Pretoria, 22 July 2025 – South Africa’s premier showcase of classic automotive culture, Cars in the Park, returns to Zwartkops Raceway on 3 August for its 43rd edition, paying homage to “The History of the Motor Car.” Organised by the Pretoria Old Motor Club (POMC), this year’s event invites visitors to take a fascinating journey through time, with an extraordinary display of motoring milestones — from the dawn of local car assembly in the 1920s to the pioneering technologies of the pre-war era.
Curated within the Special Invites section in the Zwartkops pit area, this year’s theme brings together an unparalleled collection of historically significant vehicles. “We’ve assembled a wonderful selection of iconic machines dating from 1945 back to the late 1920s, when the development of the motor car truly accelerated,” says chief organiser Frik Kraamwinkel. “Visitors can expect to see both the cars that ordinary South Africans once aspired to own, and the extravagant machines that turned heads among the wealthy elite.”
A Time Machine on Wheels
Among the star attractions is the revolutionary 1937 Cord 812, owned by Sakkie van der Watt. A true engineering marvel of its time, the Cord stunned the world with its front-wheel drive, concealed headlights, and a pre-selector gearbox – innovations that wouldn’t become mainstream until many decades later. Its streamlined design and advanced mechanics, inspired by aircraft engineering and powered by a Lycoming V8, made it an icon in American motoring history.
In a nod to its cultural relevance, the Cord even inspired musician Gram Parsons to pen “The New Soft Shoe” in the 1960s, a lyrical tribute to its timeless character.
Sharing the spotlight is another American legend – a 1920s Lincoln V12 owned by Justus de Waal. While it boasted a sophisticated V12 engine and futuristic aerodynamic styling, its avant-garde appearance proved too radical for its time, unsettling conservative buyers more comfortable with boxy silhouettes.
And of course, no celebration of automotive prestige would be complete without a Rolls-Royce. The majestic 1933 20/25 Tourer, owned by Bob Bouwmeesters, is a masterclass in refined engineering – a quiet testament to the brand’s philosophy of mechanical perfection over outward flair.
The People’s Cars – South African Motoring Roots
The event also honours the cars that built South Africa’s early motoring identity. Multiple Ford Model Ts and Model As – the workhorses and dream cars of their time – will be on display, including the Model T, the first car ever assembled in South Africa in 1923. Its successor, the Model A, set speed and sales records on both sides of the Atlantic, and will be joined by rival marques such as Chevrolets and Pontiacs from the 1920s to 1940s.
Eric McQuillian’s 1933 Ford Model B convertible pickup adds another unique piece to the narrative. Although the Model B marked Ford’s first use of a V8 in a mass-market car, this particular unit was factory-fitted with a more robust four-cylinder engine due to early teething problems with V8 overheating.
German engineering will be represented by the delightful 1937 DKW F7, a zippy two-stroke twin-cylinder model owned by Corne Fourie. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s legacy will shine through a selection of 1940s Austins and MGs, with notable contributions from POMC veterans Alex Duffey and Christo Ferreira.
Bikes, Peranas and the Evolution of Speed
Cars in the Park is not only about four wheels. This year’s Special Invites section includes a trio of rare Velocette motorcycles from the 1920s and 1930s, courtesy of Tom Linley. These beautifully preserved single-cylinder machines feature overhead camshaft engines with bevel drives – a design still echoed in modern racing bikes like Ducati’s MotoGP machines.
The event will also recognise South Africa’s homegrown motorsport icons – the homologation specials that dominated local racing in decades past. Visitors can expect to see Ford Cortina and Capri Peranas, along with a rare Toyota TRD rally car, all legends in their own right and key chapters in our national racing history.
More Than Just a Show
With around 2 500 collectible cars expected, Cars in the Park continues to attract a broad spectrum of enthusiasts – from veteran collectors to curious families. A strong emphasis on participation from car clubs means that visitors will be treated to a diverse blend of historic and modern machines side by side, further reinforcing the theme of motoring evolution.
New to the event in 2025 is All Things Motoring, the popular Ignition TV programme, now signed on as a proud sponsor. “We’re thrilled to support Cars in the Park for the first time,” said Michael Pashuti, CEO of All Things Motoring. “This year’s theme perfectly aligns with what we do – celebrating the entire spectrum of motoring, from past to present.”
Event Details
Cars in the Park takes place on Saturday, 3 August 2025, at Zwartkops Raceway, just off the R55 south of Laudium.
- Spectator gates open at 08:30
- Exhibitors may enter from 06:00
- Tickets available via iTickets at R130 for adults
- Children under 12 enter free
- Gate tickets available at R150
Whether you’re a die-hard classic car lover, a motorsport enthusiast, or just looking for a great family outing steeped in nostalgia and innovation, Cars in the Park promises to be a celebration of automotive passion unlike any other.
