It’s fair to say that the backbone of the Cape car scene is comprised of the clubs from across the peninsula, the collections of like-minded enthusiasts who stiek uit at the many shows and events that keep this scene humming.
There’s little better than cruising out on a Sunday, a line of single marquee vehicles shining in the rare winter sun, mense excited about the breakfast stop and imminent kuier with fellow petrolkoppe, waiting to show off that new addition to the beloved Conquest, Beemer or Boxie.
Then, belonging to a Cape car club means that you have people all over who are willing to come out and help should you need any assistance on the road. Clubs are more than social collections, they serve a purpose.
Bobby Nitro spoke to one of our clubs, the Republic of 92ers, about their passion, their humour and the glue that keeps them together.
Allister Ernstzen, the chairman, tells the story of how the club was founded by three guys, Donovan, Ashley and Marvin, about five years ago.
He says: “The main idea in our club, as you’ll gather from the name, is that we accept only those cars that are based on the AE92 chassis, like bubbles, Conquests, Tazzes.
“We have about 20 members now, and we only take on new members once a year so the next recruitment will be February 2019. Our guys are from Somerset West, Macassar, Blue Downs, Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Grassy Park, Lansdowne, Durbanville, Ottery and Steenberg, so we are pretty representative of Cape Town. We like to do a bit of everything available on the scene, including runs, charities and Stance events.”
“We’re not scared and we’re not lazy, so we’ll try anything. We’re just a group of guys who do this for a hobby, we’re actually more like a family in that we joke and play but stand together all the same.”
Their club consists of Stance cars, racers and OEM and they require that members’ cars are “nice and clean and neat”.
Some clubs open their doors to each and everyone, but the 92ers are a bit more picky.
Allister says: “So we are very choosey on who we accept into our club because you have to be committed car wise and give your full time when we need you as a member.”
All decent clubs have their comedians, and at the 92ers, says Allister: “Our funny guys are Kendal, aka Kelow, and Rowan, aka Rolo. They pile on the jokes and are great guys to be around, as well as being members that put in huge effort.
“Our club is based to show Cape Town style and how we can perfect an AE92, with different ideas and styles. We don’t overdo our cars but, still, they have to turn heads. We do it mainly for the fans and to inspire others as to what they can do on their cars.”
Bobby Nitro asked Allister for his general impressions on the car scene. He says it feels like there is a bit of a dip in enthusiasm so they as the club are keen to partner up with others to bring some oomph back into it. He says: “We’ll collaborate with anyone who shares our passion so we intend to bring back WeParkSunday, which is simply a chill session to show your ride off. All cars and like-minded karkoppe are welcome.”