Revellers at the George Old Car Show held in George, Garden Route, enjoyed a prestigious display of old and veteran vehicles that paid homage to the Pioneers of Motoring. The annual showcase is hosted by the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), honouring the 140th anniversary of the invention of the horseless motor carriage by Carl Benz in 1886, celebrating the Centenary of the formation of Daimler-Benz AG, and commemorating 50 years of the W123 Mercedes-Benz. One lucky showgoer stands to win an iconic W123 Mercedes-Benz in an exclusive prize draw sponsored by MUA Insurance. The recipient announcement is scheduled to take place on March 21st at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
Mercedez-Benz: A history of motoring excellence
Visitors were treated to a special exhibition of early Benz vehicles that pioneered modern motor vehicles, an exclusive display of pre-World War II Mercedes-Benz cars, a selection of rare post-war Mercedes-Benz models, as well as an array of distinguished veteran and classic vehicles.
The centrepiece commemorating the Centenary of Mercedes-Benz AG, with replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and 1901 Benz Ideal, a 1913 Benz 8/20 PS Tourenwagen, a 1935 Mercedes-Benz W23 130H, a 1938 Mercedes-Benz W142 Type 320 and a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster on show, proved exceptionally popular among discerning guests.
The pristine W123 prize car was sourced by Vajra Singh, CEO of MUA Insurance, and Waldo Scribante, Chairman of the SCOCC. According to Scribante the event at Lourensford will see the continuation of celebrations around the 100 years of the Three-Pointed Star. The event will form part of the itinerary of the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa (MBCSA), commemorating its 40th anniversary. “We invite every owner of a W123 Mercedes-Benz, whether a club member or not, to attend the event at Lourensford, as we would like to gather as many W123s as possible together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this legendary model,” he added.
A display of engineering excellence
More than a display of nostalgia and design, the George Old Car Show was also a history lesson on engineering excellence.
The 20th Edition of the Vettoer, organised by Philip Kuschke, that preceded the show was as always, reserved for vehicles manufactured without front brakes. This respected tour is an iconic tradition strongly supported by the Model T Ford Club of South Africa. This year, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen lead the lineup of immaculate old-timers on the route from Prince Albert to George, setting the tone for the Pioneers of Motoring theme of the show.
Veteran vehicles are a veritable showcase of mechanical survival, human skill and historical authenticity. The tour is reserved for veteran vehicles manufactured without front-wheel brakes, along with motorcycles built before 1937, showcasing the craftsmanship and care that go into preserving vintage vehicles and the exceptional skill and courage of the drivers who understand these unique machines.
The Old Car Show returns in 2027
Following the success of the 2026 edition, organizers have already set the date for The George Old Car show 2027. “We want to thank every exhibitor, participant and attendee bringing to life the dawn of motoring for enthusiasts, families, and collectors alike, and for their continued support of the show,” says Scribante. Proceeds from the show go to organisations such as Rotary, Round Table, Vryburgers, selected schools (Eden Technical High School, Carpe Diem School, and Glenwood), Firstcare Wildfire Support and the SPCA. The 30th George Old Car show will be held on 13 February 2027 at the Eden Technical High School.
“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, and we believe the 2026 rendition of the show was a memorable and rewarding experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.” – Waldo Scribante, Chairman of the SCOCC
The success of this longstanding event is a stronghold of South African history and culture that unites the past and future, and truly celebrates the very art of motoring.
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