Chev still good to go after 87 years
Monarch of road proves mettle in 500km Milligan Trial
AMIDDELBURG farmer and his original 1928 Chevrolet hit the road in spectacular fashion to participate in the 46th annual Milligan Vintage Trial last week. Barney Marais, in his red Chevrolet, raced against 21 other participants in the trial starting from Graaff-Reinet and travelling to various locations around the province, covering more than 500km over four days.
Marais, 74, a former General Motors dealer from Joubertina, first laid eyes on the vintage Chev five years ago at a GM dealership in Randburg – and just knew he had to have it.
However, the vehicle could not be sold to him as it formed part of the heritage of the Williams Hunt Group, but the group was kind enough to place it in his care, where it has been ever since.
Built at the Port Elizabeth plant 87 years ago, the Chevrolet was still in its original condition.
“When I got the vehicle it had been standing for more than 20 years. She was a beauty with 37 000km on the clock.”
Marais had the vehicle transported from Johannesburg to his farm. With just a few turns of the slinger, the four-cylinder three-litre engine started to purr.
“The vehicle still has its original engine, I was so excited. The oil pressure was fine so I cleaned the engine, fixed the brakes, added water and filled it with petrol. She was good to go,” he said.
Once the engine was sorted out, Marais ordered tyres from the US, changed the floor mats and gave the vehicle a good polish.
He said he had no doubt his Chevrolet would be able to endure the Milligan Vintage Trial, as he had faith in the brand.
Marais finished in seventh position, without any breakdowns along the route.
“I knew I could rely on this vehicle and that it would not let me down during the race.
“The Chevrolet brand has a reputation for being reliable. It always has and it always will,” he said.
The first Milligan Vintage Trial was a one-day event held between Port Elizabeth and East London and took place in 1970 in memory of Bill Milligan, founder member of the Eastern Province Veteran Car Club.