Ian Rowley pressing hard with the Shark-nosed Assegai at the Monaco swimming pool corner. (Photo Gauld)

By Graham Gauld

Rob Young, who wrote the book Special Brew, The Story of the Southern African Formula One and Libre Specials, is an old friend of mine and we have corresponded for over fifty years. He is a retired accountant with an internationally known accountancy company and has been involved with South African motor sport all his life. To most readers of VeloceToday this opens a window to the sheer enthusiasm for motor sport there, but what a struggle it has been in a country that has been involved in political controversy for many years. However, one of the chapters in this new book caught my eye; the shark-nosed Assegai that Tony Kotze built in 1961.

1963 Jaguar E Type, driven by Guy Ziser and Oliver Webb.

Story and Photos by Jonathan Sharp

See Post 1970 Racecars at Silverstone

How should I sum up the delayed (by a year) 30th Silverstone Classic race meeting held over the weekend of the 30th July to the 1st August?

Huge is the first thought that would normally come to mind. 21 races, 900 race entries. Dozens and dozens of car clubs with tons of cars on display including no less than 375 Triumph Stags along to celebrate its delayed 50th birthday. Car parades, a fair ground, Rock Bands on the live stage, food, beer and multiple opportunities to spend money amongst the various traders, or if you had a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket, then at the Silverstone Classic car auction. But for me the word WET first springs to my mind, sometimes the sun popped out but often the heavens simply opened but that did not stop the racing as you will. The stand out race for me was the Royal Automobile Club Historic Trophy for MRL Pre 63 GT cars with a fantastic win by Lukas Halusa in my favorite Ferrari, the 250GT Breadvan.