The traveling Thunder Tour

THIS August car enthusiasts can prepare for all the thunder and lightning they can handle when the Protea Marine Hotel and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) host the Thunder tour in its third year running.

The event will be showcasing cars ranging from hot rods and muscle cars to street rods and super cars, making sure they reach all their fans.

“Needless to say, Nelson Mandela Bay has its fair share of car fanatics, which makes this tour’s making us one of its main stops a great pleasure. But it is important that we remember that this is a wonderful opportunity to expose our lovely city to the rest of the country’s tourists who will be ‘rolling’ through the city. Surrounding areas and exhibitors will have a chance to enjoy what our tourism has to offer – getting the Mandela Bay experience,” said NMBT marketing manager Titus Chuene.

Held at the Protea Marine Hotel on 9 August, it kicks off bright and early. “The cars will be exhibited on the green on Beach Road in Summerstrand adjacent to the hotel – we are thrilled to be part of this tour,” said the hotels special projects manager, Bronwyn Bloem. Three other Protea hotels participate on this tour from Pretoria to George.

“There are 34 unique cars registered so far ranging from various Mustang models and old Mercedes’ to two rarities like the Plymouth 1928 model and the pride of the ‘parade’, the 1964 Bel-Air Impala which was an American sheriff’s patrol car,” said events coordinator, Lulu Ellers.

Travelling through four provinces, covering 3000km in total, the goal is to preserve the history and appreciation of the old automobiles for car-lovers and new generations.
The Thunder Tour is based on the principals of the ‘power tour’ in the United States, where muscle cars, hot rods and street rods travel through different states and cover about 1500 miles (over 2400km). The Thunder Tour is not a specific car club but joins forces with different car enthusiast.

On show from 8 to 10 am, people are encouraged to come early, have a cup of coffee at the hotel and see the motoring machines, soaking up all the paint and shimmer. Local enthusiasts who own some of these types of cars are welcome to bring their beauties for display as well.

“Visiting small towns on a specific route, the tour displays cars to people who don't often get to see these types of cars in actuality. The public can interact with the passionate owners who are often the builder or restorer of the car. They enjoy each other's cars, experiences and share their unique car stories all at the same time,” said Ellers.

“We try to see as much of our lovely country, visit as many museums and scenic attractions, and share an unforgettable experience. In our stop in Nelson Mandela Bay, we will go to the St. Croix Motor Museum in Newton Park where the participants can enjoy the cars on display there,” Ellers concluded.

For more details, go to www.thethundertour.co.za.