You drive down a gravel road at night and slow down as you approach a corner and a small bridge crossing a river. You notice a road sign which says, Bashee Bridge… the name rings a bell. Suddenly, the car lights go out. The car jumps out of gear and the engine cuts out – a chill runs down your spinal – for a moment there your heart stops and you are unsure about what to do next. You stop, breathe deeply, get out, and open the hood only to realize that the battery cable has come loose – phew!

“I don’t believe in ghosts, but for a moment there, I wasn’t so sure anymore,” said Adolf Laececke The Bashee River is where a whole family died in a horror motor vehicle accident in the 1960s.

Owning and driving a classic car, will enrich your life with an infinite number of stories and experiences.

Adolf Laesecke’s grandparents arrived in South Africa in 1896 from Germany. And typically German – discipline and orderliness is as part of his DNA as is his love of classic cars.

“In 1947 at age seven, not a single person in our family could beat me at identifying cars – not even from afar – I was the boss,” said Adolf. Laesecke grew up in the Skeerpoort area in Pretoria. There is a wonderful story behind this Skeerpoort living and war veterans, but space limits me sharing it with you.

In grade 11 (standard nine) he made up his mind and applied for voluntary military service, after completion of his matric of course – in Saldanha Bay. The navy officer who handled his application was impressed to no end with the young man’s positive attitude.

Adolf eventually started working in government and over the years he held various admin, managerial positions in transport and asset control divisions.

Upon his retirement at age 53, he bought a small farm between Mbombela and Barberton and would not exchange this open plan living surrounded by nature, for anything. “I have always loved cars – not performance ones though although, if ever there is one car that I would love to own, it is a Triumph TR 3A.

“I love cars and to manage government fleets, attend launches and drive new models, fitted me like a glove and I often used Car Mag’s reviews to decide which models buy and set budgets accordingly.”

“I started collecting after my retirement. My first car was an Opel Capitan that belonged to my dad and which I eventually sold. I knew the family a 1962 Zodiac belonged to. It was well-cared for car.

The owner died in 1986 but I stayed in touch and three years later, I was presented with an opportunity to buy the car.

“We moved to Nelspruit in 1995 and also joined Lowveld Old Wheels. Not long after, I bought my 1954 Opel from Johan van Putten. It was and still, is a favorite of mine. My next car, the 1956 Rover was, well, a gift from Leon van Zyl. And let me tell you – to get papers for any classic car in order to get it roadworthy, is just about mission impossible. Patience is a virtue. There is still work to be done on this car.

The Plymouth (1938) was a restoration from Johan Labuschagne which I bought in 2019.” “Would I acquire more cars? I don’t think so.

The Zodiac is powerful and fast enough for its time and with the overdrive, it is just beautiful on the open road. The Opel has the perfect gear ratios for game drives in the Kruger. The Plymouth offers nostalgia.

We grew up with the American cars of the 1930s – two-doors with dickey seats – the 1936 De Souta. I love these cars.” Adolf does most of the mechanical work on his cars himself – the rest is outsourced to qualified technicians.

Important also is – cars must be in a, as original as possible, condition.

He became the chairperson of LOWC in 1999 and served for various timeframes till 2019. “This has been an enriching experience,” says Adolf and has, among other things fostered his love for classic cars and its owners.

I conclude – if classics cars interest you, join LOWC. Enquiries: Louie Amorim on 084- 602-1481.