FOR THE LOVE OF CARS – PREPARE FOR ITS REVIVAL
• Planned for Sunday 1 May 2022
• Thesen Harbour Town
• 150 High quality classic- and collectible cars
• Final decision pending
Almost everything about Knysna, often referred to as the Jewel of the Garden Route, is defined by its relationship with the Estuary. Away from the Estuary, on a local sports field and linked by a week to Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Motor Show has developed over the past decade into a premium automotive event with a national following.
This annual spectacle has steadily attracted more of the most exciting classic and collectible cars and motorcycles in South Africa, to find a place in the display arena. That is until 2020 and Covid-19, when public gatherings and events became casualties of unpredictable lockdown restrictions – and with the experience at the Knysna Motor Show being very much a personal and tactile one, the show could not go on.
Classic vehicles are primarily about emotion and visitors seek an experience of the senses – see, touch, hear, smell and sometimes, taste! For the elders it's often about nostalgia, but for the youngsters it will be excitement and passion – the exhilaration of 'live and real'...
With live streaming of such an intimate event not an option, the time has come for the Knysna Motor Show to resume its place on the podium. The event is planned for Sunday 1 May 2022 at Thesen Harbour Town. A fitting location in the middle of the estuary, with the landmark 'Heads' to the South and forested Tsitsikama Mountains to the North.
The venue has the infrastructure and public facilities in place and the location itself is inspiring. However, planning the event at such short notice has brought some challenges which are being methodically mitigated to ensure that the show meets the requisite requirements. A final decision will be made before Easter weekend.
The exhibition will be limited to 150 high quality vehicles and, to satisfy Covid regulations, the event will be limited to a maximum of 2000 people at any given time. For affordability and accessibility, a nominal entrance fee will be charged for adults, with accompanying children entering for free.
Thesen Harbour Town offers many options for food and beverages, and the Knysna Experience facilities are within the exhibition grounds for easy access. Cars and coffee always make for an enjoyable, energising experience and will be available throughout the day.
Special features of the show include a display of Austin Healey models that will be participating in the 2022 Austin Healey Club of Southern Africa National Tour in the Southern Cape, whilst the Simola Hillclimb display will feature cars competing in Classic Car Friday.
South African production, special and replica builds will form an important display at the Show. These include an Opel Kadett Super Boss by SentiMETAL; a pair of modern Shelby Mustangs from Shelby SA, supported by classic versions of the marque and the 1967 Shelby GT500 from Hi-Tech Automotive. Hi-Tech will also showcase the AC Zagato and Rossion Q1 supercars plus the Daytona Coupe. Cobra replicas from around the country and a classic GSM Dart will add to the awe-inspiring line-up.
In addition to the British, German, and Italian marques on display, a group of American Muscle Cars will find themselves alongside a display of local Knysna Low Rider Custom Cars.
Against all odds, Knysna Motor Show is now tantalisingly close to fruition. Watch this space for developments, final details, and ticketing information. We hope to see you at the revived Show!
Garden Route Motor Club
12 April 2022