A gleaming assembly of Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, hailed as the ‘crowning glory’ of British motoring heritage, stole the spotlight at the 28th George Old Car Show recently where more than 12 000 enthusiasts flocked to Eden Technical High School under near-perfect skies, where sun and cloud illuminated one of the most celebrated editions of South Africa’s premier classic car event.
The show’s British-themed focus drew an unprecedented turnout, with 1 000 vehicles spanning eras from pre-war veterans to modern marvels. Yet it was the regal display of 20 Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, meticulously curated on the top field, that captivated crowds.
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
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Highlights included a 1920s 4,5-litre Bentley Le Mans racer from Cape Town and a 1930 Speed-6 model, echoing Bentley’s historic 1930 Le Mans triumph. Among the standouts was Brian Bruce of Knysna’s bespoke 20/25 Rolls-Royce Shooting Brake, its handcrafted Indian-made wooden estate bodywork drawing admiration.
“This spread of Rolls and Bentley models — from the 1930s to a 2016 Phantom from Paarl — shows the enduring legacy of British engineering,” remarked Waldo Scribante, chairman of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC).
The theme extended beyond luxury icons, with rare gems such as a 1925 Morris Cowley Bullnose and a stately 1912 Rover Colonial, its radiator crowned by a warrior mascot, evoking early motoring grandeur. A 1958 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk III, rescued from a Vereeniging farm and restored to pristine condition, exemplified British sports car elegance. Meanwhile, Mark Barendse’s Aston Martin — once a hay-hauler — showcased a period-correct triple-Weber engine, drawing nods from purists.
The oldest car at the 2025 show, the 1904 De Dion Bouton Model Q
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While British marques dominated, the show’s diversity shone. A 1904 De Dion Bouton Model Q, South Africa’s sole Iso Rivolta supercar, and vibrant displays from Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Volkswagen clubs added international flair. The Suid Kaap Tractor Club impressed with a 1950s David Brown tractor—a nod to Aston Martin’s DB lineage.
Classic motorcycles, from 1930s AJS bikes to 1970s Suzuki superbikes, roared in the drive-by parade, while Eden Vespa Club’s spirited scooter convoy brought playful energy. Notably, Vickee Fleetwood embarked on a 1 000 km journey home to East London in her unrestored 1959 Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite, a family heirloom.
Vickee Fleetwood drove her 1959 Austin Healey Sprite from East London
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“Every vehicle here represents someone’s passion,” said coordinator Alewijn Dippenaar, reflecting on the event’s ethos.
From barn finds to painstaking restorations, the show united collectors and admirers alike, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of South Africa’s classic car calendar.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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