The motoring world is set to converge at the Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday, August 4, 2024, as the annual Cars in the Park event promises a spectacle of automotive history. This year, the highlight will be a stunning collection of pre-World War Two Rolls-Royce cars, revered for their elegance and engineering excellence. These British icons, built during a time when Rolls-Royce was synonymous with unparalleled quality, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Emil Kuschke, the Pretoria Old Motor Club’s coordinator for Special Invite Vehicles, expressed his excitement: “The pulling power of Cars in the Park never ceases to amaze us. We were approached by a gentleman with three Rolls-Royces from the 1930s, and we couldn’t say no. Now, we have four of these magnificent machines lined up for the event, and their presence is simply breathtaking.” Kuschke highlights the dedication of classic car enthusiasts, many of whom rush to complete restoration projects in time for Cars in the Park. “Each year, we issue a window sticker with the event date. Collectors proudly display these stickers, showcasing the numerous Cars in the Park events their cars have graced.” The event’s chief organiser, Frik Kraamwinkel, points out that Cars in the Park has grown beyond a mere car show. “It’s now a major event that attracts various local organisations and businesses, notably charities. This year, we’re collaborating with the South African National Blood Services Blood Drive, the Community Emergency Response Team, Owl Rescue, the MOTH organisation, and our long-term partners, the Lions.” Kraamwinkel is proud of the event’s community impact: “The diversity of organisations involved underscores the wide-ranging community interests that Cars in the Park engages. We’re thrilled to play a role in promoting the classic car culture far and wide.” As the 42nd edition of Cars in the Park, the Pretoria Old Motor Club expects over 2,500 classic, vintage, and veteran cars to arrive at Zwartkops from 6 am on August 4. Alongside the cars, more than 140 stall-holders will offer a variety of goods, with plenty of food and drink available. The event will also feature live music and a mini rally stage on the Zwartkops karting circuit for current rally cars. Car clubs will be out in force, with over 100 clubs booked around the circuit. This year marks significant milestones for many, including the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. The Mustang Club of South Africa will celebrate this iconic muscle car, which first arrived in South Africa as a special consignment of 80 left-hand-drive models in 1965. Other notable anniversaries include Fiat’s 125 years, 75 years of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, and the centenary of the first Chrysler. For many attendees, the appeal lies in the eclectic mix of old cars that turn up, often in various states of disrepair. “We see barn finds arriving each year, often on the back of classic trucks and pick-ups, which are themselves vintage treasures,” says Kraamwinkel. Visitors can expect a diverse array of British sports cars, German saloons, Japanese pick-ups, American sedans, and Italian classics. Gates open at 6 am for classic car owners, with public admission starting at 8.30 am. The show runs until 4 pm, with tickets available through iTickets at R120 for adults and free for children under 12. Tickets at the gate will cost R140 for adults.