George – The 2018 George Old Car Show, driven by Oakhurst Insurance Company Ltd, was formally launched on Tuesday 7 November.
Key role players attended a breakfast at Protea Hotels by Marriott George King George to set the scene for the show, which will take place on 10 – 11 February 2018.
Gerhard Pretorius, deputy mayor of George, reiterated the value of the show to the city and its residents. “The Old Car Show is characterized by camaraderie, mutual respect and caring for one another, which constitutes the glue that keeps an organization, as well as a society, together.”
Peter Grindlay, MD of Oakhurst, who attended the launch with colleague Kevin Barnett, accentuated the joy the company derives from their involvement with the show. They will be involved for the third time in 2018.
“We are more like partners than sponsors,” said Grindlay. He said the importance of the committee lies in the magnitude of what it achieves on a voluntary basis. “This show pulls families together, thereby epitomizing what South Africans are about. This is the premier event on the country’s motoring calendar and we thank you for the opportunity to participate.”
Pierre Conradie, chairperson of the organising committee, highlighted some of the special exhibitions to be on display in the main arena. The British manufactured vehicles will be the special exhibition in the main arena. A 1946 MG CT, which Marilyn Houseman almost singlehandedly restored, will be among about 40 of these vehicles.
The “Meet the Beetles” exhibition by AutoPavillion, the Volkswagen Museum at Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, will display five famous Beetles. As the museum is presently busy with an extensive restoration project, it will be a pleasant surprise to see which of these vehicles make it to the show.
The largest collection ever of Fords manufactured before 1930 will also be on display, as will be a display of more than 5 000 miniature models.
Clubs from around the country will take part in the show where about 1000 items will be displayed. Besides the special exhibitions, vintage tractors and farm implements, static engines, motorcycles and vehicles from new car dealers will also be on display. An auction of classic cars will augment the excitement shared by more than 12 000 visitors.
“The vision of the show is to reunite families and old friends by once again providing visitors with the opportunity to admire and reminisce about the vehicles they remember from their childhood. The objective is to present a most enjoyable show for all.”
Conradie thanked Oakhurst Insurance Company Ltd, George Municipality, Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George, AutoPavillion, Midas George, Clickonit, SAB and CMB Consulting Engineers, as well as Group Editors as the media partner.
A special word of thanks went to Pieter Myburgh, headmaster of PW Botha College, one whose grounds the show will be held for the 17th time.
Owners who wish to display their cars manufactured before 1975, must register on the SCOCC website at www.scocc.co.za Contact Klaus Oellrich at 076 764 0897 for more information.
