Look out for this sporty lady and her arty driver on this month’s Erfenistoer

The Southern Cape Old Car Club joins South Africans from every corner of the country in celebrating Heritage Month this September. For SCOCC members and friends, this also means meticulously fine-tuning their cherished automobiles for the annual Erfenistoer (Heritage Tour).

The event takes place from September 22-25, promising a remarkable journey boasting fascinating historical landmarks and captivating sights. The tour is a significant occasion for both newcomers and returning participants, and the 2023 edition will continue the tradition of featuring beloved classic vehicles.

Serving as the Club’s flagship event, each annual Erfenistoer is a jubilant celebration of South African automotive heritage, set against the breath-taking backdrop of the Western Cape’s most scenic roads.

The 2023 itinerary will traverse the enchanting roads of the Overberg, revealing the beauty of this region’s unique landscape along the way. Arniston and Bonnievale are the designated overnight spots during the 11th edition of this memorable event.

Proudly supported by Halfway Toyota George, this year’s Erfenistoer fleet will again commence its journey from Halfway’s headquarters off Knysna Road. Enthusiastic old-car aficionados are expected in numbers to wish participants a safe journey on the morning of September 22.

Among the drivers and navigators will be many a familiar face, as some of the Southern Cape’s most ardent collectors of classic cars gather for the occasion. One of these Erfenistoer veteran pairs, René and Waldo Scribante, will this year celebrate a milestone for René.

It won’t be the first time tourers will witness Waldo in his Pagoda 280SL 1968 Mercedes Benz on the starting line, but do too peel your eyes for the sight of René behind the wheel of her sporty white VW-Porsche 914.

“It is the first time that I will be driving it on the open road and as part of a tour,” beams René, adding that this beauty was acquired in September 2007. It was red at the time, but now styles in sharp white with all the right racing stripes. She says the car was restored in 2012 by Martini Racing Livery.

Some facts and figures on this awesome automobile include:
* VW-Porsche 914 is a mid-engined sports car designed, manufactured and marketed collaboratively by Volkswagen and Porsche from 1969 until 1976. It was only available as a targa-topped two-seat roadster powered by either a flat-four or flat-six engine.
* On 1 March 1968, the first 914 prototype was presented. The 914/4 became Porsche’s top seller during its model run, outselling the Porsche 911 by a wide margin with over 118,000 units sold worldwide.
* Maximum speed is 186.5km/h; 0-100km reached in 13.3sec; of the total production of 118, 978 cars, the 914/4 made up 115,646.

“Volkswagen versions originally featured the fuel-injected 1.7 litre VW Type 4 flat-four boxer engine producing 60kW, but our engine is a 1.8 litre Volkswagen Type 4 F4 5-speed manual gearbox,” explains René. A well-known artist who plies her trade in George and surrounds, this lady obviously also knows her engines!

Look out for the impressive line-up of 30 special cars participating in this year’s Erfenistoer from September 22-25. This exceptional fleet will be accessible for admiration during designated tea breaks. Find out more about these stops and other tour details by emailing mimi@gojipr.net or calling 084 583 3144.