Protea (car)

Protea
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]

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 sportscar, followed less than 6 months later by the Glass Sport Motors with their Dart and later Flamingo

Known survivors

  • 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 in the process of being restored.

References

  1. ↑ "Protea". Franschhoek Motor Museum. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  2. ↑ "Die vinnigste Protea ooit". Rapport. 2014-10-12. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  3. ↑ "GSM Dart and Flamingo". Car Torque. 2007-01-28. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "SA motoring pioneer reunited with beloved Protea". DistrictMail. 2007-05-31. Retrieved 2009-02-14.


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