MOTORING NEWS - The late Paul Fick joined the Great Vintage Fleet in the Sky six years ago, but his memory prevails. During his lifetime, he was renowned internationally as a prolific collector and conserver of special cars.
But in his hometown of George, Paul's legacy is most tangible when it's Old Car Show time.
And this year's Silver Jubilee GOCS celebrates the 25th event since it was first held on the Ficks' front lawn in 1997. Leonora Fick (88) still lives happily in the charming homestead.
George Herald of 6 March 1997 reported thus: "A successful gathering of old car enthusiasts was held in perfect weather at Paul Fick's Victoria Bay farm. The main aim was to highlight the local region as display centre for elderly motorcars and bikes. Far-off clubs such as Port Elizabeth and Cape Town came to show off and look. 'We consider 110 vintage cars an excellent display,' said Mr Fick. 'A committee has already been formed to prepare for next year's show, so it seems this will henceforth be an annual event'."
The report concludes with kudos to the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC) as event organisers, saying the day's proceeds bolstered service organisations.
Paul's all-time favourite ride, a 1920 Voisin C1, in action in France.
Today, apart from the venue, number of cars and stalls, not much has changed: the SCOCC still hosts the show, participants and visitors from near and far enjoy the spectacle, and there are still many worthy beneficiaries.
Leonora Fick remembers the inaugural gathering on the sprawling Blackwood Farm lawns - but one in a series of noteworthy occasions patronised by the Ficks over several decades.
Her face lights up when recounting how Paul's all-time favourite ride, a 1920 Voisin C1, was obtained in Uruguay.
Paul Fick and his daughter Marisa next to the Voisan C1, with their Jaguar on the right.
The nutshell version includes its sale by a pretty lass to shady locals, Paul's trump card in procuring the car's registration papers, and its eventual shipping from South America to South Africa.
The real-life story reads like a movie script and was told in full in the June 1991 edition of CAR magazine.
On August 1 of that same year, George Herald featured a snippet headed Paul Fick makes headlines in the world of veterans, hailing his Avions Voisin as "one of 80 top French old cars invited to the centenary of CAR magazine in France". The Voisin in question currently "lives" on the Fick property in France's Rhone Valley. "Paul swapped the French country house for another vintage car!" chuckles Leonora.
Paul Fick's Avions Voisin (left) was hailed as one of 80 top French old cars invited to the centenary of CAR magazine in France.
2022
So although this particular antique won't feature at the GOCS '22, there will be many classic and vintage cars and bikes, as well as modern models to marvel at; scrumptious bits to nibble on and tunes to tap your feet to.
Visitors must park at Carpe Diem School next to the Eden Technical High (formerly PW Botha College) showgrounds. All Covid protocols will be observed and tickets cost R50 per time slot (08:00 - 11:00, 11:00 - 14:00, 14:00 - 17:00).
Take note that only 2 000 tickets are available per each of these three periods. Follow George Old Car Show on Facebook for additional information.
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