The Classic Car Show 2024 opens its doors at the Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg on June 6 and, for the first time, runs over two days to accommodate the expected throng of visitors – last year’s event attracting more than 30 000 people.
As in previous years, The Classic Car Show will run alongside the immensely popular German vs Jap show, which features late model classics from Germany and Japan.
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Organiser Paulo Calisto commented on the decision, noting” "It was fantastic to see the huge crowd last year, but managing it logistically was challenging. Given the high level of interest, extending to a two-day event was the logical choice, and we are thrilled about the new format."
The German vs Jap segment has steadily grown over the years, now showcasing thousands of modified VW Golfs, Polos, Opels, and Audis, alongside BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, and other cult favourites from Japan.
"In recent years, we've also seen a significant number of exotic cars entered, and Halls 5 and 6 will feature a large contingent of Porsches and other supercars," says Calisto.
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Dawood Hoosein of Southside Crew, the chief organiser of the German vs Jap segment, announced some changes for this year's events for modern classics.
"This year, we'll hold our competition for the car with the lowest ride height on Saturday, and our traditional Dyno competition for the most powerful car on Sunday," says Hoosein.
"We've become known for hosting one of the largest collections of American muscle cars anywhere. Enthusiasts bring cars from the 1950s, such as the 1955, ’56, and ’57 Chevies, as well as more obscure muscle cars like Oldsmobile 442s and Dodge Challengers," says Calisto.
The event also attracts a variety of American pick-ups, ranging from the 1930s to the mid-1970s, offering a fascinating look at the evolution of these vehicles. Rare examples of British and European classics are also a highlight, including the Ford Taunus, a German counterpart to the Ford Cortina from the 1960s.
This year, special cars will be housed overnight in Halls 5 and 6 under special security arrangements. These halls will showcase an impressive array of vehicles, from traditional classics to future modern classics, featuring expensive paint jobs, body kits, and performance enhancements.
Among the special anniversaries celebrated this year is the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, promising a significant turnout of both classic and modern Mustangs. Since their introduction in right-hand-drive form in South Africa in 2015, modern Mustangs have developed a strong following, continuing the legacy that began in April 1964 in America.
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Interest in late-model cult cars within the German vs Jap segment has surged in recent years. To qualify for the general display fields around Halls 5 and 6, participating cars must have lowered suspension and specialised aftermarket wheels. Enthusiasts showing their extensively modified cars push the boundaries with their creations, particularly for the ‘Limbo’" low ride-height competition.
Entrants for this year's Limbo competition are expected to go to great lengths to achieve the lowest possible ride height, using techniques like lowering tyre pressures and packing their cars with as many people as possible to reduce roof height to near ground level.
Tickets are available from Computicket, with one-day prices ranging from R30 for children to R100 for adults. For more information, visit the Southside Crew website at www.southsidecrew.co.za or The Nasrec Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nasreccarshows.
Colin Windell
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