Two thrilling tours for vintage, veteran, and classic cars are set to take place in conjunction with the 2025 George Old Car Show, which will be held for the first time as a one-day-only event on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
These tours promise to be a highlight for car enthusiasts and participants alike.
The first tour, known as the “Vettoer,” will occur before the show and will conclude on the afternoon of Friday, February 7, at the site of the Old Car Show.
The Vettoer has been a cherished prelude to the show for many years, and this marks its 19th running, showcasing an impressive array of veteran vehicles.
This year, the Vettoer is sponsored by JP Spares in George, and organiser Philip Kuschke has reported an exciting entry list that includes a 1902 Peugeot, a pair of vintage Rolls-Royce cars, Model-T Fords, and at least five vintage motorcycles.
Participants in the Vettoer will enjoy an overnight stay on Thursday, February 6, at the picturesque Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve, nestled between Mossel Bay and Still Bay.
The vintage cars will then embark on a scenic journey, stopping for lunch at the renowned Jakkalsvlei Winery before arriving at the George Old Car Show grounds on Friday afternoon.
The day will culminate in a celebratory braai at “die BENZ,” honouring one of South Africa’s premier classic car shows.
Following the Vettoer, the second tour, the “GOCS eSCape Tour and Rally,” will commence on Sunday, February 9, at the “die BENZ” clubhouse of the Southern Cape Old Car Club.
This ambitious four-day event is open to all cars registered for the show, with a competitive rally for vehicles built before 1975.
The idea for this tour emerged from the Southern Cape Old Car Club, who recognised that many show entrants would be eager to extend their stay in the stunning Garden Route region, especially now that the 2025 show has been designated as a one-day-only event.
The GOCS eSCape Tour and Rally will kick off on Sunday morning, following regulations set by the South African Vintage and Veteran Association (SAVVA) and Motorsport South Africa (MSA).
Competitors will need to nominate the average speeds for their cars over timed sections of the rally, ranging from 65 to 95 km/h, depending on the age of their vehicles.
Veteran cars are defined as those built before 1918, vintage cars up until 1930, and classic cars must have been manufactured before December 31, 1975.
For those who wish to enjoy their cars in a non-competitive setting, the tour running alongside the rally each day offers a chance to relish the company of fellow enthusiasts while navigating through breathtaking scenery and interesting roads.
The GOCS eScape route will lead participants to the Gourikwa Nature Reserve on Sunday, with subsequent days exploring the Garcia Pass near Riversdale, Barrydale, Montagu, and the Breede River Valley, before returning to George via Route 62 on Wednesday.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 George Old Car Show, entries have been pouring in, with nearly 500 cars already registered by early December with the Southern Cape Old Car Club. This year, there will be a special focus on cars of British origin, highlighted by two of the most famous British marques: Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Spectators can look forward to gates opening at 9 am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with the show running until 6 pm. In addition to the anticipated British car contingent, visitors will see machinery from all major car-producing countries, including Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, and the USA.
Vintage and classic motorcycles will also feature prominently, alongside displays of old tractors, trucks, and stationary engines from a bygone era.
The show will also showcase modern machinery, including supercars from renowned brands like Ferrari and Porsche.
The Mercedes-Benz Club will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the W108 series, the predecessor of the modern S-Class, with displays of magnificent newer models from the SL and SLR ranges.
The George Old Car Show is fortunate to enjoy the support of various organisations and businesses, including the George Municipality, George Tourism, MUA Insurance, Standard Bank, JP Spares, Shield Chemicals, George Tyre Mart, Volkswagen Auto Pavilion, and Midas.
Major sponsors such as SAB and Coca-Cola will also lend their support to the event.
Waldo Scribante, chairman of the organising club, the Southern Cape Old Car Club, emphasised the importance of pre-booking tickets through iTickets, priced at R125 for adults, R100 for pensioners, and free admission for children accompanied by adults.
With up to 1,000 cars expected for the 2025 event, owners of veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles are encouraged to pre-enter by visiting www.scocc.co.za and clicking on the Vehicle Registration button.
The 2025 George Old Car Show promises to be an unforgettable celebration of automotive history and passion, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to experience the charm of vintage and classic vehicles in the beautiful Garden Route.