Franschhoek Motor Museum an essential Cape vacation destination
Heading for the Cape for the holidays? Did you know that one of SA’s finest motoring attractions sits just a 45 minute drive out of Cape Town city? Not only is the Franschhoek Motor Museum a must-do destination showcasing over 100 years of mostly South African automotive history, but it nestles in the splendid Franschhoek valley and all of its attractions. Makes for a splendid day or more out in the Winelands.
Bakkies on display in Hall B
There’s a particularly South African theme at the Museum this December, with Hall B dedicated to bakkies and commercial vehicles. But that’s just a bit of it. Arranged in chronological order, start in antique Hall A, where the first eleven cars you encounter, are 100 years or older. The oldest is an 1898 Beeston Moto-Tricycle, moving on to a 1903 Ford Model A and a 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile.
Other highlights include a 1911 Ford Model T and a superb 1915 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and the Hall A centenarians from 1922. An AC Empire Model 12 and the grand Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8. Sophistication and splendour abounds as you pop into the current century. Like a trio of Bugattis, a Bentley 4½ , a Marquette, Packard Super 8 and an Austro Daimler Bergmeister. Two wheeler fans are treated to a 1917 Triumph Model H, a ’26 BSA and an AJS G3 Jarman.
Take a walk through bakkie history
Moving on to Hall B and those bakkies, two of them are a hundred years or older. What other than a 1915 Ford Model T Depo-Hek and a 1922 Chesterfield Ford Model T van. Take a walk through bakkie and van history from there, taking in the Fords of the ‘30s, including 1930 Model A, a ‘33 Model BB and a pair of ‘38 Ford Model 85 Pick-ups. And everything from Chevy bakkies and vans to an International LDV, a Willys pick-up and Jeep CJ2A, to Borgwards, DKWs, Studebakers and much more.
Hall C continues with the spectacular Something Old, Something New exhibit showcasing two cars from very different eras across the various classic brands. From Alfa Romeo and Fiat to Volkswagen, DKW and Audi, MG and Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes. Read more about that exhibit here. Last but not least, the performance and racing Hall D features the likes of a pair of Aston Martin DB2/4 and DB4 GT to rice rockets, a ‘68 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S and a 1996 Honda NSX.
Europe is well represented by the eclectic set of a 1953 Peugeot Hillclimb Special, a famous ‘67 hillclimb Renault Gordini and a rare ‘72 Alfa Romeo Montreal in Hall D. From Germany, there are two Porsches, a 912 Coupe and a 930 Turbo. And a Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Moving on to the States, find two Corvettes separated fifty years, a Dodge Viper, a unique Studebaker Avanti and more.
Performance & Racing Hall D
Last and very not least, the Franschhoek Motor Museum presents some crucial cars out of South African racing history. Sam Tingle’s SA-built LDS Climax and the Tyrrell 007 raced by Jody Scheckter in its 1974works elf colours. And by brother Ian in the ’75 South African F1 championship. Also find Ian Scheckter’s 1978 SA championship winning Formula Atlantic March 78B. And a unique ‘71 LDS Ecosse sportscar and a wide selection of racing memorabilia. And a Sasol Yamaha display. Of the motorcycle used to develop the South African fuel used by the 1993 Jordan Yamaha Formula 1 car.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum caters for tourists and locals alike. It makes an ideal outing for the entire family and motor enthusiasts alike. Over 80 cars, bikes and much more are exhibited in the four de-humidified halls over 2,700 square metres. Book a curated museum tour, enjoy a snack at the deli and even take a tram ride to Anthonij Rupert Wines for a tasting. From there, the splendid Franschhoek Valley, reputed to be the culinary capital of South Africa, beckons.
The Museum is open every Monday to Friday from 10 to 18h00. Saturdays and Sundays are 10 to 17h00 and on public holidays from 10 to 16h00. Last admittance is an hour before closing time. Booking is essential via http://www.fmm.co.za with electronic payments only. The Franschhoek Motor Museum is closed on Christmas Day and for a private event on 31 December 2022.