Car Features

Photography by Stefan de Koker

By the 1970s, South African racing legend Willie Hepburn saw untapped potential in this compact cruiser. Lightweight? Check. Simple design? Check. Room under the hood for something mean? Absolutely. Hepburn turned the unassuming Nova into a dragstrip contender, wringing out every ounce of performance it had. The car made its mark on the South African racing scene, but by the mid-‘80s, it was ready for a new chapter. Enter Mick van Rensburg—the godfather of South African drag racing.

Photos by Chris Wall

Born to Run

Photos by Kian Eriksen

The Hunt for the Perfect ’48
“I just love the shape of the ’48 trucks,” Gavin starts with a smile. “It’s beautiful, and it’s been something I’ve always wanted. It’s a dream car.” That dream, however, didn’t come easy.

Photos By Joe van Zyl
Owner: Nick Vernon

Nick Vernon, the proud owner, picked up this beast about four years ago from Custom Classics in Cape Town. But the credit for this masterpiece doesn’t belong to them. To uncover its history, we travel to KwaZulu-Natal, the stomping grounds of Mike Egan, a legend among SA’s V8 enthusiasts. If you’ve ever been blown away by the roar of a proper horsepower V8 in SA, chances are you’ve encountered Mike’s work.

Photos by Jan van Der Walt

What We’re Looking At 
This 1969 Firebird is a stunning mix of original flair and tasteful upgrades. It’s got the looks, the power, and the pedigree to make any enthusiast swoon. Let’s dive into the details: 

Under the Hood 

Photos by Jared Govender 

What Makes the Pantera Special? 

The Hunt for Parts

Blazin Rodz, a new team of young builders pushing the boundaries of innovation in the custom car world, presented its latest creation at the 2024 SEMA Show, the carbon-fibre 1970 Dodge Charger “Sangria.” Debuting in the Hemmings booth (#22493) in Central Hall, the Charger will showcase the very first Direct Connection 1500 HEMI crate engine from DSR Performance. Immediately following the unveiling, Sangria has been made available for bidding on Hemmings live auction website, marking the first time a vehicle of this calibre will be available during the SEMA Show.

Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, a custom-built 1987 Buick Grand National known as “INVADR.” The twin-turbocharged Buick produces 1,246 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels and was engineered from the ground up. It is expected to shatter performance expectations, deliver an unparalleled driving experience and embody the singular workmanship that defines Ringbrothers.