Calling all classic car enthusiasts
There is something for everyone at this popular Concours charity event.
Continuing a tradition that now extends three years, top classic car collectors in South Africa will make their way to the magnificent setting of the Nelson Mandela Park fields at Steyn City from today to Sunday.
Enthusiasts will witness a “competition of elegance” where some of the country’s most beautifully restored vehicles will be on display.
The weekend’s proceedings commence today with the induction, at a special ceremony, to the South African Hall of Fame of the legendary local F1 designer RoryByrne.
One of the most successful Formula One car designers of all time, Byrne is renowned for his successful Grand Prix wins with the Benetton and Ferrari Formula One cars and for Michael Schumacher’s five World Formula One Champion wins, for five straight seasons.
Rory’COURSs achievements also include seven driver’s championships and six constructor’s championships won in his cars.
Another highlight of the weekend is the Concours South Africa Auction, supported by Coys of London, an auction house specialising in classic exotic racing cars and motorcycles.
It will be the first international classic car auction to be held in South Africa.
Approximately 80 collectables are destined to go under the hammer tomorrow, 50 of which are from the Plit Portfolio and will headline the auction. The amazing collection of cars being put up by classic enthusiast Wayne Plit represents a small part of his collection that began in the late 1980s.
Since its inception, in September 2016, Concours South Africa has been involved with the Quadriplegic Association South Africa (Qasa), whose function is to serve quadriplegics, paraplegics and the disabled, many of whom are a result of car accidents.
The organisers have confirmed that, for the third year, proceeds from the auction will be donated to the association.
Contributions from Concours for 2016 and 2017 exceeded the R300 000 mark through entries and the charity auction.
“This year we are on track to raise considerably more from the auction than previous years and with the generous contributions from the auction, Concours entrees and classic enthusiasts the funds distributed will help Qasa to address a number of issues,” said Ross Crichton, co-founder of Concours South Africa.
Numerous car aficionados will enter their vintage, classic and collectable automobiles into a competition which judges will evaluate on rarity, presentation, originality, maintenance and technical merit.
Classic entries into this year’s event will include vehicles such as a 1964 Porsche 356C, a Ford ModelS from 1928 and a 1961 Mercedes Benz 300SL .
Also on show will be some of Douw Steyn’s vehicles, including his 1930 Rolls Royce and the “Douwmobile”, a 2010 custom-designed Rolls, and the first car ever sold in South Africa, a 1902 Oldsmobile.
Visitors to Concours will be treated to the magnificent vision of a McLaren racing car, from the 60s, being fired up at the event and in addition the Ferrari Daytona will have a strong presence.
This is an event about a lifestyle; meeting different people from the SADC region; networking and above all else, beautiful rare cars. For those of you who like all things beautiful come and enjoy two days of pure charm and excitement.
The winning car of Concours SA will be announced on Sunday after the judges have made their final decision. – Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConcoursSouthAfrica/