Hours of hard work, organising and lots of patience truly paid off… Vryheid’s Vintage Car Club succeeded in bringing an excellent outdoor event to the community on Saturday. The organisers managed to attract vintage cars, vintage implements and airplanes to the Vryheid Airfield, where people from around Vryheid and neighbouring towns could enjoy a day out at the Fly-In & Vintage Car Show. Leon van den Berg says this is an annual event where the Vintage Car Club tries to get the community together. Half of the funds go towards charity, which is the main focus of the show. It is also an opportunity for small businesses to advertise and generate money on the day. Harry Heyns added that the show is also an opportunity for youngsters to see and ‘experience’ the restoration of vintage cars; a step back in time. There were no computers back then to manufacture cars. The Vintage Car Club will be donating to Vryheid Hospice and the Jubileum Old Age Home to help them with their daily expenses.
The car models ranged from 1911 up to the most recent editions. The 1911 Ford Model T, belonging to owner Paul Mouton, was of huge interest for many on the day. Mouton’s Model T Ford is in mint condition, with hours of restoration going into most of these vintage cars. This creates pride and admiration among the owners, who have dedicated their spare time to this hobby. Another little stunner on display was a 300cc BMW single-cylinder, four-stroke petrol engine Isetta 300, also known as a ‘Bubble Car’. The car was designed in Italy and manufactured in Germany in 1958. Owner Cassie Lourens bought the car with its pieces in boxes and restored it to its full potential. The front of the car is a Y-shape, reminding him of the South African flag, hence the car was wrapped in the colours of the flag.
An event like this was long overdue to restore local businesses, relationships and lives after two years of lockdown. Families and friends gathered around and spent valuable and much-needed time together over a beer or two and some good food. A light-hearted atmosphere washed over the close-knit community of Vryheid at the event. People were entertained by local live bands, there were stalls with handmade goodies and delicious cuisine, as well as young dancers from a local dance school. An airplane ‘drew’ its lines through the fluffy clouds in the sky every now and again while 4×4 enthusiasts tested their skills on a challenging 4×4 obstacle course. Earlier in the day, a hot air balloon made its way across the horizon.
The activities went well into the night, with music, dancing, food and beverages… and will be talked about until the next one comes around.
(See more photos on pages 4 and 5).
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