George, Garden Route (March 2026) – The 29th George Old Car Show, honouring the 140th anniversary of the first motor vehicle in the world, was highly successful.  The 29th George Old Car Show, honouring the 140th anniversary of the first motor vehicle in the world, was highly successful.  Highlights were:

  • Centrepiece commemorating the Centenary of Mercedes-Benz AG proved hugely popular
  • Star of the Show was a rare 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster
  • Impressive line-up of W123 Mercedes-Benz cars to commemorating 50 years of the iconic locally assembled model
  • 20th Edition of the Vet Tour was well supported and highly appreciated
  • Winner of the competition with a pristine W123 Mercedes-Benz as prize to be announced soon

Not even an early rain shower on show day could dampen the spirits of the hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of showgoers attending the 29th George Old Car Show, the biggest annual show for old and veteran cars in the country, that took place on Valentine’s Day, at Eden Technical High School in George.

This annual show, held annually under the auspices of the  Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), paid homage to the Pioneers of Motoring – honouring the 140th anniversary of the invention of the horseless motor carriage by Carl Benz in 1886, celebrating the Centenary of the formation of Daimler-Benz AG, and commemorating 50 years of the W123 Mercedes-Benz.

Visitors were treated to a special exhibition of early Benz vehicles that pioneered modern motor vehicles, an exclusive exhibition of pre-World War II Mercedes-Benz cars, a selection of exclusive post-War Mercedes-Benz models, as well as an array of delectable veteran and classic vehicles.

The centrepiece commemorating the Centenary of Mercedes-Benz AG, with replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and 1901 Benz Ideal, a 1913 Benz 8/20 PS Tourenwagen, a 1935 Mercedes-Benz W23 130H, a 1938 Mercedes-Benz W142 Type 320 and a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster on show, proved exceptionally popular.

“The 2026 edition of the George Old Car Show again was well supported by showgoers and exhibitors, and attendees and exhibitors alike expressed their appreciation and delight with the wide selection of classic and special cars, bikes and tractors on show,” said Show Organiser Alewijn Dippenaar.

“From the comments of attendees after the show, it was clear they viewed it as a huge success. For them, the centrepiece exhibition was a real highlight, and many visitors and attendees viewed the immaculate and beautifully preserved Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster as the star of the show,” he added.

Another highlight was the 20th Edition of the Vettoer, organised by Philip Kuschke, preceding the show on Friday. Reserved for vehicles manufactured without front brakes, this prestigious tour is an iconic tradition strongly supported by the Model T Ford Club of South Africa. This year, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen lead the lineup of immaculate old-timers on the route from Prince Albert to George, setting the tone for the Pioneers of Motoring theme of the show.

“We want to thank every exhibitor, participant and attendee bringing to life the dawn of motoring for enthusiasts, families, and collectors alike, and for their continued support of the show,” said Waldo Scribante, Chairman of the  SCOCC and founder of Scribs BENZeum. Proceeds from the show goes to organisations such as Rotary, Round Table, Vryburgers, schools (Eden Technical High School, Carpe Diem School, and Glenwood), Firstcare Wildfire Support and the SPCA.

“The George Old Car Show represents a meeting place, a focal point for all iconic marques and those who share the passion for old and classic vehicles, and we believe the 2026 rendition of the show was a memorable and rewarding experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.” He added that planning for next year’s event has already started, to be held on 13 February 2027 at the  Eden Technical High School.

 

Competition winner announcement

Scribante also said the winner announcement of the raffle competition sponsored by the SCOCC and MUA Insurance, a longstanding partner of the George Old Car Show, with one lucky participant stands to win an iconic W123 Mercedes-Benz car, will take place at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

Sourced by Vajra Singh, CEO of MUA Insurance, and Scribante, the pristine W123 prize car, with genuine mileage of under 125 000km, was displayed at the George Old Car Show.  According to Scribante the event at Lourensford will see the continuation of celebrations around the 100 years of the Three-Pointed Star.

The event will also form part of the activities of the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa (MBCSA), commemorating its 40th anniversary.  “We invite every owner of a W123 Mercedes-Benz, whether a club member or not, to attend the event at Lourensford, as we would like to gather as many W123s as possible together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this legendary model,” he added.

For more information about the George Old Car Show, visit the Southern Cape Old Car Club website, www.scocc.co.za. For enquiries, please contact: info@scocc.co.za or SMS 076 764 0897.