George Old Car Show to pay tribute to the pioneers of motoring

The 29th George Old Car Show, the biggest show for old and veteran cars in the country, will take place on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at the Eden Technical High School in George.

25 Old George1

The Southern Cape Old Car Club, organisers of the show, cordially invites all veteran car clubs and classic car owners to participate in this annual celebration of motoring history, engineering ingenuity and timeless automotive beauty.

Scheduled for Valentine’s Day next year, the 2026 George Old Car Show will not only showcase South Africa’s love and appreciation of old and classic cars but will also pay homage to the Pioneers of Motoring, honouring the 140th anniversary of the invention of the horseless motor carriage by Carl Benz in 1886.

To commemorate this historic, world changing occasion, visitors will be treated to a special exhibition of early Benz vehicles that pioneered modern motorcars, including replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the 1901 Benz Ideal and the 1913 Benz 8/20 PS Tourenwagen.

Simultaneously, the show will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the first motor vehicle, a Benz Velo, arriving in South Africa. Imported by John Percy Hess, who later became the sole agent for Benz in the country, the car was shipped from Germany to Port Elizabeth in late 1896 and then transported to Pretoria.

25 Old Geroge5
25 Old George4
25 Old George3 2
25 Old George2
25 Old Geroge5
25 Old George4
25 Old George3 2
25 Old George2

The show will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of Mercedes-Benz in 1926, when the predecessor companies Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie merged to form Daimler-Benz AG with an exclusive exhibition of pre-World War II Mercedes-Benz cars.

Among the exhibited highlights proudly representing the evolution of the legendary marque, will be a 1935 Mercedes-Benz W23 130H, a 1938 Mercedes-Benz W142 Type 320 and a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster. These classics will be joined by a selection of exclusive post-War Mercedes-Benz models, presented by the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa, as part of its activities commemorating its 40th anniversary.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Vettoer, organised by Philip Kuschke, will again precede the George Old Car Show on Friday, 13 February 2026. Reserved for vehicles manufactured without front brakes, this prestigious tour is an iconic tradition strongly supported by the Model T Ford Club of South Africa.

In a symbolic tribute to motoring’s origins, the organisers are planning to have the Benz Patent-Motorwagen lead the line-up of participating vehicles when they depart, alongside fascinating entries, including a Stanley Steamer and a selection of interesting veteran motorcycles.

More Industry News stories

Dealer ordered to withdraw advert after ARB ruling

Dealer ordered to withdraw advert after ARB ruling

A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.

  • 25 May 2026
South Africa’s AJ Venter taming the untameable

South Africa’s AJ Venter taming the untameable

If you were hoping to experience the roaring streets of the Isle of Man TT in 2026, you are already too late. This event, with practice sessions starting on 25 May 2026 and racing commencing on the 30th, requires at least six to twelve months of planning, along with a substantial budget.

  • 25 May 2026
Pinewood.AI expands platform with two new modules

Pinewood.AI expands platform with two new modules

Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.

  • 22 May 2026