This year’s Garden Route Motor Club’s annual motor show was relocated to the High School fields on Waterfront Drive due to FIFA taking over Loerie Park for the Soccer World Cup, and the new venue provided ample space for exhibits and spectator parking. The weather held good for the one-day show and a steady stream of people meandered through the 110+ cars and motorcycles to a background of ‘oldies’ music and tempting braaivleis aromas drifting from the food stalls.
The MG Car Club is an active supporter of the event and no less than 32 examples of ‘A’s, ‘B’s and ‘T’s were on impressive display. A line-up of Morgans also caught the eye, with Geoff Sturges’ Matchless V-twin-engined 1934 Super Sport three-wheeler particularly appealing. Other vintage highlights included a trio of Austin 7s with Peter Vadas’ supercharged 750 cm3 Ulster model stretching the imagination with its 100 mph (161 km/h) capability. Another fascinating exhibit was C van Niekerk’s original and unrestored 1927 Dodge Brothers Light Six, still in good running order with a wonderful patina. Tony Lyon-Lewis showed a rare and immaculate 1964 Mini Cooper S 1071 cm3 still on rubber-cone suspension. I learnt to drive in my father’s Hillmans and my early motoring enthusiasm was influenced by the sporty Sunbeam derivatives, so the historic rallying Rapier 1725 at the show brought back many happy memories.
The 2010 Knysna Motor Show was a relaxed and pleasant event and all proceeds – around R20 000 – will be donated to local charities, a heart-warming gesture by the organisers.
