The spirit of motoring history will once again take centre stage as the 29th George Old Car Show – South Africa’s largest exhibition dedicated to old and veteran vehicles – rolls into Eden Technical High School on Saturday, 14 February 2026. Hosted by the Southern Cape Old Car Club, the landmark event invites veteran car clubs, classic-car owners, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate an extraordinary constellation of anniversaries that shaped the global and local motoring landscape.
Next year’s show is especially significant. Scheduled for Valentine’s Day, the 2026 edition brings together three monumental milestones: the 140th anniversary of the world’s first motor vehicle, the 130th anniversary of the first motorcar’s arrival in South Africa, and the 100th anniversary of the formation of Mercedes-Benz AG. These layered celebrations promise one of the most historically rich chapters in the George Old Car Show’s proud legacy.
Honouring 140 Years Since the Birth of the Motorcar
In 1886, Carl Benz changed the course of human mobility with the world’s first horseless motor carriage – the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. Now, 140 years later, the George Old Car Show will pay tribute to this revolutionary invention with a dedicated exhibition of early Benz vehicles that helped define the blueprint of modern motoring.
Visitors can look forward to viewing meticulously crafted replicas of the original 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the 1901 Benz Ideal, and the elegant 1913 Benz 8/20 PS Tourenwagen. These vehicles stand not only as icons of engineering ingenuity but as tangible symbols of a world on the brink of technological transformation.
Marking 130 Years of Motoring in South Africa
South Africa’s own motoring story began in 1896, when the country’s first motor vehicle – a Benz Velo – arrived in Port Elizabeth before travelling to Pretoria. Imported by John Percy Hess, who later became the sole agent for Benz in the region, the car signalled the dawn of a new era for local mobility.
To honour this milestone, the 2026 show will present a commemorative showcase celebrating the arrival of the Velo and its lasting legacy in shaping South Africa’s early motoring culture.
A Century of Mercedes-Benz: A Tribute to an Automotive Icon
The 2026 George Old Car Show also celebrates the 100th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz AG. Formed in 1926 through the merger of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie., the brand has since defined luxury, engineering excellence, and motoring innovation.
A curated pre-World War II Mercedes-Benz exhibition will honour the brand’s origins, featuring standout classics such as:
- 1935 Mercedes-Benz W23 130H
- 1938 Mercedes-Benz W142 Type 320
- 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster
These automotive treasures will be complemented by a distinguished display of post-war Mercedes-Benz models, presented by the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.
A Symbolic Start: The 20th Anniversary of the Vettoer
Complementing the main event, the Vettoer – now celebrating its 20th anniversary – will once again set the tone on Friday, 13 February 2026. Organised by Philip Kuschke and reserved for vehicles manufactured without front brakes, the tour is an enduring tradition strongly supported by the Model T Ford Club of South Africa.
In a gesture rich with symbolism, organisers plan to have the Benz Patent-Motorwagen lead the procession, followed by a lineup of remarkable entries including a Stanley Steamer and a host of veteran motorcycles. The tour pays homage to the courage, curiosity, and pioneering spirit that shaped the earliest days of motoring.
A Gathering of Legends and Enthusiasts
The main exhibition field will feature not only historic cars and motorbikes, but also a selection of classic tractors – a reminder of the tangible role machinery played in shaping industrial and agricultural progress. Whether you’re a dedicated collector, a family looking for a memorable outing, or a newcomer to the world of vintage motoring, the 2026 show promises an immersive trip through time.
“The George Old Car Show represents a meeting place, a focal point for all iconic marques and those who share the passion for old and classic vehicles,” says show coordinator Alewijn Dippenaar.
“We expect over a thousand participants next year, each vehicle reflecting someone’s passion – for restoring, preserving, and often driving these machines across long distances just to be here. We believe this shared passion will make the 2026 show a memorable and rewarding experience for all.”
