Something very, very different

I admit it … I do have a funny fascination about all things vintage. I really do. I find most modern things a little soul-less, maybe because they are too perfect. I don’t know. I like old brass taps, I like old watches, and I really like vintage cars. I always think that it would be such a pleasure to go back in time, say to the 1930s and spend one day in a city at that time. But that isn’t possible of course.

So I have been driving past this car shop for many years now, in Hoedspruit, and there was this old vintage 1947 car there, standing nolens volens under a shabby roof. And every time I drove past I thought to myself … one day, I will stop, buy it, and restore it to its former glory … what a shame it is standing around here, in the elements, slowly rotting away. But you know how it is … you think it … and you drive on. I either didn’t have the money, or the time, there always was a reason not to stop. So about 5 months ago, I saw that car again, but this time, I didn’t drive past. I did stop, walked in, made an offer and bought it!!

I had it taken to Pretoria, to a car restoration specialist, and he had only good news for me. Sound engine at its core, and good body, as well as chassis. No damage that cannot be made good on! What a find.

After some research, we found out that the car was the Cape Town mayor’s car in the 1940s. It was passed on to a friend, who kept it until he passed away, and then it went to his son, who sold it to a Hoedspruit mechanic in 2003. And now it is my mission to have it completely restored.

So why am I sharing this on the safari blog?

Well, I have decided to make this magnificent car available for mountain road trips to our guests once it is done. This sort of historic pleasure is to be shared and enjoyed by all.

I will update you here regularly on progress of the restoration. I will not yet let you know yet what the make and model is, but in due time, it will become obvious. All I will say is that it is a 1947 make.

Here a snapshot of the chasis restoration. This is a proper 100% bottom-up restoration, with all bolts and nuts restored or replaced. You will be able to enjoy this car in exactly the condition it was in when it rolled off the production line in 1947. Something to be getting excited about! It will be ready in about 8 weeks or so.

Chassis full restoration
Chassis full restoration