EL motor show bound to wow with vintage vehicles

Gearing up for the 13th Wizards on Wheels Show are motor enthusiasts and collectors from all over the Eastern Cape, who will show off their gleaming wheels to admiring members of the public at the dazzling car show.

Wizards on Wheels, or Wow as it is affectionately known, is the highlight of the petrolheads’ calendar, and will see vintage, classic, rare and exotic vehicles on show at the Port Rex Technical High School in Vincent on Saturday, September 29.

The show, which attracts car enthusiasts from all over the province, will see a new element in the form of an auction of three vehicles from the 1960s, as well as racing memorabilia owned by late motor racing enthusiast Philip Rohtbart.

WOW organiser Barry Gradwell said Rohtbart’s son, Auction One auctioneer Justin Rohtbart, will auction his father’s 1965 Rolls Royce Van den Plas, a 1963 Austin Princess Van den Plas and a 1969 Austin Cambridge at midday on the day.

Twenty-one lots of Rohtbart senior’s vintage memorabilia collection will also go under the hammer.

“Justin has also offered to auction any other vehicle-related collector’s or vintage item at no extra charge,” said Gradwell.

The show itself has mushroomed, with 3,000 visitors marvelling at 220 photogenic vehicles in 2017.

“This year, the Border Vintage Car Club will have the centre field, so spectators will get to see wonderful cars such as the Model T Ford,” said Gradwell, a passionate Datsun enthusiast, who will be exhibiting his silver six-litre V8 2009 Chevrolet Lumina.

“It is a collector’s piece. My Chev is a manual, but most of the ones built are automatic.”

Organiser Heather Bridger said Wow was an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day out of doors with food stalls, children’s entertainment, a mini flea market and the Tool Shed watering hole, which would feature sport on a big screen.

Exhibitors need not belong to motor clubs and the show is open to any interesting car, bike or kart, while new vehicle dealers are also welcome to mount a display.

● Anyone interested in displaying vehicles may contact Vaughn Smith at 082-345-8086. To book a food or craft stall, contact Alwyn Schoeman at 083-461-3138, while car- or motorcycle-related stall holders can contact Heather Bridger 076-144-8376 (pm).

Gates for spectators open at 10am on Saturday, September

29. Tickets cost R30 for adults and R10 for pupils.