Lifestyle

Old car enthusiasts, this one is for you

Both Heritage Day and Tourism Month will be feted in grand style by a diverse group of car enthusiasts, when the Southern Cape Old Car Club’s (SCOCC) Heritage Tour, proudly supported by Recollection Rides, will be taking the road to share their passion for old cars with others.

Both Heritage Day and Tourism Month will be feted in grand style by a diverse group of car enthusiasts, when the Southern Cape Old Car Club’s (SCOCC) Heritage Tour, proudly supported by Recollection Rides, will be taking the road to share their passion for old cars with others.

The tour party of 46 participants and 26 special automobiles – which includes one less-than-vintage backup vehicle – sets off from Halfway Toyota in George at 8am on Thursday the 23rd, after conclusion of the scrutineering process.

‘We ensure that all the cars are roadworthy before departure,’ explains Heritage Tour organiser Pierre Olivier of the SCOCC, adding that some of the old ladies have truly perfected the art of cruising at a leisure pace. 

‘Drivers are not required to stay in convoy, so are free to detour when it pleases them,’ he says. Pierre should by now know his fellow car fundis’ wish lists, having participated in each of the eight Tours since the event’s inception. 

The backup car’s purpose is to see that no one gets stuck on the side of the road with mechanical niggles, but thorough scrutineering before departure minimises this risk, while also ensuring that SAVVA (Southern African Veteran and Vintage Association) regulations are met. 

Whereas previous years’ tourers traversed the expansive Karoo, with an overnight stop in Graaff Reinet – home of the headline sponsor’s Recollection Rides Museum – this year’s participants head southwest before leaving the beaten N2 track.

On September 23, the first stop after departing George will be Delish in Heidelberg before cruising along to Swellendam. The fleet will then turn towards the coast and overnight in the quaint village of Arniston. 

Heritage Day on September 24 will be celebrated while passing through Baardskeerdersbos, Gansbaai, Caledon, Franschhoek and Villiersdorp, with Worcester the day’s final destination. 

This stretch of road is sure to avail memorable vistas, as reaching the Overberg’s administrative capital is only possible via some of the province’s most spectacular mountain passes.

Lending added excitement to Heritage Day is that the Franschhoek experience will include a visit to the picturesque hamlet’s automobile museum, with its extensive collection of antique and vintage cars and motorcycles.

On Saturday the 25th, the Heritage Tour departs Worcester for Montagu, Barrydale, and Calitzdorp before ending the day in Oudtshoorn with a gala evening and prize giving. On Sunday, the happy fleet returns to George via De Rust and Uniondale.

The SCOCC also organises the popular George Old Car Show, which takes place on February 12 and 13 next year. 

Details: Visit www.scocc.co.za

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Gareth Drawbridge

Digital content producer

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