Winter is here, sales of Old Brown Sherry should be taking off and probable putting an end to this world wide slump we are finding ourselves in. Now isn’t that a pleasant and positive thought? Activity in the Fouche Engineering office, pertaining to GSM matters has been rather active. The register for the history is going well and is going to be of great value in the future. The correct history of each car should also enhance the value of each documented car. So one again, if you know anything about a specific car, and you are sure about the facts, please put it in writing or e-mail or post it to Peanuts.

Colin Smit has just had an addition to the family and with two sons, one Flamingo in obviously not enough, so he has purchased a Dart in the Transvaal and will be bringing it down to the Cape very soon. Congrats Colin, and thanks for bringing another GSM to the Cape. Colin and Janine have also relocated to Somerset West, from Milnerton, so we loose a car in Cape Town and the West gains two. We however welcome another few cars in the West, should keep Clarry our own GSM guru, rather busy in his retirement.

On that note, we would also like to note that Madge who was not well recently, has recovered, and is on the mend. Nice work Madge, and may you have a trouble free year ahead. The same applies to Pat Engelbrecht, we are sure Clarry and John will look after you girls well. We also thinking of Mariet who has been in hospital with her back. We hope she has a speedy recovery. Look after her Mias. We are pleased to hear that Cynthia is so well after her heart operation and is running around the farm in Lainsburg like a 16 year old. Good luck ahead.

Ronnie Roberts is hard at work on his Dart, and sometimes on a Flamingo, but I will not be surprised if the Dart is running by the end of the year.

Peanuts and Rose spent Thursday afternoon in the company of Top Car Magazine and we should soon see an article in Top Car on a Dart and Flamingo both being original examples. Rose is also restoring her own bakkie. More cannot be revealed of this recent acquisition, but I am sure everyone will be surprised and wish her well when it surfaces.

In a recent Classic Car Magazine there was an article on Verneukpan. Some of our senior members will remember that this pan, near Kenhardt, van Wyksvlei and Brandvlei was the site used by Sir Malcolm Campbell, some 80 years ago to set a new World Land speed record. It appears that large areas of the track built then, still exist and the GSM club has been invited to the Verneukpan Speed Week from 24th September to 27th September this year. Jan Els, who is a member of the Verneuk Pan Speedweek Events Management cc, has informed us and invited us to attend. It is 680km from Cape Town, 920KM for Johannesburg, in the Northern Cape. Not only is this a prime star gazing site, but an astronomer will present lecture every night, but this is going to be the first of what is going to be an annual commemoration of the record attempt. This makes this first event a historic event as well. A 7km strip of the original track will be used for high speed runs (timed) concentrating on historic, classic and supercars. Participants and spectators are welcome to experience the adventure of this Speedweek. Tented accommodation and ablution facilities will be provided, together with sit-down breakfast, supper, snacks and beverages. Your own tent, caravan or motor home will also be allowed. One may also make use of one’s own food and drinks. Clubs can make block bookings to camp together. Fire and emergency medical services will be in attendance for the whole event. Their website will be up from 20th may at www.speedweeksa.com for more info. If at all possible I would like to be there. Let’s do it. Registration starts on 10th June 2009 and only the first 500 registrations are guaranteed.

Now, I am sure you all remember the model Darts that were available at the Jubilee. Well John Rabe is making more of these, still at R600.00 but you now can specify which bonnet you want, from mark one to mark three. I think these will also become collector’s items because they are truly beautiful. Let us know and we can order for you, cash in advance as we don’t make any money from it.

Now, I want some feedback please. We are thinking of arranging a trip to Evita se Perron in Darling as a club. It is about 80kms from Cape Town. It will have to be on a Saturday or Sunday. A buffet lunch is R75.00 per person and will be served from 12.30. At 14.00 to 15.00 there is the show for R100.00 each. You don’t have to do both. On a Saturday there is also an evening show. His show varies from Election and erections, and Icons and Aikonas and Tannie Evita praat Kaktus, on different days. The evening shows are at 19.00 to 20.00. Lunch consists of Bobotie, Yellow rice, sweet potato, beer bread, coffee or tea with a koeksister. They also present a Christmas in July from Saturday 11th July, weekends only to 25th and 26th July. Saturday 11th July is already fully booked out. Pieter Dirk Uys is a magnificent artist/actor with a wicked sense of humor that takes the mickey out of all politicians and public figures. The Tannie Evita praat Kaktus is 99% English so everyone will understand. Please let us know, we have to book in advance, so cash in advance as well. Phone Rose on 021 930 2852.

In closing just a few dates. The AGM is booked at the Multicar Club venue for the 23rd June, a Tuesday evening so it will not interfere with weekend socials.

Then, on the 13th November, a Friday night will be our Christmas Party. Price will be R100.00 per person. More news to follow.

On Fathers day in June there is a special at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. The dads get in for free. The bonnets will be up to look at the engines. There will be start ups and drives in old cars. A light lunch can be enjoyed in the Pitstop-deli along with wine. Tea, Coffee and soft drinks.

The main item in this newsletter is the car show on the 15th November 2009. Our chairman and Ian Little (Tygerburger Motoring Scribe) in conjunction with the Crankhandle Club and the Multicar Club are putting on the biggest Classic Car show ever held in Cape Town. There will be 1000 cars on show. I am sure there will be other sponsors as they are planning this to be either an annual or two yearly event. Motorbikes, tractors and possibly bicycles will also be on show. This will draw up county visitors to Cape Town during the holiday season as well. Big plans, BIG SHOW. The show will be held in Parow on the open fields nears Northerns Rugby grounds. Please write the date in your diary as this will be the GSM Club’s concourse as well.

Our subs are due at the end of June. This can be paid at the AGM or the application form can be completed and the subs deposited into the bank using your name as reference. Please fax application to Rose at 021 930 6455.
Application form attached.
Bank details:
GSM Car Club of SA
ABSA Parow – Account No: 9071928014 – Code: 502110

Kind regards
Piet