Wheels 22February2018

February 22, 2018

Isuzu is stepping up to fill the SUV gap left

by Chev with the popular and proven mu­X. Page 2

Witness

WHEELS

ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM ON 084 278 3447

… NOW YOU’RE MOTORING

Bateleur to race Backdraft Made­in­KZN roadster takes on 34 supercars COLIN WINDELL ENDURANCE racing is as much about speed as it is about prepa­ ration, planning and strategy— and that is exactly what the Mid­ lands based Bateleur Motor­ sport team have going for them when they roll onto the grid for the first round of the 2018 Mo­ par South African Endurance Championship at Phakisa on the February 24.

This will be the team’s fourth year in the series but, this year they are competing in a locally built Backdraft roadster — modelled on the original Shelbey Cobra — and powered by a Lexus V8 engine.

Backdraft is owned by South African motor sport legend and KZN­based Tony Martin, who exports these roadsters from the factory in Prospecton to several markets, but especially north America.

Martin, himelf a winner of multiple South African titles as well as the 1983 prestigious Day­ tona 24­Hour in America with Sarel van der Merwe and Gra­ ham Duxbury, is also a huge sup­ porter of the South African En­ durance Championship.

“We have competed in the Championship for the past four

‘This amazing opportunity was offered to us quite late, but we are really honoured to be representing the Backdraft factory.’ years but this year we are deter­ mined to get results,” he says.

“Bateleur Motorsport have demonstrated a professional ap­ proach to the sport, which I feel will be of value to our business and this is one of the reasons we offered them a car for the 2018 season.”

Bateleur team principal Mike Schmidt, who is also one the teams’ drivers feels positive about their chances, “This amazing opportunity was offered to us quite late, but we are really honoured to be rep­ resenting the Backdraft factory.

“We have had to push hard to get ready in time for the first race at Phakisa, but we have now giv­ en the car a short shake down run and it feels really good.

“We have plenty of experi­

ence in this championship and are hoping this will work to our advantage as the year progress­ es,” says Schmidt.

“Experienced KZN engine guru Bruce Avern Taplin is also an integral part of the team com­ bining his responsibilities for the teams’ engine development with driving duties.”

This year promises to be the best yet for the Mopar South Af­ rican Endurance Champion­ ship, which boasts some of the most exclusive and fastest cars in South African motorsport.

These include, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Maclaren, As­ ton Martin as well as a host of exceptionally quick specialist Sports Prototype Cars.

With 35 cars lining up for round one at Phakisa, the Bate­ leur Team and their awesome Backdraft roadster will need to be at the top of their game if they are to emerge victorious.

Race dates: • February 24 — Phakisa Freeway, Welkom • May 19 — Killarney, Cape Town • June 9 — Zwartkops, Pretoria • August 11 — Aldo Scribante, Port Elizabeth • October 27 — East London GP, East London.

The Bateleur team, (from left) Mike Schmidt, Alan McCullough and Bruce Avern Taplin at the Toyota test track near Eston in KZN. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

AUTO BODY SUPPLIES

BODYPARTS, RADIATORS, AUTO GLASS SALE

QUALITY PARTS FOR ALL MAKES INCLUDING TOYOTA, MAZDA, NISSAN, VW, KIA TATA, GWM, HYUNDAI, GEELY

Wheeled events across KZN MOTORSPORT South Africa (MSA) has announced the re­ sults of a survey to change the dates of the Roof.

The overwhelming majority of crews voted to move the event from the current No­ vember date to December.

The survey results had 82% or 372 people vote for Decem­ ber, while 82 people were hap­ py to keep the November date unchanged.

Accordingly, the 2018 Roof of Africa will be held from De­ cember 6 to 8.

The date for the Bronze Qualifier remains unchanged on the May 12. MSA said sup­ plementary regulations will be out by in early March, and en­ tries will open shortly thereaft­ er.

WFO — The Natal WFO Endu­ ro Association will celebrate its 40­year anniversary when Mid Illovo Club hosts the opening round of the WFO Enduro Re­ gional Championship on Satur­ day.

ENDURO — The Powasol Ex­ treme Enduro at Lake Eland on Saturday.

DRIFTKHANA — Local driv­ ers will compete in a Spinfest on February 24 at Mason’s Mill.

CROSS COUNTRY— Eshowe hosts the nationals and region­ al leg of the event. on March 2 to 3.

• BONNET FENDERS • DOORS AND HOODS • HEADLIGHTS, INDICATORS • TAIL LIGHTS, SPOT LIGHT, FOG LIGHT • TAILGATES & WINDOW WINDERS • BUMPERS (FULL RANGE) • RADIATORS, FANS, CONDENSERS • LOCKS, HANDLES, KEY LOCK SETS • CAR AND TRUCK PAINTS • WINDSCREENS • BODY KITS, FOGS, LEDs • CAR RUBBERS, DOOR, BOOT AND WINDOW, CHANNELLING, WINDSCREEN RUBBERS

• MEGUIRE POLISHES • CLIPS, SCREWS, FASTNERS for PANELS ETC. • DOOR MIRRORS ELECTRIC & MANUAL • SPOILERS & BODY KITS • WINDSHIELDS, BONNET & LIGHT SHIELDS • TONNEAU COVERS • BULL AND ROLL BARS • GRILLE UPGRADES, BADGES • MUD FLAPS WIPER ARMS, BODY STRIPES KITS FOR ALL BAKKIES (ALL MAKES)

KOREAN VEHICLE SPARES BODY PANELS @ LOW PRICES

KZN’s top amateur drivers will compete in the Spinfest at Mason’s Mill on February 24 in preparation for the Battle of the Provinces which will be hosted in Kimberley at the end of March. Team KZN captain Kurt Volmink said seven of the nine provinces will send drivers to compete in the popular driftkhana style event, which pits two drivers on the same track to complete course against the clock.

GRAPHIC: SUPPLIED

BUMPERS, FENDERS, DOORS, GRILL, LIGHTS, INDICATORS, RADIATORS, MIRRORS, RUBBERS, WINDSCREENS, DOOR GLASSES, CAR PAINTS, CAR & WINDOW RUBBERS DAEWOO, Cielo,Espero, Lanos, Matiz, Nubira HYUNDAI, Accent,Atoz,Elantra, Getz, H100, Santafe,Sonata,Terracan, Tiburon, Tucson KIA , Carens, Carnival, Cerato, K2700 Bakkie, Picanto, Pregio, Rio, Sephia, Shuma, Sportage, Sorento

ALSO FOR JAPANESE , GERMAN, ITALIAN , CHINESE & INDIAN MAKES !

407 GREYLING STREET, PIETERMARITZBURG PH: 033 345 2326 “The helpful guys”

2

WitnessWheels MOTORING

Built­in service plans Buyers deserve right to choose SO, you’ve made the decision — you want to buy a car and you’ve decided which one. A big question you should be asking is how you want to service the car?

What are your options? “Unfortu­ nately, as things currently stand in South Africa, dealerships sell most ve­ hicles with a built­in service plan.

“What this means is that you buy the vehicle with a non­negotiable ser­ vice plan included in the price,” says Les McMaster, director of Right to Re­ pair South Africa (R2RSA). “What you need to realise is that this service plan could be hugely expensive and cost anywhere between R30 000 to R60 000 or more. Added to that you are also charged a hire purchase inter­ est cost.

“But what’s more of a concern,” said McMaster, “is that there is no trans­ parency in pricing from the dealer­ ships. You could be paying a premium for servicing without even knowing.”

Interestingly he said that when R2RSA tried to determine the actual cost of the service plan component, no manufacturers approached were pre­ pared to provide this information.

In the Vehicle Service Survey recent­ ly concluded by the Automobile Asso­ ciation (AA), 53% of car owners sur­ veyed said they service their vehicles at the original dealer franchises, while 37% take their vehicles to private me­ chanics. The rest either service their vehicles themselves or do not service their vehicles at all.

Results from the survey also show that the rates of satisfaction among those who use original dealer franchis­ es and those who use private mechan­ ics for their services are equally high — over 80%.

McMaster questions whether con­ sumers would be as pleased with the service they are receiving from original dealer franchises if they were aware of the premium they paid upfront for the service.

“Considering the same level of sat­ isfaction could have been experienced at a private mechanic for half the price.

“Also, what the survey does not re­ veal is how many of those car owners using the dealer franchises are locked SMALLEST VOLVO ENGINE Volvo Cars has launched its first three­cylinder engine in the Drive­E powertrain in the XC40.

The 1.5­litre, three­cylinder, direct­injection petrol engine comes with a six­speed manual transmission, with an optional eight­speed automatic transmission that will follow later.

Volvlo said the small engine was designed to integrate with the Twin Engine plug­in hybrid cars.

PHOTO: VOLVO

in because of built­in service plans and warranties.

“Ultimately, we believe that you, as the consumer, should have the choice about servicing your car and the only way to make an educated decision is if you have all the information.

“If the offer by the Original Equip­ ment Manufacturer (OEM) dealership is the best offer there is, logically you would go for it. There should be no need to automatically build in the cost of the service and not disclose the cost you will be paying for the service plan.”

He adds that if a consumer is happy with the service at a particular dealer­ ship and wants to use that dealership, an upfront payment makes sense for both sides and creates a win­win situa­ tion.

“That’s why R2RSA is all for offering service plans. But if consumers would rather choose an independent repairer because it’s more convenient, offers a better service experience, better loca­ tion, or is more affordable, they should have the right to do so.”

McMaster said the whole point of the Right to Repair campaign is to al­ low you to select where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices.

“There is a need for a fair and com­ petitive regulatory environment that enables freedom of choice for consum­ ers and gives aftermarket small medi­ um enterprises a chance to stay in busi­ ness. South African legislature needs to follow the international Right to Re­ pair trend which promotes South Afri­ ca’s existing consumer and competi­ tion laws.

“Built­in service plans and extended warranties are locking consumers into periods where firstly, they have no choice but to use the dealer for repairs and secondly, they are at the mercy of the dealer who can charge whatever rates he/she chooses.

“We want to see change. We want equality, transparency and sustainabil­ ity in our industry. R2RSA plans to make these things a reality and we call on you, the consumer, to support the cause and ask questions before making that car purchase,” McMaster said.

— Supplied.

February 22, 2018

The latest Subaru Outback boasts a slew of refinements including better voice recognition but can still tame with quiet aplomb any mud the Midlands can dish up. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

KZN farmers’ favourite commute updated SUBARU Southern Africa sales have remained resilient throughout the tough eco­ nomic climate of 2017, post­ ing YOY sales growth of 10% in a market that barely grew by 1,8%.

This resilience is largely due to a strong and loyal cus­ tomer base who place their trust in Subaru over and over again, with the Pietermaritz­ burg dealership consistently rated among the top Subaru dealerships in SA. Subaru owners do not, as a rule, worry overly much about design, but they do de­ mand space. A 512­litre boot more than doubles to 1801 li­ tres with the seats folded down, providing space for anything from bags of cattle feed to polo sticks.

The most significant de­ sign updates appear at the front of the Outback with a revised bumper design that has sharper edges and less ac­ centuated fog lamp sur­ rounds. Larger front cladding

now enhances protection from the onslaught of mud and stones, especially for when the vehicle is driven off road, something that Out­ back owners tend to do a lot of the time.

A the front, the new Out­ back sports the hexagonal grille with only the first blade picked out in chrome, while the two below are now fin­ ished in a matte black coat.

The new mirror housings have been designed with inte­ grated LED turn signals as well as a new side view camera for negotiating curbs and steep drops.

The Outback rides on new 18­inch wheel designs, with a two­tone contrast of high gloss silver and black inlays.

Subaru has also added two new colours to the Outback range, namely Crimson Red Pearl and Wilderness Green Metallic.

Under the hood The engines on the two Suba­ ru Outback variants in South

Africa remain unchanged, with the 2.5i­S ES making 129 kW and 235 Nm and the flagship 3.6R­S ES making 191 kW and 350 Nm, sustain­ ing 90% of its peak torque between 2 000 and 6 000 rpm.

The result of this is an ex­ ceptionally responsive en­ gine no matter the speed.

Engines are reasonably ef­ ficient too, with the 2.5i­S ES returning 7,7 l/100 km and the 3.6R­S ES giving a claimed 9,9 l/ 100 km.

Both engines are mated with Subaru’s standard Line­ artronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a seven­speed manual mode and paddle shift controls be­ hind the steering wheel.

The CVT now offers an even smoother response thanks to a reworked ECU. As with all Subaru’s sold in South Africa, the Subaru Outback combines its 213mm ground clearance, the Sym­ metrical All­Wheel Drive

(AWD) and Active Torque Vectoring systems for an ag­ ile drive over varied terrain.

The most noticeable dif­ ference to the interior design, is the all­new seven­inch In­ fotainment system.

The system is carried through to the Outback from the all­new Impreza and XV models that were launched in South Africa in 2017.

The voice­controlled sys­ tem now uses two micro­ phones and is significantly better at handling voice calls, The sound is excellent thanks to an eleven­speaker system and amplifier by Har­ man Kardon.

The Outback comes with a three­year or 75 000km full maintenance plan and a five year or 150 000km warranty.

The Maintenance plans are extendable up to 5 years / 150,000kms at time of pur­ chase.

Outback prices 2.5i­S ES R579 000 3.6R­S ES R649 000

Isuzu mu­X follows in Frontier’s path PORT ELIZABETH — Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) this week an­ nounced it will finally return to the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with the introduction of the Isuzu mu­X to sub­Saharan Africa after July.

Isuzu’s Frontier can lay claim to have set the bar for the SUV market in South Africa, while the original MU from the 1980s is still made in China, such is the timelessness of the shape.

Dominic Rimmer, executive of techni­ cal services at Isuzu SA, said the 2018 mu­X will be a new entry in the local SUV segment for Isuzu, since the intro­ duction of the Trooper and Frontier in 1992 and 1998.

“This great product, which has been favourable with customers around the world, will extend the Isuzu product range offering customers an option to choose between the rugged and capable Isuzu pick­up and a sophisticated Isuzu SUV for both work and leisure, ensuring they are catered for in the Isuzu family.”

The mu­X is currently sold in several countries that include Thailand, Austra­ lia and Philippines, where it holds the market leader share. “We are excited about the addition of the mu­X into the Isuzu portfolio, offering customers an SUV originating from a strong brand that is trusted and known for reliability

by South Africans.”

This superior SUV will assume Isuzu’s rich DNA backed by decades of experi­ ence in diesel engine technology. The

The Isuzu mu­X, the Philippines’ favourite SUV, will go on sale in SA after July. PHOTO: QUICKPIC mu­X is powered by Isuzu’s proven 3­li­ tre engine packed with active safety fea­ tures. The car­like handling with excep­ tional ride comfort is supported by a 5­link rear suspension. In addition, the seven seat configurations with ample passenger legroom promise a comforta­ ble ride for the family whether on road or off the beaten track.

Rimmer said the Isuzu mu­X model line­up, specification and pricing will be announced closer to the time of launch.

The announcement of the mu­X un­ derlines Isuzu’s commitment to the

South African market since it took over the General Motors light commercial factory in Port Elizabeth, as well as the balance of shareholding in its Isuzu Trucks South Africa operations.

President and representative director of Isuzu Motors of Japan Masanori Ka­ tayama said that Isuzu was committed to growing its business in South Africa.

Isuzu Motors South Africa CEO and MD Michael Sacke said that the compa­ ny’s will launch more vehicle in the me­ dium term future after an initial consoli­ dation period. — WR.

MOTORING WitnessWheels

February 22, 2018

3

Instant celeb status Cabrios make the best entrance SIBONELO MYENI THE Mercedes E­Coupe cabriolet and BMW 2­Series convertible are designed to show off drop­dead gor­ geous looks for their owners, but what more do they offer?

We tested both in E220d and M240i spec respectively. These two are not direct rivals but as the old Merc ad said, cars like this still repre­ sent the most exciting way to blow­ dry your hair.

The E­Cabriolet is the newer of the two in terms of design and it stuns wherever you drive it.

In AMG line exterior spec, chrome strip running along the shoulder line, five­spoke 19­inch wheels, diamond grille, power domes on the bonnet and multi­beam LED headlights with double­line LED daytime lights, it looks absolutely stunning.

Wherever this car goes, thumbs up, waves and x­rated smiles are the norm from people.

Drop the top and it’s just too much for anyone this side of a celebrity, made worse by the ability to open/ close the top on the move.

The inside is spacious, carrying five adults in relative comfort — something not many cabriolets can achieve. The HD wide screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster drew the most attention from pas­ sengers and onlookers.

The optional Cabriolet Comfort package is a must as it allows noticea­ bly less wind inside the cabin with the top down whilst it endows the leather seats with neck warmers in case you feel the need to drop in chilly weather.

The M240i doesn’t draw as many envious glances due to it being on the market for a while now even though it received a mild update last year. With M­Performance parts (19­ inch wheels, side sills extensions), the 2­Series transforms into a wan­ nabee full­M look.

The 2­Series convertible can drop its top on the move but due to its compact size, rear seat passengers need to be forewarned when doing so as the soft top touches their heads.

The 2­Series is a strict four­seater with rear passengers limited in leg room but compared to its rival, A3 cabrio, it’s above average.

The interior layout is classy with a quality fit and finish but it’s starting to show its age especially when you take into account latest space age in­ terior offerings from BMW (5, 6 & 7). The 143 kW/400 Nm two­litre turbo­diesel in the E220d is refined and excels on fuel efficiency, achiev­ ing an excellent 5,7l/100 km during our test week.

Mated to a nine­speed automatic, it’s an effortless cruiser but the gear­ box can be lethargic when pushed, often changing down gears too late.

Surprisingly, the refined diesel en­ gine is well matched to the drop­top character of the E­Cabrio.

The damping of the suspension is class leading in our books, with the E­Cabrio soaking up bumps with minimal body shake. In dynamic driving it brings a fun factor most people would expect from the blue propeller rival, without compromis­ ing ride comfort. Noise insulation is the best I have experienced in a soft top.

The 250 kW/500 Nm 3.0­litre six­ cylinder turbo in the M240i is a clas­ sic performance engine with deep bass sound, melodic engine sound when pushed hard. Linked to the bril­ liant eight­speed automatic, shift times are dual­clutch like quick when in Sport mode. Shift changes are ac­ companied by a “Vrrr Phhaa” with bursts of sound on the overrun … this engine is just EPIC, its 11,6l/100 km less so but worth every fuel drop.

The ride is a bit too hard, worsen­ ing body shake over bumps but give it beans on your favourite twisty road and you will smile for days.

These cars are for people who con­ sider style, making an entrance at so­ cial gatherings as priority in their car purchase. The pricing of R920 000 for the E220d is misleading as you will have to spend over R1 million to fully enjoy ownership. Worth every penny spent on our current favourite convertible.

The M240i Convertible at R785 000 needs more randellas to spec it to levels where it’s a pocket M­junior 2­Series. Add the M­Per­ formance design bits and you are sure to be the talk of your social circles.

• Catch Sibonelo Myeni live on Ukhozi FM, each Thursday from 7.45 am.

The 2­Series is a strict four­seater with rear passengers limited in leg room but compared to its rival A3 cabrio, it’s above average.

PHOTO: SIBONELO MYENI

E220d and M240i spec cabriolets will both get you thumbs up, waves and x­rated smiles from the people you pass.

PHOTO: SIBONELO MYENI

BIRDS FLY, FISH SWIM, JAGUARS ROAR.

FIND YOUR ROAR FROM R9 799 P.M.* The Jaguar F-PACE speaks for itself. With a muscular stance and responsive, agile handling, it’s no wonder it was voted World Car of the Year 2017. It brings together our latest Ingenium engines, Lightweight Aluminium Architecture and styling cues from the remarkable F-TYPE sports car. And with rear seat flexibility that wherever your lifestyle takes you. A car this practical shouldn’t feel this exhilarating.

JAGUAR F-PACE 2L D 132KW R-SPORT Retail Price (incl VAT)

R852 466

Principal Debt

R725 793

Deposit (15%)

R127 870

Period (months) Monthly Instalment Rate

72 R9 799 7,25%

Balloon Payment (30%)

R255 740

Total Cost of Finance

R951 450

Call or visit to find out more: Jaguar Pietermaritzburg 9 Armitage Road, Bird Sanctuary 033 897 8860 pietermaritzburg.landrover.co.za

Offer available from Jaguar Financial Services. Deal parameters are flexible but will affect rate and payment. Contact dealer F&I manager for options.

These payments are indications only and may change depending on date of first payment, etc. Changes in the prime rate, currently 10.25%, will cause changes to this schedule unless calculated on a ‘Fixed Rate’ basis. Customer responsible for Balloon Payment when and if applicable. Subject to normal credit approval as per Jaguar Financial Services credit criteria. Retail prices subject to change without notice. Advertised monthly payment includes initiation fee of R1197.00 and R68.40 monthly service fee. Terms and conditions apply and while stocks last. Jaguar Financial Services, a product of WesBank. WesBank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP20.

4

WitnessWheels CLASSICS MOTORING

Gypsy home restored Rare old caravan in KZN needs new wooden wheels ALWYN VILJOEN PIETERMARITZBURG’S self­taught caravan repair man, Gerrie Swanepoel, is looking for wooden wheels to fit a very rare caravan he found in the KZN capital.

Swanepoel told Wheels he had been after the caravan for several years, but the late owner — a Mr Richmond who was also a collector of classic wheels — did not want to sell.

After the owner’s death, the new own­ er of the property was keen to get rid of the unsightly wagon in his backyard and Swanepoel clinched the deal.

The caravan had to be lifted over the wall. “I have to specially thank Hennie Schoeman from Schoeman Crane Hire and his crew for helping to lift the cara­ van from the a backyard and move it to my worskshop,” said Swanepoel.

He said the old hut on wheels was mainly crafted out of Oregon pine wood and metal, with Chandler wooden spoke wheels that had been hollowed to the core by termites.

Finding specialists to craft the wood­ en wheels to restore the mobile home to its original state is the next big chal­ lenge, Swanepoel said.

The wooden wheels show the wagon was built in an era when horse­drawn carriages were still in use in South Africa, which dates the caravan to the early 1900s.

Porsche has started 3D­printing parts of rare cars, like this 959, of which only 292 were made. PHOTO: PORSCHE

Porsche 3D­prints parts PORSCHE Classic now 3D­prints rare parts shown as “unavailable” in the list of 52 000 parts in the Porsche Classic range.

The parts that are produced us­ ing this additive manufacturing process meet all original engineer­ ing specifications — both from a technical and a visual perspective.

Porsche is currently 3D­printing nine parts, including the release lever for the clutch on the Porsche 959, of which only 292 were made.

A further 20 parts that have been 3D­printed are being destruc­ tive tested. The parts in question are steel and alloy parts produced using the selective laser melting process, and plastic components

manufactured using an SLS printer.

SLS stands for selective laser sintering, a process where the ma­ terial is heated to just below melt­ ing point and the remaining energy is applied through a laser to fuse the plastic powder at a selected point. All parts are subject to the quality requirements of the original production period as a minimum, though they usually meet higher standards. Accuracy in terms of size and fit is ensured by perform­ ing tests with the part installed.

Depending on the area of appli­ cation, plastic parts made of vari­ ous materials as in the original must be resistant to oils, fuels, ac­ ids and light. — WR.

Concours judging ABOVE and BELOW: The gypsy style wagon as it was found in a backyard in Pietermarizburg and during restoration at the Caravanman Pmb.

CONCOURS SA will host a work­ shop for judges in Sandton on Sat­ urday, February 24, from 1 to 3.30 pm.

Concours South Africa chief judge Wayne Harley said the need for such a workshop has arisen as the standard of the cars and judg­

ing has become higher at Concours South Africa. Entry is free of charge. This year’s Concours South Africa event will again be held at Sun City on August 10 to 12.

• Contact Sabrina Morris by e­mail at sabrina@eventoptions.co.za for more information.

ENGINE EAST COAST IMPORTS QUALITY USED LOW MILEAGE ENGINES AND GEABOXES

No decorations The caravan’s profile is loosely based on what the nomadic Romani, or Gypsies, called a ledge wagon, although without shorter roof overhangs than the original wagons typically sported.

Swanepoel has to date restored the wagon to the final paint layers and win­ dow frames. Benches line the interior of the wagon, with glass windows and raised shelving on both side of the door.

Unlike the typical gypsy caravans in Europe, the backyard find in Maritzburg was not richly decorated, and the Swane­ poels chose to keep it that way.

They can only speculated whether it was a holiday home or a mobile hut for someone in the past.

Looking back at the history of the Un­ ion and later the Republic of South Afri­ ca, the probable uses range from a week­ end fishing hut, to a cosy home for a prospector.

Swanepoel said he does not plan to sell the wagon, intending to use it as ad­ vertising or park it as a quirky quick food stall at events.

TINY HOUSE MOVEMENT Wheels recently reported on the tiny house movement in Europe and north­ ern America.

Swanepoel agreed that young South Africans can find a lot of financial and lifestyle benefits by creating their own homes on wheels, Gypsy style.

“Building a little home on a two­ or single­axle trailer is providing young people overseas with an affordable ac­ commodation that moves where they do and shows their style wherever they park,” he said.

These tiny homes can be mini abodes with two floors, a shower, toilet and kitchen, plus beds for at least two people.

Swanepoel said he would be happy to help any young person in Pietermaritz­ burg who wants to start the tiny home movement in KwaZulu­Natal.

• Contact Gerrie Swanepoel by e­mail at caravanmanpmb@gmail.com.

February 22, 2018

WE OFFER DELIVERY INTO DURBAN AND PMB ON ENGINE AND GEARBOX PURCHASES

Brand New Turbos for most makes of vehicles

NOW WITH OUR OWN IN HOUSE WORKSHOP FOR ALL YOUR FITMENT REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE LEXUS V8 ENTHUSIASTS WE OFFER

• Pre-Wired Lexus V8 1UZ VVTI complete with automatic gearbox • Pre-Wired Lexus V8 3UZ VVTI complete with automatic gearbox • Brand new and second hand original spares and service parts • Our pre-wired original OEM mnagement is ready for installation with only 6 wires to connect • All units are bench tested

WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF ENGINES AND GEARBOXES TO CHOOSE FROM

• Top Quality used low mileage engines, gearboxes & Lexus parts • Heads AFFORDABLE • Turbos ENGINE • Diffs • Lexus spares • New and Second hand

TOP: Remaking the original wooden­spoked wheels of the old gypsy caravan may yet prove to be the most difficult part of the restoration process.

RIGHT: The interiors of original gypsy wagons were traditionally richly decorated. By comparison the gypsy­ styled caravan found in Pietermaritzburg is quite austere. Dating back to the early 1900s, the horse­ drawn caravan could have been a shepherd’s hut or prospector’s home. PHOTO: GERRIE SWANEPOEL

CV Joint speCialists

for CV joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings.

341 GReYlinG stReet Pmb. 033 342 9174/75

Our friendlly sales teaam is equippedd to deaal withh all enquiiriess annd havve a weaalth of knowleddge in the mootoring fielld. We pride ourselvess in deliivering exceptionnal serrvice and products to our clliennts and therefforre have a stringent quality check process in placee to make sure thaat every ry prodduct complies with our requirements and is in top order.

Tel: Craigh: Dianne: Ntuthuko:

035 789 0464 035 789 0754 084 357 1082 071 677 0799 082 704 5330

Unit 1 No 13 Betastraal Street Alton, Richards Bay Fax 086 459 6725 sales@eastcoastengines.co.za