Classic Car and Bike Show: A true cornerstone of Cape Town's motoring culture.

A timeless collection of Porsche's finest, from air-cooled icons to more modern classics, on display at the Classic Car and Bike Show.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Nestled within the gardens of Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, the 2026 Classic Car and Bike Show has once again underscored its status as one of Cape Town’s most established motoring gatherings, drawing enthusiasts, collectors, and families for a weekend that celebrated automotive history.

After more than 20 years, the Classic Car and Bike Show has become a must-visit fixture on the Cape Town events calendar. The concept was created in 1999, with the first show held in January 2000, and it featured only a handful of clubs. Over the years, the event gained popularity among both exhibitors and the public. In 2006, the decision was made to expand the show from a single-day format to a two-day event, with modern classics showcased on the Saturday, and pre-war machinery on the Sunday. The expansion of the show allowed for the inclusion of additional clubs, significantly broadening its appeal to a wider audience. 

According to organiser and Crank Handle Club representative Colin Greyvensteyn, the show began “around about 2000” before being handed over to the International Police Association (IPA), which continues to play a central role in its organisation. “We’ve got a very close association with them,” Greyvensteyn explained, adding that the Crank Handle Club has co-run the event for the past five years. Timour Hall itself has become a natural home for the show, serving as the club’s monthly meeting venue.

If cars weren't your thing, the broad range of bikes made a bold statement. On display was this British BAS motorcycle, complete with rally notes. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA.

As one of South Africa’s oldest car clubs, the Crank Handle Club caters to a wide array of cars, Greyvensteyn explains, “We cater for cars from the dawn of motoring all the way up to 1997. So we’ve got some new stuff in the club, and we also have all the way up to the oldest stuff in the country.” The large variety of cars were clearly visible across the showgrounds, with displays ranging from pre-war vehicles to iconic modern-era classics, including an eye-catching 1991 Honda NSX, and attention-grabbing racing bikes. 

The oldest car in South Africa is a 1901 Benz Ideal.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Those in attendance were also treated to what Greyvensteyn described as “the oldest car in the country, a 1901 Benz,” which proved to be one of the weekend’s standout attractions.

While comparisons are sometimes drawn with major international events, Greyvensteyn believes the show’s character is defined by its grassroots ethos rather than scale. Having attended Goodwood, he views the Classic Car and Bike Show as something fundamentally different. “I think the biggest benefit of this car show is organised by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts,” he said. “We also donate all of the proceeds and everything to charity, but by and large, we are all petrol heads that are here, and everybody gets involved.”

Fundraising has long been a central purpose of the Classic Car and Bike Show, with its growth directly enabling increased charitable support. Over the years, donations of R10 000 have been made to a wide range of organisations, including Robertson House in aid of victims of spinal injuries, the SA Burn Foundation for its “Learn Not to Burn” school programme, Tape Aids for the Blind, the Chaeli Campaign, Living Way outreach near Kommetjie, the Village Care Aged Fund in Lavender Hill, and the Nkosiyamoyethu Outreach Programme in Hout Bay. Further beneficiaries have included the Lucky Lucy Foundation, Age-in-Action, SA Promise, and, in 2017, Wildfire Volunteer Services and Enviro Wildfire Services. 

Following the resumption of the show post-COVID in 2023, the organisers have expressed a continued commitment to supporting charities in need. This community-driven spirit is reflected in how the event is run. Greyvensteyn noted that around 80 Crank Handle Club members contribute to the organisation of the show, supported by volunteers from numerous other clubs. “There are so many volunteers from so many of the other clubs that are also involved, donate, get stuck in, and do the work,” he said.

The inclusive nature of the event extends beyond formal club structures. Private individuals are also encouraged to exhibit their vehicles. “They can come and exhibit as private individuals as well. If you’ve got a Volvo and you’re not part of a club, you’ll probably meet other Volvo owners here, and you’ll get involved with them,” Greyvensteyn explained.

Away from the static displays, the weekend offered far more than polished paintwork and timeless classics. Spectators were able to browse cars listed for sale, explore an AutoJumble – the UK-style equivalent of a swap meet – and enjoy live entertainment alongside food vendors, whilst small-scale collectors could peruse toy stalls for their next purchase. This variety ensured a broad appeal, with something on offer for everyone, from the casual visitor, serious collectors and younger attendees alike.

Small cars, big character... The Cape Town Mini Club brought the colour and charm to the Classic Car and Bike Show. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Among the many clubs represented at the Classic Car and Bike show were the Cape Town Mini Club, whose display showcased a wide range of the iconic Mini brand. Club member Neil Ryklieff explained that participation in events like this is central to preserving that heritage. “For me personally, and I think I speak for all the members, it is for like-minded Mini owners to get together and then share our love and passion for our cars,” he said.

Ryklieff emphasised the role such gatherings play in sustaining interest across generations. “In so doing, [we] carry on the heritage and hopefully we can attract younger generations to the marque of the Mini,” he said. 

The display included everything from everyday road cars to rare and highly valuable examples. “You can go from cheaper versions to very, very expensive versions as well,” he noted, referencing a particularly special Cooper S at the show valued at approximately R1.5 million.

The extensive range of Minis on display reflects the broader philosophy of the Classic Car and Bike Show itself, where accessibility and shared enthusiasm remain a central theme. As Greyvensteyn put it, the event is ultimately about connection. “If you have any interest in any motor vehicle or any sort of club, come here/ All the major Cape Town clubs are here. If you are looking for a hobby to really get involved in, come here,” he said. “The people are so friendly, they’re so welcoming… you’ll find your people, whichever the thing may be.”

The AutoJumble was a true hit for those looking to restore cars, with a wide range of spares and car badges available for purchase. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

As the 2026 edition drew to a close, the atmosphere at the Timour Hall Ville reflected more than two decades of continuity built on volunteerism, passion, and inclusivity. With its blend of historic significance, modern-day appeal, and strong charitable foundations, the Classic Car and Bike Show remains a cornerstone of Cape Town’s automotive culture.

From Bricks to a Head-Turner: The Life-size LEGO Mercedes W14 showcase arrives in Cape Town for a limited time.

The life-sized Mercedes W14 EQ Performance on display at the V&A Waterfront
COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

LEGO® South Africa, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, has treated South Africans to a rare and unforgettable nationwide experience, with a life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 E Performance on tour across the nation. The awe-inspiring activation has stopped off in Cape Town, at one of the city’s most iconic tourist destinations, the V&A Waterfront, where local and international audiences will have unprecedented up-close access to a modern Formula 1 recreation.

The showcase marked a landmark moment for LEGO® South Africa, representing the brand’s first campaign of this scale in the country. More than just a showcase, it’s a celebration of the shared values that unite LEGO® and Mercedes-Benz: precision, engineering excellence, and innovation. 

For the South African spectators, it’s a chance to experience the craftsmanship and detail of a contemporary Formula 1 machine in a way rarely possible outside the paddock.

Designed as a true “big-brand moment,” the campaign was crafted to generate excitement well in advance of the final reveal. Working on the idea of the car being shipped from Singapore, the team built excitement with a “Guess What’s in the Crate” campaign across their social media platforms, which went on to spark a lot of conversations around what it could be, and ultimately, culminated in the brand’s biggest-ever unboxing event.

The life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 has some incredible detail.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

From the moment the crate touched down at the airport, fans around South Africa were invited to follow the story as it unfolded, building towards a helicopter drop-off and the breathtaking reveal of the LEGO® masterpiece in front of media and motoring enthusiasts at the Mercedes-Benz Experience Centre at Zwartkops Raceway. 

“The reveal forms part of LEGO South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed Country Manager for LEGO® South Africa, said.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa highlighted the strong alignment between the two brands, with Claudius Steinhoff, Executive Director MBC & Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, saying: “This collaboration between LEGO South Africa and Mercedes-Benz is built on shared values of precision, performance, and excellence. The LEGO Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car celebrates our achievements at the pinnacle of motorsport and reflects the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that unite both brands.”

The grand public showcase kicked off at the Nelson Mandela Square in November last year and has since traveled across the nation. And, for its penultimate pitstop in South Africa, the life-sized LEGO® Mercedes W14 E Performance has arrived in Cape Town, at one of the city's most iconic tourist locations, the V&A Waterfront. 

As passersby catch a glimpse of the life-sized Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the reaction is immediate and unmistakable, with audible gasps as they stop in their tracks, instinctively reaching for their phones. Within seconds, the LEGO® display becomes a backdrop for photos and selfies, with curious onlookers moving closer with every step to find out more.

With every step they take closer to the activation, the audience is greeted by very friendly LEGO staff, who assist with all the inquires, also encouraging those present to challenge their building-skill and reflexes, with LEGO® build stations were kids and adults a like can build their own race cars, take it to the “championship racing” high-speed ramp with precision timing systems, and see how they rack up against the competition. And, for those who aren’t keen on building, there is a reflex challenge, which tests your reaction times, mirroring real driver skills. 

The LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance and Mercedes-Benz G 500 Professional Line

PHOTO CREDIT: LEGO South Africa and Slipstream SA

And for those who marvel at the sight of the life-sized masterpiece, questions arise, which are quickly answered by the LEGO staff, where it's learnt that the life-sized Mercedes-AMG W14 is based on the LEGO® Technic set, which is available in stores now. 

When asked about the build itself, the curious spectators are informed that the scaled-up LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build took a team of 15 expert builders over 2,438 hours to assemble. The team used a total of 192,937 LEGO bricks, resulting in the build weighing approximately 913 kilograms and measuring 5.1 metres in length and 2.2 metres in width.

The result is an awe-inspiring replica that mirrors the sleek aerodynamic lines, intricate details, and striking presence of its real-world Mercedes-AMG counterpart. And, for those with a keen eye for detail, this life-sized creation features the ‘red star’, which, for many F1 fans, symbolizes Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team's tribute to three-time F1 World Champion and former Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda. 

The LEGO South Africa activation at the V&A Waterfront
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

In every sense, the life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 display, which has been travelling across the nation, is more than a showpiece. “This campaign is for everyone; it is truly South African in every possible way,” LEGO’s spokesperson said. As the LEGO Group strives to connect fans of racing and design by inviting builders of all ages to recreate the world’s most iconic racing cars in the comfort of their homes, it’s true to say that this showcase across the nation has sparked conversation and left a lasting impression on all those in attendance. 

With Cape Town scheduled as the penultimate pitstop for the activation, it’s evident that the clock is very much ticking. For those who have yet to visit, there is still time: the life-sized Mercedes-AMG Petronas W14 will be on display in Cape Town until 25 January 25, before concluding its tour in Johannesburg at Sandton City from 5 to 28 February, 2026. 

The De-brief: Friesacher explains Formula 1’s evolution, what makes Verstappen special, and Rovanperä’s single-seater switch.

PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Racing is a dream for many, but achieving that dream is a far greater challenge. For many aspiring drivers, the ultimate goal is to reach Formula One. However, reaching the very top demands steadfast commitment, determination, and sacrifice, with no guarantees along the way. For those who do make the cut, the reward is a lifetime achievement, because only 22 drivers can race at the very top. One such driver is Patrick Friesacher, who realized that dream when he competed in Formula One with the Minardi F1 Team in the early 2000s.

The former Formula 1 driver visited Cape Town for the first time in November last year. Although South Africa itself is not unfamiliar territory for him, as he had previously visited the country in 2005 and 2006, when he drove a Formula 1 two-seater at the Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg.

With nearly two decades of involvement in Formula 1 – from racing with Minardi to his current role as an Exhibition Driver, Instructor, and Brand Ambassador for Oracle Red Bull Racing, Friesacher has experienced the sport across different eras. 

From the resource-limited teams in the early 2000s to the highly complex simulation, budget cap, and data-driven operations in the current era of the sport, he has truly seen Formula 1 evolve. The Austrian explains the differences that he has seen, “When I raced for Minardi, it was a pretty small team with a small budget. They were working with around 200 people. Now, at the big teams, with engine departments and everything included, you’re looking at almost 1,600 people. The whole structure is completely different – you can’t really compare.”

Friesacher waves the South African flag at the Heineken World Tour.
IMAGE SUPPLIED: Heineken SA

Friesacher’s motorsport journey began at the age of five, when he started karting. He progressed through the ranks, but it was a victory in a Formula 3000 race at the Hungaroring that truly catapulted the Austrian into the spotlight. That performance caught the attention of the Minardi team principal, Paul Stoddart, who offered Friesacher a test in an F1 car. 

On 22 November 2004, Friesacher completed his first F1 test with Minardi at the Misano circuit in Italy. He completed a total of 41 laps and emerged as the fastest driver of the day – a result that strongly impressed the team.

The performance convinced Stoddart to sign the young Austrian for the 2005 season; however, financial backing initially delayed his entry into Formula 1. 

Dane Nicolas Kiesa was initially earmarked for the 2005 seat; however, he failed to secure the required funding. And, in February that year, Friesacher was announced as a Minardi driver alongside Christijan Albers.

Whilst a career-best sixth-place finish came at the United States Grand Prix during the infamous Michelin tyre debacle, Friesacher’s Formula 1 career came to an end after just eleven races due to a lack of funding from his partners. However, reflecting on his time in the sport, the Austrian said, “It was great to reach Formula 1. It helped me a lot. I will never forget it for my whole life. It’s something special.”

Since then, Formula 1 has evolved into a global technological playground, characterized by substantial budgets, extensive staffing structures, and data-driven and simulation-based development. According to Friesacher, the evolution has not only reshaped the cars, but also the demands placed on the drivers these days. 

The current age of Formula 1 places high demands on drivers, including the new younger generation, who require not only raw speed but also technical intelligence, because data and feedback are critical to the development and optimization of a race car.

As Formula One evolved through the years, so has the technology. If you take a look back at the early 2000s, when teams used naturally aspirated V8 engines, it wasn't easy at all for the smaller teams to fight their way forward and truly challenge the powerhouse teams, who had the backing of enormous budgets, unrestricted testing, high-end equipment, and simulations.

Regulatory changes eventually brought an end to the fan-favourite V8 engines with KERS, ushering in the highly complex hybrid era. V6 turbo power units were introduced, complete with MGU-K and MGU-H energy recovery systems, which entered a new chapter in Formula One’s history — one dominated by Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP). That era yielded eight constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, underscoring the importance of investment and technical know-how.

As the dominant Mercedes era came to an end, Formula 1 entered a transitional phase, which began in 2021. Max Verstappen’s title-winning season ushered in the beginning of the ground-effect era that would follow in 2022, during which one driver consistently rose above the rest, asserting dominance and later overcoming obstacles to fight for victories once more.

Having worked within the Red Bull Racing family for years, Friesacher has witnessed Verstappen’s rise firsthand – from teenage prodigy to four-time Formula 1 World Champion. “He's very special," Friesacher exclusively told Slipstream SA. “Even for his young age, he knows what he's doing, he understands the car, he's building the right people around him, and everything together, the whole package that he has.”

What stands out most to the Austrian is Verstappen’s ability to extract maximum performance from a car.

“Driving-wise – his driving style, even in the rain, in the wet, you see he's driving different lines, and yeah, he has something very special, I would say,” he said.

Adaptability has become one of the most valuable traits in modern motorsport, as demonstrated by Fernando Alonso, who took part in the world toughest rally-raid, the Dakar Rally, and the World Endurance Championship, whilst Max Verstappen’s participation — and victory – in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) alongside Chris Lulham, illustrates how top drivers are no longer confined to a single discipline.

It’s a reality now facing two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä, who made headlines after announcing his move to the Japanese Super Formula championship.

Data analysis following Kalle Rovenpera's run in the Red Bull F1 car.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

Rovanperä’s rise in the World Rally Championship has often been described as meteoric. The Finn won his first WRC title at just 22 years old. He combined exceptional car control with maturity. However, transitioning from the world of rallying to high-downforce, single-seater racing presents an entirely new challenge.

In November 2024, the Finn was invited to drive a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Before the outing, he underwent an intensive training programme under Friesacher’s guidance, which included extensive simulator work, driving Formula 4 machinery, a Formula Renault 3.5 car, and ultimately a 2012 Red Bull RB8 — completing around 10 laps to experience true downforce levels and the performance of a Formula 1 car.

Rovanperä described the experience to DirtFish.com after driving the RB8, saying, “It was really cool to finally sit in an F1 car. It’s definitely really a different feeling than what a rally car gives with the seating position and everything – how it’s set up. So yeah, for sure, I was really excited to get to finally drive an F1 car.”

“With an F1 car, you definitely have so much downforce that, physically, it’s very different than a Rally1 car; you have a lot more g-forces, but it was pretty much how I expected it. Not too bad to be honest, but of course, if you do a long race, you can definitely feel the g-forces.”

“I was excited for the day, and it went pretty well. I got to experience three different formulas, so it was a good experience, and I think yeah, we did well, and I enjoyed it a lot!”, he said.

In 2026, Rovanperä will complete his transition to high-downforce single-seaters by competing in Super Formula – a challenge that will test both his adaptability and technical understanding.

“I think it will be hard,” Friesacher said. “Speed-wise, at the Red Bull Ring, he was quick. But the difficult part in racing is always the last three or four tenths.”

That final margin, he explained, often separates good from excellent in the circuit racing realm. While a driver can adapt quickly to reach a competitive baseline, extracting the final one thousandth of a second – especially over a race distance – requires deep technical understanding, confidence, and experience.

“You get very quickly to a certain point, but the last half a tenth — that’s the difficult part. But it won't be easy for him; it will be difficult,” he said.  

Motorsport history offers numerous examples of drivers who have successfully crossed disciplines, including Sir John Surtees, Mario Andretti, Petter Solberg, Stéphane Peterhansel, Sébastien Loeb, Mattias Ekström, and, more recently, Johan Kristoffersson.

All of these drivers have demonstrated remarkable versatility, adaptability, and mental resilience in achieving the success that they have across different disciplines.

The 45-year-old Austrian, now a resident instructor at the Red Bull Ring, has helped guide multiple world champions during their first experiences in Formula 1 machinery, including Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb.

 Patrick Friesacher explains the different features of the cockpit at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
PHOTO CREDIT: Red Bull Content Pool

With a wealth of experience as both a former Formula 1 driver and instructor, his advice to young drivers climbing the motorsport ladder remains simple.

“[Be] hard working, have a dream, reach your goals, and just go for it,” he said.

In motorsport, time is everything – the difference between first and last is often measured in thousandths of a second, because time is of the essence. And, when spending time with someone who has reached the very top of the motorsport pyramid, it offers something far more valuable: perspective. And as the world evolves, so too does the relentless pursuit of the perfect lap time.

*THIS CONTENT IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. NO UNAUTHORISED USE IS PERMITTED. PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE, AND FULL CREDIT TO SLIPSTREAM SA IS REQUIRED.