KNYSNA NEWS - Regardless of the era, there's arguably nothing more satisfying for automotive enthusiasts than seeing cars being used as intended – and that's simply to be driven.
While there's a case for preserving priceless pieces of motoring history in museums and prestigious private collections, nothing beats witnessing these machines unleashing their full potential on a twisty hillside road in front of adoring fans.
The performance of the diverse range of cars making up the Simola Hillclimb's Classic Car Friday is all relative of course. A 1926 Ford Model T – which will be the oldest car competing in this year's event – seems light years away from a 1969 Ford GT40, which pays tribute to the illustrious Le Mans-winning cars that dominated the French race from 1966 to 1969.
The Model T could hardly nudge 70km/h while, just 40 years later, the GT40 was capable of over 340km/h on the La Sarthe circuit's six kilometre long Mulsanne Straight.
The line-up features the giant-killing original Mini, which defied all odds by winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, along with a stunning replica of the famous Porsche 550 Spider, known as "Little Bastard", that will forever be associated with film star James Dean.
The Italians are represented by charming and agile cars such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2000 Rally and the boxy Fiat 131 Racing, while memories from the heydays of WesBank Modifieds and Group N will be relived, as some of these iconic cars, plus many more, will be seen in action at this year's Classic Car Friday on 5 May.
A total of 65 cars are scheduled to take on the challenging 1,9km Simola Hillclimb course, with 20 vehicle manufacturers represented.
Tickets can be purchased on the event website (www.simolahillclimb.com), with the prices for General Entry remaining unchanged from last year. Upgrades are available for pit access, Turn 2 Grandstand seating and VIP parking.
For the ultimate VIP experience, the Le Mans Hospitality Lounge provides mouthwatering catering, an unbeatable viewing point overlooking the start line, as well as general entry and pit access.
The 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 4 to 7 May.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
