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what were termed “petrol explosion” type vehicles, but there were several steam cars,
steam being considered by many to be the way to go. The press noted that five members of

the fair sex were among the passengers. One reporter was amazed by the way Mr.
Bartholomew’s Benz reached a speed of eleven miles an hour before coming to a stop

within six yards. One wonders if Cecil Rhodes, nearing the end of his life, was able to view

the cars passing his cottage. He had bought a Wolseley car and employed a chauffeur, and
was able to enjoy a few drives down from Groote Schuur. The car was also used to bring

oxygen during his last days. His car is presumed to be the one shown in the group leaving
Greenmarket Square and he probably lent it for the occasion. (Fig. 3.1) The Kalk Bay run

to Mr. Henry Arderne’s house was voted a success, despite a few punctures, some starting
difficulties, and one very bad sideslip.

The Cape Times: Monday 23 December, 1901.

The Automobile Club
______________
INAUGURAL RUN

An overcast sky threatened to mar the inaugural run of the club on Saturday
afternoon, but by the time the cars had assembled on Greenmarket-square, bright sunshine
and a pleasant breeze made the weather all that could be desired. Some twelve cars and a
couple of motor-bikes assembled at the appointed hour, and if the size of the crowd can be
taken as any indication of the interest the public take in automobilism it has nothing to fear
for its future prospects in this country. Quite a number of prominent Cape Town men were
in the widely different types of car represented.
About 2.45 p.m. the cars moved off en route for Kalk Bay, led by one of the vice-
presidents, Mr. Hennessy, in his smart Decauville Tonneau, with the rear in charge of the
hon. Secretary, Mr. A. C. Fuller, on his Royal Enfield Quad. Considering that the majority
of drivers were necessarily inexperienced amateurs, it is very satisfactory to be able to say
that all reached Kalk Bay safely, in spite of previous prognostications to the contrary on the
part of some of the wise and knowing ones. Delicious tea, strawberries and cream, etc.,
awaited the “run” on its arrival at St. James, to which thorough justice was done by the
some forty individuals who took part in the run. The keenest interest was shown by the
seaside residents in the long line of cars drawn up along the main road, and the criticisms
were of a most eulogistic nature, considerable surprise being expressed at the complete
control and handy manner in which the cars could be manipulated and manoeuvred by their