Mossel Bay, South Africa – This September 1st, 2024, the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay will welcome the inaugural Santos Beach Auto Extremo, an automotive celebration poised to rival the world’s most esteemed car shows. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Cape’s finest beaches, this one-day event promises to blend the allure of classic elegance with the thrill of modern supercars.
A Venue Like No Other
Organized by Waldo Scribante, owner of the acclaimed Scribs BENZeum in nearby George, the Santos Beach Auto Extremo is positioned to offer an unparalleled experience. “We see this venue as providing a backdrop to rival some of the top classic car events in the world,” Scribante remarks. He draws a comparison to prestigious shows like Italy’s Villa D’Este on Lake Como and Pebble Beach in California, emphasizing that Mossel Bay’s natural beauty and its surrounding roads and mountain passes offer a unique appeal.
The venue, de Bakke Caravan Park, features expansive green lawns and ample shade, making it ideal for showcasing classic cars in a relaxed and accessible setting. This natural synergy between the venue’s charm and the vehicles on display aims to create an unforgettable event for motoring enthusiasts.
Celebrating Heritage and Innovation
The name “Santos Beach Auto Extremo” pays homage to the historical significance of the location, where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed in 1488. This blend of historical heritage and contemporary excitement is echoed in the event’s focus, which will highlight both iconic classic cars and cutting-edge supercars.
Scribante, along with his wife René, is known for his dedication to classic car shows and tours. The event will feature a range of sporty classics and modern marvels, with the aim of fostering a shared passion among car enthusiasts. “There is a natural synergy between owners of modern ultra-sophisticated supercars and aficionados of iconic classics,” Scribante explains. “We want to facilitate this connection and share it with the public.”
An Exciting Day for All
The Santos Beach Auto Extremo will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm, with an admission fee of R75 for adults and free entry for children. The event also marks the final leg of a Southern Cape tour organized by the Mercedes-Benz Club, starting from Paarl and traveling through some of the region’s most scenic routes.
Scribante, who also chairs the Southern Cape Old Car Club, notes that the event coincides with the 27th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Club’s Spring Snoek Braai, a beloved local tradition. The festival will be supported by local humanitarian organizations including The Lions, the Round Table, and the NSRI. While the event aims to offer a day of enjoyment and celebration, it also has a charitable component, with proceeds from ticket sales and car entrants being shared with these organizations.
Looking Ahead
Scribante envisions the Santos Beach Auto Extremo as the beginning of something much larger. “The spirit of enthusiasm for fine cars is growing in the Southern Cape,” he says. “With the success of this event, there’s potential for a week-long Classic Car Festival in the future.”
For more information or to enter your vehicle, contact Waldo Scribante at [email protected], Alewijn Dippenaar at [email protected], or Mimi Finestone at [email protected].
