through Computicket to avoid disappointment if sold out at the gate. Time slots for Saturday (8-11am, 11am-2pm, 2-5pm) cost only R50 per slot and Sunday's show times are 8am to 1pm.
Bring the family to enjoy displays and drive-bys by classic and modern fleets, an auction and refreshment tent, plus food and bric-a-brac stalls. You can also visit bit.ly/gocs2022 to view the show online.
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