Our Car

Back, way back, many moons ago as a famous resident if Pretoria Gardens would say, there was a car.1

A nice car, Toyota Corolla 1200, the '79 model. Going on 25 years of age, this little friend has an interesting story. So sit close and let me tell you.2

Bought roughly 11 years ago for R4000 (a lot of cash back then) by the famous resident from her father's aunt down in Potgietersrus. Now this aunt was a slow driver, and the Toyota (aptly named 'Vaalkar' now, you'll see why soon) barely registered a decent 50000 kilos on the meter. Yet still it got its fair share of bumps (we prefer the term battle-scars), usually quickly fixed and not by the most qualified of panel beaters, so the paint is starting to flake and rust is showing the telltale signs of age old wounds. And yet this car, which is as famous as its current owner, draws attention. Not by how it looks or sounds, but by the mere fact that it still runs. And very well at that. Recently Vaalkar made a trip to Kimberley (from PTA) and back, in one day, gave it 1140 kilos extra on the meter (can you give me a round of applause ladies and gentlemen!). Of course the speedometer itself has long since given up the struggle for survival, and your only indication of speed is the fellow drivers on the road, or the titillating subtle vibration it picks up when (we suspect) it reaches a solid 120km/h. Down the years the car has picked up the usual old stories, of how it drove so long to this and there and got so far with this much gas in, although I myself find it a bit heavy on the petrol (not surprising at all really, it is after all going on 25, and rightfully old enough to smoke, which it does with vigor). Above the fumes of its passage, it also leaves a trail of strained eardrums and tensed windows, the exhaust has a hole in it which is steadily growing.3

The only maintenance done to it (the owner is not exactly the most well-off individual hereabouts) was about 5 years ago. Vaalkar was proud to announce a new set of tires, shocks and water pump (which, of course, is still holding). When you drive this trusty old 'hoenderhok op wiele', beware the petrol pedal. It's missing, lost somewhere in the years of its faithful service. So along with that, trying the window might not work either (the owner refuses to drive shotgun in summer), the passenger side doesn't have the window winder anymore (that's where a good old set of pliers come in) and on the driver's side, it's a bit stripped. So you can get it down yes, but we've improvised a bit. A string leading from the inside handle to the winder keeps the window from doing a complete disappearing act. This makes it easy for would-be car-thieves to break in, was it not for the fact that the (original) Sony Rally II radio (excellent reception) wouldn't fetch a dime on the thief-market. But that is not the end, installed on the side of the dashboard is a toggle switch. When switched off the car just wouldn't start (I myself got tricked by this one many times), the knowledge of its workings has long since been lost. The ignition key can be removed while the car is still on, along with many things, the original shape of the key has also been lost in time.4

When it comes to actually driving this not-so-roadworthy vehicle, it seems a certain famous Toyota fact slips into the gearbox, making reverse almost as difficult to find as the left rear view mirror (lost along with the window winder). The brake, when released, makes a telltale clicking noise (we're still wondering about this one) and as I mentioned before, it has a tendency to vibrate. So when driving, we do try to keep a low profile. Always drive slower than the rest (which doesn't help if everyone else is speeding) and carefully avoid known speed cop hangouts. Luckily flat wheels are not a concern, Vaalkar prefers to be serviced on home grounds, and as such has only picked up two flats, both at home.5

We believe it will be here for a long time. With all its faults and the dented, scarred look, it is as trustworthy as it was 25 years ago. It starts immediately, and goes where you want to go. Albeit you might not get there first, but you will get there in time. Without a flat, without worn shocks, without a flat battery and without any air con. Vaalkar does what it was made to do, and that is drive.6

So all in all, this car has really shown me what can be done when innovation, engineering, and the love of a car comes together. It has survived two owners and a multitude of children, many trips in broiling heat and freezing cold, a host of bumps and scratches, the loss of many original items. But this only contributes to its character. Because you'll never find a car like this on the road again. It is unique.7