BUICK CADILLAC CLUB WESTERN CAPE EVENT - 2011 - BUICK CADILLACKLUB WESKAAP BYEENKOMS

We were blessed on Sunday 6 November with a perfect Cape Town day- lots of sunshine, not too hot and no wind. The venue of the Cape Classic Car show at Jan Burger Sports fields in Parow was a sea of colour and activity with something for everyone - from sports cars, motor cycles, military vehicles and tractors to the latest top of the range SL Mercs. But the classic cars stole the show as was to be expected, with hundreds of pristine exhibits- from the first 3 wheeler 19^th century Benz to the long sleek Cadillac convertibles of the 70’s.

We had 6 Buicks and a Cadillac at our stand. Spesiale dank aan Theo Claasen wat sy pragtige en uiters skaarse 1958 Cadillac Eldorado en sy 1971 Boattail Buick Riviera gebring het. George Shipway who had come down specially for the event was the driver. Special thanks also to Hans Matter 1934 Coupe, Tienie Marais en sy 1948 Super and John Smith 1958 Special  for bringing their Buicks and Chevs to the event and to Les Boshoff 1940 and Mike Cheminais 1971 Boattail Riviera  for bringing their Buicks. Roger Scheibe’s 1940 stretched Buick Limo and Basil Wesson’s 1971 and 1972 Cadillac convertibles from Ceres were also elsewhere on show.  Ronnie Lehman joined us in his 1961 Chev Impala as his 1958 Buick Roadmaster Convertible is not yet complete. We also met up with members Mike Cummings  and Llewellyn Trollip who have restorations which are near to completion – 1958 Cadillac Sedan de Ville  and 1938 Buick Special. We all look forward to seeing these completed cars at our next Western Cape Event.

The Cape Classic was well organised and attracted wide interest with something for everyone. It certainly rivalled the Southern Cape  George Show and can only get better and better in time to come.  Lots of food and parts stalls and a Scottish Pipe Band, which is always a thrill.  It was good to see so many young people and families out there and interested in not only the modern sports cars but also the older classics. The survival of the “old car movement” is in our hands and it is up to us older members to actively encourage and assist younger people to experience the thrill and pleasure of owning and enjoying a classic.

Special thanks to John Smith and Lisa for organising the Buick/ Cadillac member attendance, transporting the Buick Club Pagoda from Johannesburg and making sure all was properly organised. Our stand looked really festive and attracted much attention. It was nice to also have some shade.

Finally, special thanks to Hans Matter and the Organisers of this year’s Cape Classic. It takes a huge amount of time and effort and more often than not, is a thankless task.

Kindest regards and thank you to all for making the effort to attend.

Buick Cadillac Club of South Africa

Chris Palk

Vice Chairman