Classic wheels with a flair of Italian

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MOTORING NEWS - By 09:00 on Saturday morning, 11 February, a crowd comprising thousands of engine enthusiasts had already gathered at Eden Technical High School to gain tickets to the 26th George Old Car Show (GOCS).

Those who had already entered the showgrounds, had first dibs on the exquisite sight of fields filled with four- and two-wheeled participants in this year's show – the annual flagship event of the Southern Cape Old Car Club.

The temperatures, hitting the high 20s by first light and quickly gaining momentum during the morning, did little to keep show-goers from having a great time, and the brilliant sunlight over both show days on 11 and 12 February did much to show off all carefully restored and pampered machines on display.

PHOTO GALLERY: 'n Bedrywige dag by George oumotorskou

Early tallies put the weekend's attendance at 12 500 souls, with 1 500 drivers having entered through the Carpe Diem School gates in a matter of hours on Saturday morning to park their rides. Thence, they ventured across the road to start salivating over everything on offer at the bustling showgrounds.

For the 17th time, this year's GOCS was preceded by the Vet Tour, participating drivers hailing from all over South Africa but also travelling from faraway shores such as the UK, Canada and Germany.

"Diana", a 1971 Jaguar E-type Series 3 V12, proudly owner by Philip Lochner. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

These venerable old cars formed part of the display at the Eden showgrounds, which also featured modern fleets with an array of top marques, tractors and motorcycles of all ages and shapes.

Among the many stalls of food and drinks, bric-a-brac goodies and car-related products, GOCS sponsors featured in full regalia.

This year's event was generously supported by premier partners WeBuyCars, and many other businesses are deserving of mention for roles played big and small, according to GOCS chairman Alewijn Dippenaar.

"Protea Hotel's fabulous tent on the main field provided shade and refreshments and a perfect vantage point to the parades that continued throughout both show days and that was perfectly MCd by Herman Ungerer and Morné Pietersen," says Dippenaar. "Divan de Kock's slick Herotel crew enabled live-streaming of events to Raceday TV with aplomb."

He also thanks George Municipality, Coca-Cola, SAB, George Herald and Midas for their support in pulling this year's event together and doing what they do best in their various capacities, so making the weekend a roaring success.

"On behalf of the Southern Cape Old Car Club, I thank each visitor, partner and member of our support crews for helping us to promote our passion for preserving old cars – for the sheer enjoyment of generations to come."

Photos: Michelle PIenaar