Cape Town - A major vintage, veteran and classic car and motorcycle show that suitably commemorates our motoring heritage Day will be held at Killarney on Heritage Day, 24 September.
Open to any two, three or four-wheeled vehicle built before 1985 and and as far back as when Germany’s Karl Benz launched his first Benz Patent Motor Car in 1886, it promises to be the biggest promotion of its kind seen in the Cape in recent years.
To facilitate the judging, the show will be divided into three classes, determined by the age of the entries.
Any entry built before 1940 will be classified a genuine Golden Oldie. The other classes are from 1941 to 1970 and 1971 to 1985. In addition, although they will not be classified as part of the show, the latest Jaguars as well as a variety of other new models will be on display outside the Jaguar Owners Club clubhouse. All the official entries will be accommodated nearby, on the infield area behind the Western Province Motor Club’s clubhouse.
This positioning has a historic significance of its own. The access road around the clubhouse and across the infield display area formed part of the original Killarney race track that saw action during the 1950s.
The Jaguars on show will include examples of the magnificent pre-World War II classic SS100 sports car, as well as early post-war Jaguar XK120s. Urban legend has it that the first XK 120 left hooker that arrived in Cape Town was reputed to have previously belonged to Hollywood film star Clark Gable. A genuine petrolhead, Gable had taken delivery of the first XK roadster to come off the Jaguar production line. The problem was, there were eventually several so-called “ex-Clark Gable Jags” on the roads in South Africa.
At the other end of the scale, AfrikaBurn will be exhibiting - and parading - a selection of wacky mutant vehicles.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Entrants, as well as visitors, are encouraged to dress in period, as is the custom at the famous Goodwood Revival meeting in Britain. Failing that, eye-catching outfits such as like those that have come to be associated with the J&B Met would probably serve the same purpose.
While all this is taking place, the grass verge around the WPMC clubhouse will be more in line with national Braai Day. Here the main event will be a traditional potjiekos competition. However, braai packs are also available and the fires will be burning for those who feel less competitive.
Music will be provided by three bands who will take turns entertainang inside the clubhouse. A surrounding market promises to offer a wide range of goods. There will be auto jumble stalls, a variety of motoring candy, vintage/classic clothing and bric-a-brac, as well as a choice of homemade food, craft beer stands and wine tasting.
In the kiddies’ play area, the young ones will also be able to have their faces painted.
The show will be officially opened by Western Cape MEC for finance Dr Ivan Meyer, with action from 10am to 4pm.
Admission for adults has been pegged at R30, and there is now a MyCiTi bus stop conveniently located at the main entrance to the complex for those who prefer not to drive.
However, the long weekend’s climax (remember, Friday is a school holiday), will be provided by a unique Power Series meeting on Saturday 26 September, on what is effectively a new circuit at Killarney.
The organisers have switched the direction of travel to anti-clockwise, effectively creating a genuine test of ability on a track layout that every driver and rider is going to find as unfamiliar as Melbourne’s Albert Park or Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Cape Argus