The Return of the Spring Rally

Classic and exotic car fans in the Western Cape celebrated the arrival of the flower season this past weekend with the first running of the Spring Rally since 2019, all in the aid of a good cause.

Images by: Johan van der Merwe

The Spring Rally saw likeminded owners (and their families/friends) of more than 70 classic and exotic cars come together to raise awareness and funds for Hannah's Place of Safety, an organisation in Mitchell's Plain that that provides care for orphaned and abandoned babies. 

Some of the cars that lined up for the start at the Franschhoek Motor Museum this past weekend included such rarities as a Cadillac Eldorado Coupe, Renault Clio V6, Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda", numerous Porsches and a striking pair of modern-day supercars from Ferrari (488) and Lamborghini (Huracan).

It's not only participation that raises funds, there was also a raffle with some amazing prizes up for grabs from the various sponsors, which included Vida E Cafe, RBS Insurance, The Archive, Mercedes-Benz Paarl, Whitehouse, Top 'n Nos, Galetti and Aquila Game Reserve. And, of course, what would a fun rally such as this be without a fines master (armed with a very long list of supposed "transgressions!")

The convoy left the museum after an enjoyable one-hour private viewing to be escorted through the town of Franschhoek by the local police. The string of eclectic exotics and classics made for quite a sight as it snaked through the picturesque village.

Participants then enjoyed the splendours of the Franschhoek Pass, one of the best driver's roads in the world, and then the glorious sights of the Cape Winelands as the convoy made its way to a country estate near Swellendam for lunch. 

Refreshed and refueled, it was time to hit the beautiful R318 and head for the overnight stop at Aquila Game Reserve near Touws River. Here participants were told more about the charity they were supporting, before enjoying an evening of great food and (even) greater company.

The next morning the participants went for a game drive before heading back to Cape Town to beat the incoming storm.

In the end, the Spring Rally's participants raised just over R220 000 for Hannah's Place of safety. This was the sixth iteration of the Spring Rally and biggest yet. According to the organisers the goal is to bring passionate car lovers together, to make it possible to enjoy their special cars on wonderful roads, and to do good.