The biggest car show in South Africa happening this weekend – Ticket prices and activities

Cars from all across South Africa are gathering in Gauteng this weekend for the 42nd Cars in the Park motoring show.

Over 2,500 classic and special-interest models are expected to partake in the event on Sunday, 4 August, which will open to the public from 08h30 until 16h00.

Cars in the Park will be held at Zwartkops Raceway, located southwest of Pretoria on the R55.

The motor show is open to all ages, and ticket prices for adults start at R120 if ordered online at iTickets, or R140 if paying at the gate. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free.

A motoring treasure trove

Hosted by the Pretoria Old Motor Club (POMC), Cars in the Park is an opportunity for South Africa’s automotive enthusiasts to come together and show off their vintage models.

“Every year we have seen the show gaining a new momentum, as classic cars become more and more a part of our modern culture,” said Frik Kraamwinkel, the event’s chief organiser.

“Last year we had about 10,000 spectators at the show and this year we are expecting to match that.”

For this reason, classic car owners are requested to arrive at Zwartkops between 06h00 and 08h30 to ease congestion in the area before the gates are opened to the public.

Owners of classic cars of 30 years and older who wish to display their prized possessions to the public will be admitted to the venue free of charge, along with one guest.

A major attraction of the show is modified cars, which the POMC decided to open the event to many years ago.

This includes hot rods, unique motorcycles, and special-interest cars of a more recent manufacturing age.

“In the past, old car shows were very prescriptive about classics, vintage and veteran cars having to conform rigidly to original status, but it was realised that there was a need to cater for other groups of enthusiasts, who may have a different perspective on presenting their cars,” said the organisers.

The POMC also sends out a number of special invitations to individuals with impressive models that fit a particular theme.

The theme for 2024 is cars from pre-World War Two, and one enthusiast has assembled a collection of post-vintage units from 1931 to 1939, including four Rolls-Royces.

A unique quality about vehicles assembled in this time is that they represent a design shift away from early automobiles that still retained looks reminiscent of horse-drawn carriages, to much sleeker bodies that are more similar to what we have today.

Another old beauty is a 1946 Fiat 1100 Balilla, one of the oldest Fiats in South Africa, which was built at the old UCDD plant in East London after the war and is completely original apart from a respray.

Naturally, several Ford Mustangs will be in attendance, including a number of classic models dating back to the 1960s.

Other attractions expected to be at the event include a Ford GT40, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL, a Ford Sierra XR8, an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, and an Alfa Romeo Sprint GT.

Over 100 classic car clubs have booked spots around the track, providing a spectacle for all in attendance.

At least 140 stalls for food, drinks, and merchandise, and humanitarian groups like the South African National Blood Services Blood Drive, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Honorary Game Ranger organisation, Owl Rescue, and the MOTHs will also be in attendance to drum up interest and support in their missions.

Cars in the Park