A CAVALCADE of more than 50 muscle cars, rat rods, street rods and supercars left Pretoria last Sunday on the eighth annual Thunder Tour – destination East London!
The tour covers 1500km through four provinces over seven days, with night stops at Secunda, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Ladybrand and Aliwal North. The cars will visit the Billy Nel Museum on Saturday morning and there will be a “show and shine” at the Regent Hotel, Esplanade, from 1pm on the same day. The public are invited to view the cars at both venues.
Organiser Wilna van Staden said the Thunder Tour was based on the Power Tour in the US, where muscle cars, hot rods and street rods travelled through different states and covered about 2400km.
It is not restricted to a specific car club, but encompasses all owners of this type of vehicle.
“Our aim is to create a safe environment for the owners of these special cars in Africa, to drive and enjoy them and at the same time, have fun,” Van Staden said. “The Thunder Tour visits small towns on the route, and displays the cars to people who don’t often have the benefit of seeing them in real life. The public can meet the owners, who are often also the builders or restorers of the cars.
“The participants themselves enjoy each other’s vehicles, and share their unique car stories and experiences.
“It is a fun event that encourages the involvement of the whole family and interaction with other car lovers, clubs and the public along the way. Here we get the chance to make new friends. We try to see as much of our lovely country as possible, visit museums and scenic attractions, and share the experience with our families and friends. This is the Ultimate Road Show!”
Van Staden concludes with her favourite quote, by James Dean: “Dream as if you live forever, live as if you die today!”
Local enthusiasts are encouraged to show support for the event, chat to the participants, and have a look at vehicles seldom if ever seen in these parts. For more information on the Thunder Tour, contact one of the following, Wilna 082-887-1137, Vlooi 083-925-3253 or Jakes 083-271-3237 or visit the Facebook page or the web page at www.thethundertour.co.za
