Motor enthusiasts enjoy local hospitality and scenery
Not even cold, misty and rainy weather over the three days could deter enthusiasts of classic vehicles from the Lowveld’s scenery and mountain passes.
This year’s Magnum Rally, hosted by motoring enthusiasts Willem and Edna Fick at Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites, delivered stunners all around.
Kevin Walton (motorcycles pre-1960), Gavin Walton (motorcycles post-1961), Maggie and Pat Whelan (cars – sealed ODO) and Schalk and Susan van Niekerk (cars – open ODO) were the stars of the long weekend around the Lowveld.
Not even cold, misty and rainy weather over the three days could deter enthusiasts of classic vehicles from the Lowveld’s scenery and mountain passes.
The three-day Spider Rally was also the 50th anniversary rally of the Southern African Veteran and Vintage Association (SAVVA). Vehicles manufactured before December 31, 1997 were eligible to participate in the event organised by the Pretoria Old Motor Club.
On Thursday a distance of approximately 300km was travelled, on Friday also about 300km, and Saturday 200km was covered.
Several Lowveld teams participated, including hosts Edna and Willem, Des and Lynne Atkinson, Ferdie and Willem Lourens from Hazyview; Gary Edwards from White River; Wannenburg and Mara Janse van Rensburg from Malalane; and Dirk and Hilma Horn from Komatipoort.
The Ficks entered the rally with a 1989 Porsche 928, the Atkinsons with a 1976 Alfa Romeo and the Lourens father and son with a 1984 Datsun. Ferdie and Willem showed immense improvement with their effort and won the SAVVA Merit award.
Edwards launched his attempt with a 1980 Suzuki bike. The Van Rensburgs drew fond attention with their 1968 VW Beetle and the Horns (Mara’s parents) drove an 1971 Alfa.
The Lowvelders did well in the Open ODO class. Des and Lynne ended in overall eighth position (1596), Wannenburg and Mara in ninth (1596), Dirk and Hilma in 10th position (2379) and Willem and Edna in 11th (2699).
