MOTORING NEWS - The 22nd George Old Car Show, proudly driven by Oakhurst Insurance Company, takes place on 10 and 11 February.
More than 40 Ford models that were manufactured before 1930 will participate in the 2018 Veteran and Vintage Tour just before to the show.
These will also be on display during the George Old Car Show and among these will be two Ford Model T-cars that belong to friends and namesakes Philip Kuschke and Phillip Rosser.
1915 Ford Model T
Philip Kuschke has been interested in veteran Fords from an early age. "My father played around with Model T Fords. He taught me to drive his 1915 Ford Model T when I was nine years old."
Philip's own 1915 is his favourite Ford. He received a brass radiator from Ignus Bucher in Alexandria in 2006 and started collecting the rest of the parts.
"If one can get hold of a brass radiator, the rest of the parts will follow. Phillip Rosser and I travelled many kilometers countrywide to collect parts."
Philip was able to do most of the restoration, except the upholstery.
"Kevin Casey, my friend and mentor, contributed a great deal to my knowledge of the restoration process. I started working on the chassis and engine because I had many parts."
The bodywork was more of a challenge, as a lot of parts were missing. Some had to be imported from the US.
Philip Kuschke's 1915 Model T Ford. Here he is testing the running chassis for the first time.
"The body of the early Ford Model T contains a lot of wood. I used to own a furniture factory. As I am quite proficient in woodwork, I was able to manufacture the wooden frame of the bodywork and spokes. I also did the steam bending of the roof trusses myself."
It eventually took four years to restore the vehicle to its former glory.
"I am quite sentimental and admire the previous generation. I experience the delightful nostalgia of a century ago whenever I get into a Model T."
Philip's wife, Rosita, shares his enthusiasm. She especially enjoys driving Philip's 1923 Model T.
"This vehicle has a self-starter, so she does not have to crank the engine. She loves driving it and will be the designated driver during the 2018 Veteran Tour."
Philip's brother Emil and his wife, Hannetjie, also share the couple's enthusiasm.
The 2008 Ford Model T Centenary was a major highlight for Philip. "This tour kindled a new enthusiasm for antique vehicles."
The 2018 Veteran and Vintage Tour Philip is planning, is a direct result of the 2008 tour.
The restoration of Phillip Rosser's 1926 Model T Ford nearing completion.
"We are always looking for an opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded people."
In 2018, ten years after the 2008 tour, the Ford Veteran and Vintage Tour will celebrate a double centenary, as the Model T will be 110 years old, while the Model A will be 90 years old - 200 years in total.
1926 Ford Model T
Phillip Rosser fell in love with the Ford Model T when he acted as navigator for Philip Kuschke during a veteran rally.
"Philip thought it was a good idea to teach me how to drive the car. I was so impressed that I immediately decided I also wanted to own one."
In 2006, he bought a bakkie load of 1926 Ford Model T parts. These badly corroded parts represented about 60% of the vehicle.
He and his namesake scoured the country for more parts.
It took a lot of effort to repair and build the parts. Some of the tasks, such as cylinder boring, were done by an engineering workshop.
The restoration of Phillip Rosser's 1926 Model T Ford completed after four years.
New owner Phillip was able to manufacture the spokes for the wheels and parts of the body himself.
Philip Kuschke often helped and they reassembled the car.
Four years later the 1926 Ford Model T was restored to pristine condition.
Rosser loves driving his Model T. "Fortunately my wife, Amanda, shares my passion for old cars. We are always looking for opportunities to take the Model T for a weekend drive."
The Rosser couple loves taking part in the Southern Cape Old Car Club's annual Heritage Tour in September.
They are looking forward keenly to the 2018 Veteran Tour.
The 2018 George Old Car Show takes place at PW Botha College.
Phillip Rosser's 1926 Model T Ford in the early stages of restoration.
Special weekend and day entrance tickets can be bought online at www.scocc.co.za.
Only vehilcles manufactured before 1975 and which have been registered in advance, will be exhibited at the show.
Contact Klaus Oellrich on 076 764 0897 for more information, or register on the website at www.scocc.co.za.
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