Santos Beach Auto Extremo: Where Heritage Meets Horsepower in Mossel Bay

A full 1,500 car enthusiasts descended on the sun-drenched shores of Mossel Bay when the Santos Beach Auto Extremo returned to the Southern Cape’s favourite coastal town on Sunday 7 September.

What started nearly three decades ago as a casual Spring Snoek Braai among local car lovers has become one of South Africa’s most scenic motoring events. Now in its second year as a full-scale show, the eclectic range of automobiles on display did not disappoint.

Community Spirit and Coastal Pride

Deserving organisations such as the Lions Club, Round Table, and NSRI Mossel Bay proudly supported the event, ensuring a well-managed, family-friendly vibe.

Hosted with the help of #ICONIC Mossel Bay, the event also played a key role in promoting the region as a Southern Cape treasure.

Sponsor Spotlight: MUA Insurance and Collector Passion

‘Our headline sponsor for 2025, MUA Insurance Acceptances, underlined the show’s growing prestige in the country’s collector car scene. Once again, heritage met horsepower with everything from retro classics to razor-sharp supercars on display at Santos Beach.’

~ Waldo Scribante, owner of Scribs BENZeum and event founder.

According to MUA Chief Executive Officer Vajra Singh, his company believes the only thing better than a classic car is sharing this passion with like-minded afficionados. “That’s why we are so proud to be part of the Santos Beach Auto Extremo.”

‘For us, protecting these beautiful machines is a privilege, and celebrating them with good wine, great food, and sharing of car memories, is what it’s all about. We were delighted to raise a glass with you and celebrate a weekend of automotive passion in the stunning Southern Cape!’

~ Vajra Singh, MUA Chief Executive Officer.

From Vintage Classics to Modern Supercars

Apart from MUA’s financial contribution, they also supplied champagne and orange juice to exhibitors on arrival, plus a reception tent for clients with drinks and top-level catering.

From this central hub, it was easy to venture out and revel in the vehicle displays, including all marques from American muscle to European classics, street rods, sports cars, and future collectibles.

The full spectrum of automotive passion featured models such as a 1915 Model T Ford, a 1938 Mercedes-Benz type 320, and a 1936 Bentley 4¼liter Park Ward.

These classics shared the beach with modern Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, and Mercedes-Benz supercars such as the newest Mercedes-AMG GT63s E-PERFORMANCE.

‘We catered for all sorts of collectable cars, including the marvellous, technically interesting DKW two-stroke saloons, which enjoy something of a stronghold in the Mossel Bay area. Also in the line-up were all sorts of ‘Deek’ variations, including the older 3=6 models and 1000S models in two-door, four-door and stylish coupé variations.’

~ Waldo Scribante.

Special latter-day BMWs, including the highly collectable 333i from the mid-1980s, a modern BMW i8, and evergreen supercars like Porsche’s 911, appealed especially to younger enthusiasts of modern classics.

Significantly, an unusual model was the rare Porsche 914, known as the Volkswagen-Porsche when introduced in the 1970s, as it used a tuned variation of the Volkswagen 411 engine. Because of their rarity, these Porsches are now increasingly sought-after by collectors.

The Scenic Cape Run and Charity Drive

According to Waldo Scribante, over 200 vehicles registered for the show, 14 of which participated in the pre-show run from Franschhoek that set off on Friday 5 September.

The route included scenic tracks such as Franschhoek and Tradouw Pass, and an overnight stop at the Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale before rolling into Mossel Bay on Saturday afternoon.

After costs, all profits of the Santos Beach Auto Extremo 2025 will be shared by selected charities. You can follow the event and see more pictures via the official social media channels: @santosbeachautoextremo on Facebook and Instagram.

For collectors and enthusiasts keen on the next spectacular showcase, keep a close eye on the official website www.santosbeachautoextremo.co.za

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