The count-down to South Africa’s biggest classic car event has begun in earnest. On August 4, 2024, the 42nd Cars in the Park will take place at the Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria, and the signs are that once again the event will be bigger and better than ever.
“The Cars in the Park for 2024 is just over two months away, and it’s all systems go for another wonderful event,” says Frik Kraamwinkel, the chief organiser of this event which is once again being run by the Pretoria Old Motor Club.
“As usual, we will be catering for over 2 500 classic and special-interest vehicles at Zwartkops, and we are again expecting upwards of 10 000 visitors.
For many classic car lovers, the standout feature of the 2024 Cars in the Park will be the 60th celebration of the Ford Mustang. The Mustang legend keeps growing every year, and at Zwartkops on August 4, visitors can expect to see examples of all the iconic models that have made the Mustang such a legend in South Africa over the past six decades.
In the pit area at Zwartkops, the Pretoria Old Motor Club traditionally assembles a display of special interest vehicles, under the auspices of long-standing POMC member, Emil Kuschke. This year, says Kuschke, the focus will be on Pre-World War Two cars, dating back from the late 1930s to the vintage era.
The Pretoria Old Motor Club’s membership has a strong focus on earlier cars in South Africa’s motoring history, and it will be fascinating for visitors to see motorcars from America, England and Europe dating back over 100 years, and comparing them with modern supercars, which will also be on display at Zwartkops.
“We have once again received requests from over 100 car clubs for specific display areas, and the fascinating aspect of the clubs’ displays is that they showcase members’ cars that are often very old, sometimes dating back to the 1920s and earlier, right through to the modern era,” says Frik.
A unique aspect of Cars in the Park is that ordinary, non-club-affiliated owners of classic cars built more than 30 years ago are also invited to showcase their cars on August 4. Drivers of classic cars and one passenger will be admitted free of charge.
Over the years, Cars in the Park has grown to be a wonderful family-day of entertainment, even for people who are new to the classic car scene. This year, there will be close to 140 stalls selling everything from full-sized motorcars to model cars, clothing, books, tools and novelties. There will also be live music, special children entertainment and plenty of food and drink on offer.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has released a series of Transformer-inspired videos via its social media channels, highlighting how the company leverages its extensive expertise in the military and security fields to deliver civilian protection.
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