The Protea was South Africa's first production car.[2] The two seater sports car was built in Johannesburg by G.R.P. Engineering between 1957 and 1958. Either 14 or 26 units were completed (Sources vary).[3][4][5] The Protea was the first South African sports car, followed less than 6 months later by the Glass Sport Motors with their Dart and later Flamingo
| Protea | |
|---|---|
 The Protea on display at the James Hall Transport Museum. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | G.R.P. Engineering |
| Production | 1957–1958 |
| Assembly | South Africa |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | Two door, Roadster |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1,172 cubic centimetres (71.5 cu in), 4 cylinder, 27.6 kW @ 4500 r/min[1] |
Known survivors
edit- A fully restored Protea can be found in the collection at the Franschhoek Motor Museum
- The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg has one example on show.
- Pieter du Toit of Zwartkops raceway owns one.
- There is another privately owned Protea in Roodepoort, a suburb on Johannesburg's West Rand.
- There is another privately owned Protea in Pretoria North, currently [when?] in the process of being restored.
References
edit- ^ "Protea". Franschhoek Motor Museum. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Die vinnigste Protea ooit". Rapport. 2014-10-12. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
- ^ "GSM Dart and Flamingo". Car Torque. 2007-01-28. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "October 2005 Newsletter No: 22". GSM CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA. October 2005. Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "SA motoring pioneer reunited with beloved Protea". DistrictMail. 2007-05-31. Archived from the original on 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
External links
edit
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