The Pretoria Old Motor Club celebrated yet another successful Cars in the Park show at Zwartkops Raceway on August 4, 2024. Blessed with glorious weather, the 42nd rendition of South Africa’s biggest one-day car show was an unmitigated success. Chief organiser Frik Kraamwinkel expressed his delight, noting the smooth execution of the event, which brought together thousands of classic car enthusiasts.
An Impressive Lineup of Classic Cars
The Pretoria Old Motor Club issued over 2,500 special entrance badges to participating car owners. Even as the event progressed, classic cars continued to stream through the gates of Zwartkops Raceway, southwest of Pretoria. A notable feature of this year’s show was the focus on pre-World War Two cars, with a stunning array of vehicles from a 1908 Buick to early 1940s models.
The Star of the Show: 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Among the many highlights, the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, owned by Graham Blackbeard, stood out. This magnificent car, converted to run on pure battery power by Gerald Burrell, fascinated attendees. Burrell reassured purists that the original petrol engine, although needing an extensive rebuild, remains in the owner’s possession, and the conversion is entirely reversible.
Other Noteworthy Displays
Bob Bouwmeesters showcased another Rolls-Royce from the 1930s, a 20-25 model tourer in splendid “African” white. The show featured an impressive array of pre-war cars, including Packards, Buicks, Chevrolets, Model T and V8 Fords, Willys, Triumphs, and a delightful 1925 Citroen B12 Torpedo with a picnic montage, complete with a wind-up record player.
Passionate Displays and Intricate Details
The attention to detail and passion displayed by over 2,500 car owners were remarkable. For instance, a Datsun owner used a camshaft as a bonnet prop to showcase his meticulously detailed engine. The show saw a massive presence of Datsuns and Nissans from the 1970s, reflecting the strong classic Datsun-Nissan awareness in the Pretoria area.
Club Contributions
Around 100 clubs were officially represented at Cars in the Park 2024. The Triumph Club showcased cars from the 1920s to the late 1970s, while the Jeep presence featured classic CJ models from the 1940s. The Unimog Club displayed giant off-roaders familiar to many South Africans from their National Service days in the 1970s.
Celebrating Milestones
Ford Escorts, from the golden era starting with the Mk I model in the late 1960s, were numerous. American classics, particularly Ford Mustangs, celebrated their 60th anniversary. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, marking its 70th year, was prominently displayed, with Peter du Toit’s race-trim versions in the pits. Classic Volkswagens, including early Beetles, Kombis, Type 3 models, and Karmann Ghias, were also well-represented.
Special Features and Attractions
Chrysler celebrated the first car built under its nameplate, with Valiant models from the late 1960s on display. The show also featured DKWs, known for their toughness, with models like the 3=6 and 1000S, and a pre-war 1937 DKW with a fabric body. A 1909 Reliable Dayton replica, built by Jurjen Kamstra, drew significant interest for its authenticity and craftsmanship.
Pre-Event Excitement and New Additions
A pre-event allowed older pre-war cars to lap the Zwartkops track, adding to the excitement. The show also introduced a Rally Stage for classic rally cars, organised by rally driver Ben van der Westhuizen, which added an action-packed dynamic to the event.
Frik Kraamwinkel expressed his gratitude to all involved, from clubs and stallholders to car owners and the public. The event’s success was a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone at the Pretoria Old Motor Club and The Lions, who helped manage the event. For more information, visit the Pretoria Old Motor Club’s website at www.pomc.co.za.
Cars in the Park 2024 was a celebration of automotive history, passion, and community spirit, making it a memorable day for all who attended.
