McCarthy Motor Holdings chairman Brand Pretorius described CAR as a “loyal companion” and “remarkable success story” when SA’s leading motoring magazine celebrated its 50th birthday on Friday, February 9.

The cream of the SA motor industry, business leaders and various high-profile luminaries joined the CAR team at a lavish party at the North Gate Dome in Johannesburg. Before revealing the Top 12 Best Buys for 2007, CAR publisher Stuart Lowe introduced ex-Toyota exec Pretorius, who arrived on stage in a Rolls Royce, as the “pre-eminent statesman of the SA motor industry”.

The McCarthy boss gave an eloquent and very personal account of the special part CAR had played in his life.

“I’ve read every issue of CAR since it was first published in February 1957. It has been a loyal companion and has informed, educated and entertained me throughout the years,” he said.

Pretorius congratulated Ramsay Son & Parker chairman Alan T Ramsay and his team and hailed CAR as “a remarkable success story… You’ve created a valuable brand, based on integrity, consistency and sustained relevance to the motoring public.

“For 50 years, CAR has remained resilient despite a proliferation of motoring titles and greater competition from various kinds of media. The team has struck a good balance between tradition and innovation, launched new titles such as CARtoday.com and Autolocator, while SA customers become better informed and more discerning in the digital era,” he added.

Speaking about the South African motor industry in global terms, the McCarthy chairman said there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the motor industry.

“I’m optimistic about South Africa... compared with the 1980s, our economy is strong and there are many more affluent customers entering the car market. What’s more, they are spoiled for choice - today, buyers can choose from 15 brands from 14 countries.

“I’m confident that the CAR brand will still be strong in the next 50 years,” Pretorius concluded.

CAR has seen it all in its 50 years - we dived into a dusty archive room to haul out some classics from years gone by. Click here to be entertained!