Meet Peter Krijt of Havre Farm, near Musina. The 62-year-old's best friend is his vintage 1962 DKW Auto Union.
Peter says his life would be incomplete without his beloved vintage car. The car, which is roadworthy and in excellent running condition, is always the centre of attention whenever he drives it around Musina.
"I make sure I have enough time when I go to town because, whenever I park the car, people gather around it, impressed by its uniqueness and beauty. Some even ask for a ride, and I take them short distances, so they can experience how it feels to be in such a unique vintage car. Others take pictures with the car, and I don't mind giving them time. This car is a treasure that everyone wants to be associated with," he said.
Peter, a retired electrician who worked at De Beers Venetia Mine for 27 years, bought the car 39 years ago in Gauteng. "The moment I laid my eyes on it, I knew it was meant for me. When I asked for the price, they said it was marked at R900. I had to make sure I bought it, even though R900 was a lot of money in 1985. I drove it almost every day for seven years because it was my only car at the time, until I bought another one in 1992. Even then, I told myself I would never let it go because it is so reliable."
The DKW boasts a 1,000 cc two-stroke engine with three cylinders. It has a 45-litre petrol tank and a manual gearbox. Peter says he still enjoys the original engine because it gives him a special feeling when he drives. With four forward gears, the car can reach speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.
"The car is still running with its original engine, and I haven't modified it. Interestingly, it was built without a water pump. Because there was no advanced technology then, the warm water rises to the radiator from the engine through a pipe, where it gets cooled by a fan and circulates back to cool the engine."
He said he repainted the car in its original colour to keep it fresh, shiny, and eye-catching. "I did some upholstery upgrades on the roof and seats in 1986, and since then, I haven't changed a thing. Its originality provides a wonderful driving experience that soothes my heart. I always find joy when I get behind the wheel, making me the happiest driver on earth."
Although the car is for personal use, Peter says he sometimes gets requests to hire it. "It was used three times for matric farewell functions, and it remained the talk of the town for days. I had to persuade people to let me leave because they all gathered around it, taking endless pictures."
The longest distance Peter has travelled with the car was more than 1,000 km in a single weekend, visiting various towns. "It's a good runner and has never given me any problems. That's why I don't even stress when I get behind the wheel for a long trip."
Asked if he would consider selling it one day, Peter remarked: "That would be a very difficult decision to make because this car is part of my life. I don't see myself selling it, even if someone offers me an outrageous price."
Peter plans to drive to Klein Kariba, near Bela-Bela, in July to join his colleagues from across the country to showcase and enjoy sharing moments with their vintage cars.
*(DKW was one of the parent companies of the modern Audi motor company. Hence the four rings found on modern Audi vehicles)