And now for Something completely different at the Museum!
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is always something a little special and to consider when visiting the splendid wine valley. Now as part of it’s ever-evolving display, the Museum has something a little different in store for visitors. The Something Old, Something New Display is a most interesting walk through motoring history that takes in an intriguing selection of cars and brands from across the globe.
Most of the cars have a special South African connotation, too. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the very best of the British. A splendid silver 1999 Jaguar XKR stands in pride of place alongside its epic 1968 Jaguar E-Type predecessor. Resplendent in what else but British Racing Green!
The Brits are well represented in this eclectic walk through time. Two Austins show off the breadth of that once great British brand, with a cute 1926 Austin 7 Top Hat lined up alongside one of the great sports cars of the late ‘50s and early 1960s. A sleek and splendid straight-six’ 59 Austin Healey 100/6.
Best of British, MG and Something More!
We could never discuss British sportscars without considering MG. The Morris Garage is represented by a fine example of 1930s driving excitement in a ’32 MG Midget J2 once again bearing the Muddy Island’s iconic green racing hue. It stands alongside its great grandson and a car that typifies late ‘70s and early ‘80s style, a bright red ‘81 MG B GT.
Moving on, you’re greeted by the People’s Car. Any motoring walk through the ages would never be complete without the Volkswagen Beetle on board. The Something New Beetle is one of the last – a proudly South African built 1976 model. And the Something Old Bug is a ‘52 model. You can literally see the progression of time through these two.
Something About Pure Italian Emotion
Most people want to be Italian, they say. Many passionate owners often regard their Alfa Romeos as Italian mistresses. The Something Old, Something New Alfas on display may not be what you expect however, with two more exotic versions representing the iconic Milanese badge.
Rather than a Giulia, Spyder or GTV, the Franschhoek Motor Museum has picked a splendid 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Freccia D’Oro, or Golden Arrow in English, to represent yesteryear. One of the first ever Alfas to grace SA roads, the SS is accompanied by an equally exotic Zagato-built 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. It not only outs Alfa’s exclusivity, but also its incredible history by these two Romeos being models built a half century apart.
Fiat – the Epitome of Italian Motoring
Fiat is another brand that may make you want to be Italian. The two Turinese cars on the Museum’s splendid timeline display bring out the best in efficient city motoring. Your great grandpa would drive a Fiat Topolino if he lived in Rome in 1939. And grandma likely drove a Fiat 500. But the car on display represents far more than just a 500. This dynamite in a small package 1958 Fiat Nuova Abarth was one of the finest baby performance cars in history.
One can’t ignore bakkies when celebrating the history of motoring. So, what better to represent that, than a couple of good old made in SA braaivleis, rugby and sunny skies… you got it, Chevrolets! Old is represented by an 80-year-old 1927 Chevrolet LCV. A pickup truck from another era. And don’t be surprised if you don’t know the New one either. That’s because the 2016 Chevy Brute failed to make production when GM left our shores…
Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz
A South African motoring timeline would not be a South African motoring timeline without Mercedes-Benz. And because it’s springtime, what better way to celebrate the Daimler brand than with a couple of wind in the hair cabriolets? 1939 Mercedes-Benz Cabrio A and ‘71 280 SE 3.5 Cabrio represent a splendid history together.
Audi was not always Audi. The modern brand represents the amalgamation of the Horch, DKW and Auto Union badges. DKW had a long South African history and part of the marketing plan behind this ’38 F5 Reichsklasse Cabrio, was to bring the magnificent grand Prix Auto Union Typ Cs to race and win in SA. Audi was racing at Le Mans to help sell the 2007 S6 V10 alongside. And the brand will race Formula 1 once done at the Dakar in 2026.
Closing Off with Something Special
As you wander out of Franschhoek Motor Museum’s Hall C Something Old Something New exhibition you will come across another of South Africa’s favourite motoring brands. Represented in this case by a couple of limousines. The rare 1959 BMW 2,6 is indeed something unique. And its young partner really is a very special car. It’s Nelson Mandela’s very own 2004 BMW 760Li Madiba Security Edition.
There’s much more to see and do at the Motor Museum too. Like a collection of 100-year-old cars in Hall A. And a splendid selection of 1920s and 1930s Fords in Hall B. Then there’s this Something Old, Something New exhibit in Hall C. And stepping up a gear, Hall D houses a splendid collection of race cars with special South African connections. And a few supercars from around the world.
The Perfect Family Destination
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is the perfect family destination. Located on the l’Ormarins Wine Estate on the R45, there’s also so much more to explore throughout the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 16h00. And 10h00 to 15h00 on weekends and public holidays. Visits are by appointment. Visit www.fmm.co.za to learn more and book your very own Franschhoek Motor Museum adventure.