Veteran tour takes on Prince Alfred Pass

SOUTHERN CAPE MOTORING NEWS - The 12th veteran tour, which takes place on the eve of the George Old Car Show, driven by Oakhurst Insurance Company Limited, leaves Uniondale on 10 February, the eve of the show's 21st anniversary on 11 and 12 February.

This year's tour will cover a distance of 145 km from Uniondale through the Prince Alfred Pass, which will include 40km of dirt road, before travelling via De Vlugt to Herold. In the village of Herold they will have lunch before leaving for George, where they are expected to arrive at 15:00 at the show venue at PW Botha College in York Street.

"This year's tour will definitely be much different, because we will travel through the magnificent Prince Alfred Pass that was built in 1861 by father and son Thomas and Andrew Bain with the help of 270 prisoners," said Philip Kuschke, organiser of the tour. Sixteen vehicles have so far been registered to take part. Participants from across South Africa will overnight in guest houses in and around Uniondale.

Uniondale residents can view the cars dating from 1909 at African Aloe Cafe, from 17:00 on Thursday. A 1909 Nordenveld - one of its kind in the world - belonging to Nick Middelman of Botrivier, is the oldest vehicle taking part in this year's tour.

Other vehicles include eight Model T Fords, dating from 1912 to 1923, two Model A Fords dating from 1927 and 1930, as well as a 1913 Buick, 1916 Chevrolet, 1923 Dodge, 1925 Bullnose Morris and 1926 Austin Chummy.

"For the first time an all-women team will take part, with the driver, navigator and passenger all women," said Kuschke.

The idea to organise a tour for vehicles and motorcycles manufactured without front brakes on the eve of the George Old Car Show originated in 2005. That year Harvey Metcalf of the Crankhandle Club in Cape Town organised a tour from Cape Town to George in which about ten of that club's members participated.

It is now tradition for the members of the Crankhandle Club to travel to George after their own annual one-day tour in order to take part in the veteran tour, and this year they will arrive on 5 February.

Many of the participants regard the veteran tour as an extension of the George Old Car Show. Contact Philip Kuschke at 082 856 5152 or 044 871 3373 (after hours).

George Old Car Show

The show takes place at the PW Botha College in York Street, George. Besides the SAB Beer Tent, managed by George Rotary, a number of stalls will offer food, soft drinks, and a variety of merchandise for sale.

At a minimal fee young children may be left to play under supervision in a safe area. Parking is available on the school premises.

Entrance fees: