On the 21st of June 2024, the South Cape Veteran Tractor and Engine Club embarked on an exciting journey over the Rooiberg Pass from Calitzdorp to Van Wyksdorp. The 84-kilometer long route was chosen by Coenie Strydom, a dedicated member of the club with a passion for vintage tractors and engines.
The South Cape Club is a part of the Western Cape Veteran Tractor and Engine Club, which is affiliated with the National Organisation, SAVTEK. The members of the club all share a common interest in old farm engines such as Listers, Petters, Fairbanks Morse, and Ruston Hornsbys. These engines were once the lifeblood of farms before the modern convenience of electricity.
The Club holds regular meetings and shows where members exhibit their restored and unrestored engines and tractors. The highlight of the year is the National Show, a large event held on August 8 to 10 at the Villiersdorp Showgrounds. Here, enthusiasts from all over the country gather to display their cherished machines and share stories of restoration and preservation.
The ride over the Rooiberg Pass was a thrilling experience for the club members. The journey began at the Calitzdorp station, which has been transformed into a tourist facility. Twelve club members stayed overnight in the neat permanent tents set up at the station, adding to the sense of camaraderie and excitement surrounding the trip.
Early Saturday morning, the group embarked on their journey from Calitzdorp. The clatter of the old engines brought back memories of a simpler time when life moved at a slower pace. The vintage tractors and engines (some running on petrol and others on power paraffin, Voco, which is a mixture of approximately 60% paraffin and 40% petrol), chugged their way up and down the winding mountain roads, the nostalgia of a bygone era filled the air. Ranging from the 1960s to the 1970s, these tractors, mostly Massey Fergusons, are a testament to the history of agriculture in the area. The Ferguson tractor, which celebrated its centenary in 2023, holds a special place in the hearts of farming enthusiasts.
The first 15 kilometers was a mostly straight road west of the Gamka River. The route passed alfalfa and onion fields with Karoo ridges on the west side of the road which are used as pasture for ostriches. Where the river passes through the mountains in a gorge, the Rooiberg Pass begins. The road first goes through Soetdoring vegetated ravines with a few old abandoned farm houses..
Along the way, they stopped at various points of interest to admire the scenery and share stories of their beloved machines.
The ride over the Rooiberg Pass was not just a journey from one point to another; it was an experience that brought together like-minded individuals who shared a passion for preserving the history of farming and machinery.
Averaging 14km/hour, the trip to the half way mark at the Rooiberg Lodge, where the participants stopped for lunch, took 3 hours.
Among the models on the route were one iconic Massey Ferguson 35X, two versatile Massey Ferguson 135, one John Deere 2130 and five innovative TE20 Massey Fergusons, also known as the Vaaljapies. Designed by Harry Ferguson, the Vaaljapie (with fuel consumption of 3.5km/l) revolutionized agricultural practices with its hydraulic triple point system. This groundbreaking technology allowed farmers to control their plows with unprecedented precision, making tilling the soil a more efficient and productive task.The oldest club member, Johnny Verryne from Montague (aged 80), proudly showcased his Steyer Puch Haflinger Jeep. A miniature marvel from Austria, the “Puchie” boasts a powerful 700cc engine, four-wheel drive, and individual wheel lock differentials. With the ability for all four wheels to engage simultaneously, this compact powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with on rough terrain.
The journey ended with a braai in the Calitzdorp station building, a rustic and charming location that seemed to perfectly encapsulate the essence of the trip. Coenie Strydom presented each participant with a biltong knife as a souvenir to commemorate the unforgettable journey.
And while the discomfort of sitting on a tractor all day may have been felt on the participants’ bums, it was nothing compared to knowing that they had created memories that would last a lifetime.
The Western Province Tractor & Engine Club can be contacted on 083 324 9525 or email on wpveteraanklub@gmail.com.