A magnificent line-up of pre-World War II Rolls-Royce cars will be a highlight of this year’s Cars in the Park at Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday, August 4. These British masterpieces were built in an era when Rolls-Royces were revered as the finest cars in the world. Even today, each Rolls-Royce carries an aura of unmatched elegance that has persisted since the company began producing cars in 1904.
“The pulling power of Cars in the Park never ceases to amaze us,” says Emil Kuschke, the Pretoria Old Motor Club’s member responsible for sourcing Special Invite Vehicles for the club’s premier annual event. “A gentleman contacted us, inquiring if we could accommodate his three Rolls-Royce cars from the 1930s. Our answer was a resounding ‘yes’! So far, we have four of these magnificent 1930s Rolls-Royce cars lined up for display, and their sheer presence will be breathtaking.”
“Enthusiasts use Cars in the Park as a major motivator to complete their restoration projects. Each year, we issue a window sticker with the event date, and many collectors proudly display these stickers on their cars, showcasing the events they’ve attended.”
Frik Kraamwinkel, chief event organizer for the Pretoria Old Motor Club, emphasizes that the annual classic car festival has grown beyond just a car show. “It’s now a major event,” he says. “Many local organizations and businesses use Cars in the Park to promote their interests, notably the charities involved with us. This year, we’re partnering with the South African National Blood Service, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Honorary Game Ranger organization, Owl Rescue, the MOTH organization, and our long-term partners, the Lions.”
“The diversity of these organizations highlights the broad community interest generated by Cars in the Park. We’re proud to play a role in spreading the classic car message far and wide.”
This year marks the 42nd running of Cars in the Park, and the Pretoria Old Motor Club expects over 2,500 classic, vintage, and veteran cars to arrive at Zwartkops from 6 am onwards on Sunday, August 4. The event will feature over 140 stalls selling a variety of goods, along with plenty of food and drink options.
Entertainment will include live music, and a highlight is the mini rally stage for current rally cars, organized on the Zwartkops karting circuit.
As in past years, various car clubs will be out in force, with over 100 clubs booking space around the Zwartkops race circuit. For many of these clubs, 2024 marks significant milestones in their histories.
This year sees the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, the iconic American pony car that was launched in April 1964, even though the first model was officially sold as a 1965 model. These early first-gen Mustangs are often referred to as “64-and-a-half” models, a distinction that emerged as these cars became highly collectible.
In South Africa, the first Ford Mustangs arrived as a special consignment of 80 cars arranged by Ford Motor Company South Africa in late 1965. These were all left-hand-drive models, as left-hand-drive imports were still permissible at that time.
Until the late 1990s, when left-hand-drive imports were banned in South Africa, various generations of Mustangs continued to arrive through private importers, despite high import duties. Visitors to Cars in the Park will be treated to a special display by the Mustang Club of South Africa, celebrating six decades of this milestone car that launched the muscle-car movement.
Other marques celebrating special anniversaries this year include Fiat (125 years), Alfa Romeo (75 years of the Giulietta Sprint), and Chrysler (the first Chrysler was built in 1924).
For many enthusiasts, part of the charm of Cars in the Park is the eclectic mix of old cars that magically appear, often in various states of restoration. “We see barn finds arriving each year, often transported on classic trucks and pick-ups that are themselves vintage vehicles,” says Kraamwinkel. “South Africa’s motor history includes cars from almost every country in the world, many in small numbers. It’s amazing how many of these rarities have survived.”
Visitors can expect to see a plethora of British sports cars, German saloons, Japanese pick-ups, giant American sedans and convertibles, and Italian classics, among others.
The Cars in the Park gates at Zwartkops will open at 6 am on Sunday, August 4, for old car owners to display their vehicles. Classic cars for display need to arrive before 8:30 am, with general public admission starting at 8:30 am. The show will conclude at 4 pm.
Tickets are available through iTickets at R120 for adults, with free admission for children under 12. Tickets purchased at the gate will cost R140 for adults.
For more information, visit the Pretoria Old Motor Club’s website at www.pomccitp.co.za or the club’s Cars in the Park page on Facebook.
