Style et luxe: the Franschhoek Motor Museum is hosting a motoring weekend destined to be one of the country's premier celebrations of the automobile, combining action and elegance in the picturesque atmosphere of the L'Ormarins wine estate.
To be held over February 27/28, the FMM Concours and Time Trial has attracted some of the finest vehicles to be found in South Africa. The combined event will showcase an eclectic mix of saloons, cabriolets, sports and racing cars - some not previously seen locally - built between 1900 and 1980 participating either in the prestigious Concours d'Elegance, a showcase of automotive excellence gathered in front of the estate's majestic manor house, or the Time Trial, to be run through the grounds of L'Ormarins estate. The occasion will attract motoring enthusiasts of all descriptions and affords an opportunity for attendees to dress in period attire, helping to create an atmosphere of times gone by.
Style and Luxury: the Concours element of the weekend - presented in association with CAR magazine - will bring together some of the finest cars available in South Africa. Concours d'Elegance, literally meaning a "competition of elegance", began in the 17th century when French aristocracy paraded their horse-drawn carriages through the parks of Paris. When "horse-drawn" became "horseless", gatherings became a competition amongst the socialites to be judged by the appearance of their automobiles. Today it generally means a judging completion usually open to prestige automobiles held in luxury surroundings.
Judge for the FMM Concours is the highly experienced Chris Routledge of long-established (since 1919) UK-based automobile auction and sales house Coys of London. He will be assisted by CAR's senior associate editor, Mike Monk. Although not eligible for prizes, some of the FMM's most prized vehicles will be exhibited alongside the Concours entries, including a Bentley 4½-litre, Jaguar XK120, Mercedes-Benz Gullwing and a 1960 Ferrari Nembo Spider, a special-bodied convertible built on a 250 GT platform.
As a revival of one of motorsport's oldest and friendliest competitions, the Time Trial will run along a challenging three-kilometre course through the L'Ormarins estate complex with designated vantage points along the route affording spectators a safe and exciting view of the nostalgic sights, sounds and smells - of the participating machinery. Fifty cars will take part including classic examples of Alfa Romeo, Alpine-Renault, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Maserati and Moretti as well as some rolling thunder from Chevrolet, McLaren and Shelby Mustang. Entries have been split into three groups based on pedigree and speed potential, namely 50, 70 and 90 km/h, to accommodate these varied - and in some cases priceless - sports and racing cars. Over the two days each car will make at least four runs.
In addition to this on-track action, some demonstration runs will be performed with a Ferrari F50, Porsche Carrera GT, McLaren F1 and, possibly, Tyrrell 007 Formula One car. Amongst the star racers who will be attending are Sarel van der Merwe, Ian Scheckter, Serge Damseaux, Peter Gough, Ewold and Minota van Bergen, Bruce Johnstone and - flying-in specially on the Sunday - Giniel de Villiers. Other guest appearances are expected.
Tickets are available only in advance - no ticket sales at the gate - and can be obtained from Computicket or the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Visit www.fmm.co.za for further details and/or a link to Computicket or 'phone 021 874 9000.
A three-page preview of the event will be published in the March 2010 issue of CAR magazine, on sale February 22nd.
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