GSM CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA

21 April 2003
Newsletter No: 12

Hi all GSM fans

Our last outing to the GSM factory in Diep Rivier was a tremendous success! The weather was good, the attendance was not too bad, between twenty and thirty people saw how a GT 40 should be built! Not only is it an education to see how a real professional factory should be arranged, but the methods used for producing components and built-in quality control is awesome! I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating Rob Senekal and his staff on the effort they are putting into this venture, and the cars they build will certainly be the best GT 40's that can be bought anywhere in the world! Personally I can't wait to see the first car off the line!

At the same time we were treated to a tour of Keith Bright's fiberglass works……! All I can say is that the man is an artist! Hy mag maar met fiberglass werk!!!!! I am not sure that I am allowed to reveal all we saw, but those of you who didn't attend certainly missed an occasion. A perfectionist's work is always a delight. Who knows? In the not too distant future something really interesting may be available from that area. Let's hold thumbs!

Thanks also to Andre Loubser who treated us to some interesting movies. Also to Rob Senekal for his talk on what was happening at the new factory. Last, but certainly not least, a big thanks to Sparks Visagie for the coals and the braai afterwards. Once again, just like at the last outing to Les Boshoff's, Visagie was the man to look after the fire and the braai, he is now the official GSM braaier.

I have been seriously hauled over the coals, (luckily not Visagie's) by some members, for my referring to "last weekend and next weekend"! In future dates will be used, together with days and times if possible.

Now, please get your diaries out, on the 1st of May, Thursday, also know as Workers Day, we are planning a double whammy! We thought of visiting the Wijnland Auto Museum, Joostenbergvlakte in the morning around 11.00, and rounding that off with a lunch at the very interesting restaurant next door. We have arranged secure parking for your GSM vehicles, sort of on display, and then the lunch after touring the museum on foot. We have arranged a "block booking" for 40 or more guests. At R65.00 per person, one will be able to order lunch from five set menu's and the price includes the R25.00 donation for the museum visit. Scholars will pay half price for lunch, and free museum entry. If we have less than forty attending, the price will be R75.00 per person. This outing is not restricted to club members only, so please bring any friends that you think would enjoy the outing with us. The Wijnland Museum, is what used to be just Les Boshoff's cars, and some of you have already been there, but he has recently, and since our last visit, been joined by Ian Loubser, (Peugeot Club) who has been responsible for major changes for the better! You will not be disappointed.

I also have to beg the "overseas members" for their pardon. In the last newsletter I referred to them as our Canadian members, and upset some of our American friends. I am really sorry!

Dr Ted Carden from Los Angeles, has quite a collection of sports cars, a Lotus 7, a GSM Delta and a GSM Dart that has been restored to concourse condition, powered by a seriously modified Alfa motor and painted Green and Gold to emphasize the South African origin. The car he raced all over America and also other parts of the world. I have requested that he puts some photos on the website for us. Possibly some of you could also communicate with him. I am sure he will appreciate it. E-mail address is tedcarden@attbi.com .

Another date to remember is Sunday, 4th May 2003, from 8am, the Early Ford Car Club of SA. is holding their annual Swop Meet at the Multi Car Club, Parow Sports Grounds. All welcome, no entrance fee, unless you want to sell something, then you can rent a stall for R20.00. Food and refreshment stalls, Classic cars, Spares, Collectables and books will be on sale. This is obviously for the early bird, all the best articles will probably be sold by lunch time, so come early.

I mentioned in the Newsletter No 11 that Peanuts was embarking on a major restoration project. Well, this is underway! Peanuts vows that he will be driving a Flamingo to Saldanha for his annual holiday, this year, December 2003! At present I am not so sure. Not because he isn't working on the cars but because there is so much to be done. Once again Peanuts is leading from the front! His efforts have already resulted in non-members asking where they can also get Darts and Flamingos to restore. Again his enthusiasm is contagious.

Feedback on the idea of another "National GSM Day" is also requested. Let's make this to be the biggest ever! Let's have every GSM in the county there. Let's also have every single person ever involved there. Let's get the press and motoring press there. Let's get the recognition, that the most successful car ever built in SA, deserves to the attention of the SA public and the media. Let's remember that this is not the only or even the first effort to build a SA car, but that it was built for less than a decade and in its own lifetime has become a world-wide legend!

See you at Wijnland!
Kind regards.

          Procedure for 1st May 2003.

          11.30: Arrive at Wijnland museum and park cars.
          11.45: Conducted museum tour in groups of 20.
          13.00: Proceed to Cape Garden centre for lunch and announcements regarding lunch.

          After lunch - free to go home - or stay for supper to be arranged by yourselves.