What is arguably South Africa’s most prominent celebration of classic and vintage automobiles returns to the luxurious lifestyle resort, Steyn City Parkland Residence, in Johannesburg for the second consecutive year.

For 2019 a new eight-hectare site, which overlooks the facility’s Nicklaus Design golf course and clubhouse, has been  dedicated to the festivities.

“We are delighted to be the host venue once again for this timeless, classic automobile event, where horsepower and elegance merge. We are also excited to showcase a new phase of our parkland residence, which we’ve recently completed the bulk infrastructure,” says Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties.

Entry to the event is limited to the top 100 classic vehicles in South Africa, and it’s rumoured that something extra special from Europe will also be making an appearance amongst the local fare. Judging for the event will be headed up by Wayne Harley, curator the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

The categories range from the Vintage and Veteran classes for motor vehicles made as early as 1900, to the ‘newest’ Young-timer models that were made into the 1990s. The Resto-Mod class features classics with tasteful modern upgrades and the Show and Shine category doesn’t require the engine bay to be open for inspection by the judges.

Concours South Africa’s alliance with the prestigious South African Hall of Fame continues with the induction of Basil Green – the famed creator of the Perana specials that dominated SA streets and racetracks in the 60s ad 70s.

Green burst onto the scene with his V6 transplants into the second-generation Ford Cortina, and later removed the V6 engine from the Capri to shoehorn the Mustang’s 5,0-litre mill into the engine bay. More than 550 of the legendary Capri Perana V8s were built at his Edenvale facility – and those are now highly collectible and sought-after.

The South African Hall of Fame features inductees such as Nelson Mandela, Wayde van Niekerk, Sarel van der Merwe and Ian Scheckter. Last year famed F1 car designer Rory Byrne, who was instrumental to Michael Schumacher’s titles during his tenure at Ferrari, was inducted.

“From day one, Concours has always been about more than just the cars. The beautiful vehicles are the perfect backdrop but it’s the high-end socialising and networking that sets Concours apart,” says Concours co-organiser and Master of Ceremonies, Greg Marucchi.

If you haven’t already purchased your ticket, you won’t be able to access the grounds because the cut-off for ticket sales was yesterday, 27 August, and tickets won’t be on sale at the gates. Don’t fret because you’ll still be able to see the highlights as Double Apex will be in attendance – with a full report to come next week.