Dozens of rare car enthusiasts will be taking to the streets this week for a road trip like no other.
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This weekend, 22 old cars and two motorcycles, some dating back well over a century, will be setting off from George to Bredasdorp when the 17th edition of the Vet Tour gets underway.
The event, which includes 10 Model T Fords in the procession through the Western Cape, is part of the build-up to the annual and will leave motoring enthusiasts across the province in awe.
Organising this memorable road trip is Philip Kuschke of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), who explained that the Vet Tour plays an important part in creating public awareness of the GOCS.
In 2005, several members of the Crankhandle Club in Cape Town got the idea to drive their old cars from Cape Town to George, attend the SCOCC and drive back.
“It made sense to motivate Southern Cape members to meet the Cape contingent of drivers at Grootbrak River with their vintage cars on the Friday before the show,” he said.
“The idea was aired to organise a one-day tour every year before the show. The committee of the Southern Cape Old Car Club supported this initiative and saw the tour as part of their marketing drive.”
In a bid to get more of these ancient beauties to attend the George event, collectors were motivated to dust off their carefully preserved cars to participate in the Vet Tour and then also attend the GOCS.
All vehicles manufactured by December 31, 1931 were designated as the target group.
Judging from the number of entries for Vet Tour ’23, owners of cars falling into this category will attend en masse.
Participants hail from all over the country, with one international entry coming all the way from Canada.
The oldest vehicle is a 1908 Model S Ford driven by Alice van Jaarsveld.
“The oldest motorcycle is a 1928 Yap and other outstanding vehicles include a 1928 Hubmobile, 1912 Rover and 1921 Rolls Royce,” explained Kuschke. “We are very excited about the two participating motorcycles and would love welcoming many more members of the bike brigade next year. The antique vehicles and motorcycles come from all over the country, as far as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Middelburg and Harrismith.”
The informal George to Cape Town round-trip kicks off on Friday and joins the Vet Tour in Klaarstroom on Thursday the 9th. The route will then take participants through Meiringspoort, via Uniondale, back to George. A closing lunch will take place after 2pm on Friday, 10 February, when the public will be able to admire the fleet.
Check the GOCS Facebook page for details and email [email protected] or call 084 583 3144 with queries.
Also read:
The long-awaited George Old Car Show is just around the corner!
Pictures: Supplied
