For just over a week in May Knysna becomes the destination to be in on the car enthusiasts’ calendar.
May is mechanic month in Knysna as motoring enthusiasts descend upon the town en masse. Not only did the 2014 International MG Indaba take place in Knysna from 9 to 13 May and the annual Knysna Car Show entertain and delight on 11 May, but the Knysna Speed Festival returns on 15 May after a year on hiatus.
The Knysna Speed Festival brings Jaguar on board as the naming sponsor of the very popular Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, which takes place on 16 – 18 May. The festival kicks off with a charity golf day on the 15th, followed by Classic Car Friday on the 16th and, of course, the Hillclimb.
The Hillclimb is a favourite of enthusiasts and fun lovers as engines of all makes, models and ages rev up the hill to beat their own and their competitors’ times. This is one instance where burning tires and exhaust fumes mingle with the delicious smells of food and treats on offer in Gasoline Alley to create a unique atmosphere of excitement and fun.
The Knysna Car Show, hosted by the Garden Route Motor Club, took place on 11 May. Thousands of visitors gawped at the displays of Minis, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Jaguars, Porsches, Mustangs, the Sunbeam Tiger, MG’s and a variety of veteran, vintage and classic racing motorcycles. Also on display was the Brian Bruce car collection, featuring the Jaguar C-type, D-type and XK 140, Cobra Daytona, GT 40, Austin Healey and Rolls Royce, to name but a few.
Both images from www.grmc.co.za
The event raises much needed funds for local charities including Hospice, Animal Welfare, E-Pap and FAMSA.
Also taking place in Knysna was the 2014 International MG Indaba between 9 and 13 May. This was the first year that Knysna hosted the gathering of the South African Combined Centers, drawing over 160 MG’s and their owners, plus many more supporters and enthusiasts to the town.
If you missed out on the Indaba and car show, you still have time to put pedal to the metal and make it to Knysna for the Knysna Speed Festival and ever entertaining Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. So, why not race on over to www.exploreknysna.com to book your ideal accommodation for this fantastic, family friendly event – as well as for your winter family vacation…