Page 107 - Bulletin 9 2005

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held in South Africa, on Green Point track. A series of events would demonstrate the
capabilities of motor-driven cars and vehicles, and show the public that they were suited to

the requirements of the country, whether it be as a means of locomotion from town to town,
as a means of obtaining exercise and recreation, or “to thread the streets of a busy town.”

The event took place in glorious weather but was attended by “not a very large crowd” of
500 people who showed their appreciation with frequent applause. Twenty-one cars were

present, in addition to which there were quads, tricycles, and motor bicycles. The car that
attracted the most attention was the Lanchester “from the fact that it is a purely English

built car, with an engine designed and completed in an English factory.” The Gladiator was
described as a “fine car, capable of going at a high rate of speed; in fact it went to Hout’s

Bay and back in the morning before coming to the track, and runs as easily as it is fast.” A

steam car looked impressive “but as with all things worked by steam in this country, water
must be carried, for no dependence can be placed on springs, wells, or pans, for even if they

are not dry, they are frequently impregnated with foreign substances which damage the coat

of the boiler.” (Cape Times, 24/2/1903).

The Wolseley 10 h.p., Gladiator, De Dion and Peugeot cars covered mile after mile at
speeds of more than 30 miles per hour thus proving their capability of satisfying town to

town travel requirements in the country. In the racing event, effectively the first motor race
ever held in South Africa, the Panhard proved the fastest, covering three miles at the rate of

just under 32 miles per hour. Hill-climbing abilities were successfully tested on a specially

made ramp with gradients ranging from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3, and included stopping on such
slopes. Braking tests from speeds of twenty and thirty miles per hour were also impressive.

In manoeuvring the cars answered to “the slightest touch of the levers, and prove their
superiority over horse-drawn vehicles.” (Figs 3.3 & 3.4.)

That evening the first annual dinner of the Automobile Club of South Africa was held at the

Mount Nelson Hotel. It was attended by 35 gentlemen – the rules of the club did not permit