Mercedes Benz 300SLs to headline Old Car Show
The 27th edition of the George Old Car Show, set for 10 and 11 February, promises to be a vintage car enthusiast's dream as it hosts the largest gathering of original Mercedes-Benz 300SL sports cars in South Africa. Eight of the nine original series 300SLs in the country will be showcased, marking the 70th anniversary of the iconic model.
Organised by the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), the event has become a staple in the classic car community, attracting entries from across the country. Club chairperson Waldo Scribante expressed excitement about the commitment from owners of these "sports cars of the century," which earned the 300SL its title in 1999.
The star-studded line-up includes seven 300SL Roadsters and, for the first time, an original Gullwing 300SL Coupé, the only one of its kind in South Africa. Scribante, who owns a comprehensive Mercedes-Benz classic collection, anticipates the aweinspiring sight of the Gullwing joining the Roadsters.
The original 300SL, unveiled in 1954, has a rich motorsport heritage. Born from the Mercedes W196 Grand Prix machine that secured Juan Manuel Fangio's Formula One championships in 1954 and 1955, the 300SL also triumphed in the 1955 Mille Miglia with Stirling Moss at the wheel.
The Gullwing version, with its distinctive upward-opening doors, earned its nickname due to the unique racing DNA present in the production coupé. Not only was it visually striking, but it also featured groundbreaking engineering, including the first directinjection petrol engine, making it the fastest production car in the world in the mid-1950s.
The Roadster version, introduced in 1957, retained the coupé's mechanical excellence while sporting conventional doors. With famous owners like Sophia Loren and Clark Gable, the 300SL became a symbol of automotive luxury.
The George Old Car Show, taking place at Eden Technical High School, Union Street George, from 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturday 10 February, and 09:00 to 14:00 on Sunday 11 February, expects over 1 000 classic cars. Tickets can be purchased online through iTickets, with discounts for pre-booking. Owners of pre-1985 classic cars can register their vehicles for display at the show grounds at www.scocc.co.za. Don't miss this opportunity to witness automotive history on display.