The 35th Fairest Cape Tour attracted a varied, and very interesting, field of rather rare and exclusive machinery. Centralized at Goudini Spa competing crews had to negotiate two days of scenic driving that included the iconic Franschhoek Pass and Bainskloof Pass. Two of the greatest driving routes in South Africa.
Gavin Walton proved that consistency counts by bringing his 1966 BMW R60-2 home first with a minute error of just 88.
Proving that men are better navigators that women Andrew Lewis and Catherine Lewis topped the car entries with a fine second overall position in their 1976 MGB Roadster on an error of 128. The third step of the podium, fortunately, also claimed by a car crew with Andrew and Annelie Murphy on 154 with their 1979 Mercedes Benz 450 SLC. Ronald and Pam Gush in fourth spot with the 1934 Austin 10 on an error of 159, a total they shared with fifth placed Bruce Stuart on the much more modern 1995 BMW Z1000GS.
The top six rounded off by the lovely 1937 Chevrolet Coupé of Harvey and Tess Metcalf on 160. Mike and Glenda Ward an interesting combination in seventh spot as they were aboard a 1985 Suzuki GS750 with an error of 171. Nick and Sandra Middelmann eighth overall in their strikingly beautiful 1963 Porsche 356 on 185.
Adrian Denness ninth aboard his 1954 BSA B33 (there just had to be something with the No 33) on 203 and the top ten completed by lady rider, Bev Jacobs, aboard her 1975 Honda Supersport.
There were beautiful motorcycles and and cars and some even changed identity from entry list to startline (Triumph Spitfire actually looks good as a Daimler) and as always a few did not make it to the start or finish.
Trevor and Sharon Binder needed little introduction aboard the 1942 Harley Sidecar and the parents of Brad and Darryn enjoyed every kilometer enroute to 27th place overall. Watching the 1948 MG TC of Brian and Carol Wallace going up Franschhoek Pass really made one appreciate the guts of those who dared going on events such as the Targa Florio.
Riding the older motorcycles and cars also add another perspective as the only similarities between the three pedals in a Model T and current cars is the fact that there are indeed three pedals! Motorcycles with gears on the wrong side, variable timing and some even with “live” lubrication makes one wonder how the rider finds the time to still navigate on a vibrating schedule (even if it is at 40km/h).
Oh yes, did we mention no speedo or rev counter either. Suspension, well, let us just say they did not believe it was of any value back then. Brakes, never heard of her either? But the dirty grin at the end said it all and the result was something that had to be printed, position not so important.
Do not believe that for a second – there were frail male ego’s at stake here!
Better believe it, they will all be back next year!
Published by: Patrick Vermaak