Car Features

A Chance Encounter

While visiting friends at Hartbeespoort Dam, the author was introduced to something far more exciting than expected. His friend proudly wanted to show off her new Honda motorcycle, but the moment the garage doors opened, all attention shifted.

There it was – a classic truck quietly standing in the garage.

From Demo Car to Dream Build

The C2 was originally purchased as a demo model in 2008. Before this, my automotive journey included a modified Honda Ballade that served as a show car. When the Citroën entered my life, the intention was simple: keep it stock. But if you have motorsport DNA in your blood, you know that “stock” rarely stays that way for long.

Power with Character

Under the bonnet sits a 351 Cleveland V8, an engine renowned for its strong breathing, unmistakable sound, and raw muscle. It delivers a perfect balance of classic V8 grunt and reliability, making every drive feel like an event. Whether cruising or stretching its legs, the engine runs smoothly and confidently — proof of careful ownership and respect for the machinery.

The Car That Started It All

My pride and joy is a 2004 Opel Corsa Lite, finished in silver. The car currently sits at around 180,000 km, with a full service history to back it up.

From Family Hands to a Long-Term Vision

The journey began in 2009 when the Cortina was purchased from a brother-in-law. At the time, it wore a modest light blue paint job and carried decades of history. Rather than rushing into a quick restoration, the decision was made to do things properly—slowly, carefully, and entirely at home.

A 1946 Ford Jailbar with a Past

This 1946 Ford Jailbar began life as a hardworking farm truck, left neglected for decades, parked under a tree like forgotten machinery instead of American heritage. Weather-beaten, sun-dried, and abandoned, it wore a natural patina long before patina was cool.

That was the dream.

The opportunity arrived in the most unexpected way. A 1959 Morris, gifted by a wife who knew exactly how dangerous a good surprise could be. The previous owner had no space to store it, and just like that, the little Morris had a new home. It was charming, complete, and full of potential — but the performance didn’t quite match the imagination.

That line, from the launch edition of a hot rod magazine, could not describe this build more accurately.

The idea took shape casually, as most dangerous ideas do. Paging through a magazine in Wynand Nell’s workshop on 29 July, the inaugural SA SpeedWeek was mentioned — scheduled for the end of September. Attending as spectators felt like a missed opportunity. If they were going, they were going to race.

There was no plan. Just enthusiasm, experience, and a willingness to work long hours.

When this Chevy first came into its current owner’s life, it wasn’t a showpiece or a neatly preserved classic. It was a working relic. The chassis had been cut, the back end repurposed into a trailer, and years of hard farm use had left their mark everywhere you looked. Bearings failed, grease replaced maintenance, and the truck kept going long after most would have been written off. By the time it was finally parked, it had no doors, no lights, no glass — just a body, a history, and a stubborn refusal to disappear.

The car is a 1974 Chevrolet El Camino, HQ Holden-based, owned by Scott Bucknell, better known as “The Olbugga,” and built by Ricardo Johnson of Midlife Crisis Garage. What started as a simple plan to freshen up the paint and “tickle the engine a bit” quickly escalated, as these things always do. The more Scott looked at the car, the more potential he saw. He wanted something strong, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Having owned several El Caminos before, he knew this one was special.