Lourensford Wine Estate came alive this past Sunday as the inaugural JDM Collective Invitational welcomed enthusiasts, families, and fans to a uniquely curated car culture experience on one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage farms.
A Venue Like No Other
With its sprawling lawns, vintage charm, and a vibrant market pulsing just meters away, Lourensford offered the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be a relaxed yet electric gathering. The estate buzzed with activity all day as visitors strolled seamlessly between the JDM display area, ABRU Motor Studio, Museo Della Passione vehicle museum, putt-putt, and the Wedgewood Emporium, creating a true festival atmosphere. The warm weather and light afternoon breeze only added to the charm.
A Showcase of Passion
What made this event truly special was the incredible response from the community. We received just under 200 submissions from passionate owners, each with a unique story and deep appreciation for Japanese automotive culture.
With limited space available, the selection process was no easy task. Our goal was to curate a diverse and exciting display that represented the very best of the JDM scene — from timeless classics to modern icons. The final showcase brought together a powerful mix of builds that captivated visitors and proudly celebrated the depth of talent within our local community.
Among the highlights? The Toyota Supras – repeatedly mentioned by attendees as fan favorites. Each car on display was carefully selected through an application process, ensuring variety and quality, and the effort showed.
Owners enthusiastically popped bonnets and shared build stories with curious spectators, highlighting the craftsmanship and pride that define the JDM community.
Family Fun & Market Magic
This wasn’t just a car show but a full family day out. Children raced between rows of cars, while parents soaked in the sun with ice cream cones or iced coffees in hand. The food vendors offered something for everyone, from Chinese stir-fry and gourmet burgers to fresh smoothies and artisan fudge. A live band in the market kept the energy flowing, while local vendors selling jewellery, leather goods, and fragrances added to the charm. A thrift store, in particular, became a surprise favorite!
Driving Change — One Can at a Time
A cornerstone of this event was its commitment to giving back. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as their “entry ticket,” all of which were donated to the Somerset West Night Shelter.
Representatives from the shelter were present throughout the day, engaging with attendees, sharing their mission, and expressing heartfelt gratitude. It’s estimated that six large storage containers were filled with donations, a remarkable testament to the generosity of this community. Many were moved by the shelter’s stories of supporting entire families, helping children stay in school, and building bridges to stability.
Celebrating the Scene
To wrap up the day, we hosted a small prize-giving to acknowledge some of the standout vehicles on display, from exceptional builds to crowd favorites. A special thank you goes to Paradigm Drivers Club, who generously sponsored all the prizes and helped shine a spotlight on the passion and effort behind these incredible cars.
Prize Winners
Best Datsun – Adrian Lakay
Best Honda – Dwayne Koopman
Best Lexus – Gareth James
Best Nissan – Achmat Pacific
Best Toyota – Ivor
Best Engine Bay – Jarryd
Best Club Display – Safee-ullah Basardien, Nishaam Ebrahim, Taahir Dout, Yaseen Whatney & Yazeed Adams
Best Old School – Purdon Mitchell
Best Pickup – Moosa Jacobs
JDM Enthusiast – Dayyaan Allie
Modern Classic – Kurt Rooks
Motorlease Pick – Ashraf Naidoo
Final Reflections
For a debut event, the JDM Collective Invitational exceeded expectations. The smooth coordination, incredible turnout, and the undeniable sense of community left a lasting impression — not just on attendees, but on the venue itself. A heartfelt thank you to Club S2K for their incredible support and partnership in making the event a success. This was truly a team effort that brought the community together.
This was more than just a gathering of cars. It was a celebration of shared passion, heritage, and heart. And if Sunday was anything to go by, this is only the beginning for the JDM Collective.
