02 Oct Stories From the Stacks: Archbishop’s Toyota Corolla

A regular series about the museum’s motoring memorabilia and behind-the-scenes activities, compiled and written by FMM’s Assistant Curator Sian Theron. This month, Sian covers preserving SA motoring history, one car at a time…

FMM has the benefit of many professional staff, and we do like to help fellow institutions with our knowledge and expertise when needed. The Archbishop Tutu Intellectual Property Trust, located at the Old Granary Building in Cape Town, recently got hold of us to provide advice on the care of the late Archbishop’s vehicle, namely a Toyota Corolla 1300. Initially, Warren Buffet offered the Archbishop a much more luxurious vehicle, but in true ‘Arch’ fashion, he rather opted for the Corolla. The car has been standing outdoors, although under a cover, for a while, and the Foundation was wondering what best to do with it.

Earlier this year, then FMM curator Wayne Harley and I made an initial visit and were able to offer our advice and insight on this historic vehicle. We of course immediately said “keep it” as, globally, motoring history has much to do with those who drive the vehicles as it does with technical advancements and rarity.

While a Toyota Corolla may seem a rather pedestrian vehicle to keep, its significance lies in its simplicity and utility. The vehicle was never bought as a luxury, but rather as an everyday runaround. The Archbishop was well known for being a champion of the people, and had on occasions advocated frugality in the interests of saving money and doing more for the poor who rely on the state. The Corolla therefore offers a tangible example of the Archbishop’s humility and humanity as his choice of conveyance in preference to opulence.

Fast forward to September 11 and workshop technicians Wenstley, Donnie and I headed to Cape Town to collect the car. After making the best of classic Monday morning traffic and with the help of Itumeleng from the Foundation, we managed to load the vehicle onto our trailer and head back to Franschhoek to get the project underway. The Corolla has been cleaned, drained of corrosive substances and had its battery removed. In short, the vehicle was made ready for long term exhibition.

On September 22 we returned the Toyota, and with some precision manoeuvring by the workshop team, were able to safely get the vehicle into the Foundation’s display area and position it. Thanks to the workshop crew of Lorenzo, Wentsley, Donnie and Michael for their help in getting the vehicle safely back into its place and put on view. It was a team effort.

For those wishing to view the vehicle as well as enjoying the thought-provoking and inspirational exhibition about the Archbishop, you can get more information about the foundation here.