The highly anticipated Classic Car Show is extending its run to two days in 2024, offering enthusiasts an extra day of vintage car bliss. Scheduled for 6 and 7 July 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, just outside Soweto, this year’s event is set to showcase an even greater selection of traditional classics. Following the overwhelming turnout of record-breaking crowds last year, the show’s organizers have decided to double the fun for all car lovers.
Story and Photos By Jabu Kumalo
In contrast to previous editions, the 2024 Classic Car Show will feature a double-header format showcasing more traditional classics.
Taking place on 6 and 7 July 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, located on the outskirts of Soweto, this two-day event is in response to the overwhelming attendance at last year’s show.
As the cars started rolling in, it was obvious that classic car owners had upped their game. They are also very excited that they will have the opportunity to show off what some of them fondly call their “babies” or “wives” for two days. It is obvious by their bodily demeanour that these cars mean much to them.
One classic bakkie owner, Derick Labuschagne, said he would never, ever trade his “second wife”, a 1975 Ford F100 for anything. Standing next to his smiling wife, Derick said while brushing his van: “This is my second wife. My first wife is another classic that is in my garage.”
Pointing at his wife with a smile, he continued: “This one is my third wife. I am very happy with this Ford of mind, my second wife, that I would not trade it for anything. I swapped it for a still new BMW that had only clocked just over 3000 km a year ago. But I do not regret it. I am busy fixing it slowly so that it can get to my own specifications. I drive it regularly around Gauteng.”
He said the advantage of these old cars was that, unlike modern vehicles, you can see where the problem is when you open the bonnet. He said he could still get parts easily. Service parts were easily available at local car spare shops.
As expected judging by the previous editions of this show, the core of the classic display area is formed by American machines from the 1950s to the 1960s. Some of the crowd-pullers are the popular German versus Japan-modified modern classics. Each year the event attracts a strong mix of American, European and Japanese classics.
One of the original muscle cars, the Ford Mustang, celebrates its 60 years in 2024.
The workmanship on these oldies is simply breathtaking. Most of them are in such a mint condition, it is obvious that they are well cared for by the loving hands of their owners.
Owners of more modern classics couldn’t be left behind either. They brought their best foot forward with some of their cars so dropped down that they almost touched the ground. In fact, one BMW had its bumper so low that it touched the floor. Wonder how he got it to the show in our pot-hole-riddled roads and larger-than-life speed humps.
One of the common points about the modern cars on display was that they were all low riders.
There was one Honda Ballade of the 1990s which looked so rusty, but beautifully so, that you would mistake it for an abandoned ride. The rustiness brought out its beauty. No wonder the owner aptly named it Skorokoro.
In comparison to many of the cars on display, American models of the 1950s and 1960s were the best. Most of them are big and bold.