A little Renault R8 Gordini of 1967 displayed next to the only South African built car to have scored points in two world championships, the LDS Ecosse Mk3, form part of a permanent display in the main hall of the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
It was erected on 26 March, on what would have been the 84th birthday of the “King of Paarlberg” and driver of the Gordini, Hennie Mostert. The hall now boasts two of the three cars used in races by six-time South African champion racing drivers John Love and Ian Scheckter.
To think, the little French car dominated the most significant motor-sport event in the Paarl/Franschhoek Valley, with a Klapmuts-born-and-bred driver at the helm.
Who would have thought the very first Renault R8 Gordini to reach South Africa would survive 56 years, registered to the same owner, running the same number plate, having never been restored, and which dominated the Paarl Hill climb only to become part of Franschhoek folklore?
Born in Klapmuts on 26 March 1939, Mostert became a living legend among local motor-sport enthusiasts as driver and technical adviser to all who drove Renault products.
Addressing friends and family at the museum, Willy Learmonth, former WP Saloon Renault Gordini racer, spoke of how gratified Mostert was to have earned his stripes among peers and competitors of excellent measure.
Whether racing Brian Peek in a VW vs Renault Challenge race at Killarney or sharing a Renault Dauphine with Adrian Pheiffer in the Kyalami 9 Hour, his total domination of the Paarlberg Hill climb in a production 1967 Renault R8 Gordini had become the stuff of legend.
According to Learmonth, Mostert believed it was not the size of the car or man that mattered, but that of their heart!
The Franschhoek Motor Museum now boasts a home-grown Renault “diamond” sparkling in Hall D, which made Sunell Mostert remark that she had never truly realised what her legendary grandfather had achieved until that day.
It is easy to imagine another grandchild, 2-year-old Isabel Mostert, daughter of Berto and Lize Mostert, also bursting with pride at some point after discovering the significance of her illustrious ancestor’s achievements in years to come.
Watching Jacques, Mostert’s eldest son, and Berto, his youngest, unveil the Gordini was an emotional moment for his widow, Reinett, and her daughter Elzaan.
Members of the Cape Town Renault Club complemented the day’s proceedings by putting their pristine vehicles on display at the front of the hall.
Take the time to visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum and learn more about the King of Paarlberg and his all-conquering 1967 Renault R8 Gordini.
Proudly local takes on a completely new meaning here with an abiding heritage-related dimension!
