The third Santos Beach Auto Extremo will return to De Bakke Santos in Mossel Bay on Saturday, 5 September, bringing together an eclectic mix of supercars, classic vehicles and a new racing simulator attraction in a seaside setting that organisers describe as among the Garden Route’s most scenic.
What to expect at De Bakke
The event runs from 09:00 to 16:00 and will showcase an array of modern performance models and collectible classics. According to the event summary, visitors can expect to see makes and models such as the Lamborghini Urus, Ferraris, Porsches, Mercedes-AMG and BMW M cars, together with a selection of iconic classic sports cars and rare collectable vehicles.
Although Auto Extremo is only in its third year under that name, the organisers say the gathering traces its roots back three decades to a Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts’ meet and the annual Spring Snoek Braai at Santos. The modern event was opened to a broader range of special-interest vehicles in 2024, with the aim of keeping the atmosphere deliberately informal while celebrating both motoring heritage and contemporary performance.
“We want Auto Extremo to have its own identity. It is deliberately less formal. It is about bringing exceptional cars and the people who love them together in an exceptional setting,” said chief organiser Waldo Scribante.
New features: racing simulator and prizes
Main sponsor MUA Insurance Acceptances returns and will host the Santos Racing Simulator Challenge. Selected participants will take part in a timed virtual driving contest, completing three laps with the fastest times recorded across the day. Competitors who progress through preliminary heats will contest a final shootout to determine the event’s Racing Simulator Champion.
The simulator champion will receive a prize sponsored by PSG: two air tickets and an AMG Advanced Driving course, subject to applicable terms and conditions, the organisers said.
- Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
- Time: 09:00–16:00
- Venue: De Bakke Santos, Mossel Bay
- Main sponsor: MUA Insurance Acceptances
- Prize sponsor: PSG (two air tickets and AMG Advanced Driving course)
Local flavour and broader appeal
The event will also highlight Portuguese-inspired food, nodding to Mossel Bay’s local cultural flavours and aiming to create a more festival-like experience rather than a purely showroom atmosphere. Organisers say the mix of cars, food and interactive activities is intended to appeal both to motoring enthusiasts and families looking for a seaside day out.
For Mossel Bay businesses the gathering presents a modest tourism opportunity: events that draw visitors to De Bakke can add footfall for restaurants, accommodation and retail in a town that balances a busy harbour and popular beaches with pockets of residential neighbourhoods. The Auto Extremo’s low-key, car-collector origins contrast with its increasingly public-facing iteration, and organisers say they seek to preserve an inclusive feel while accommodating a range of vehicles and visitors.
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Exhibitor display | 09:00–16:00 |
| Racing Simulator qualifiers | Times recorded throughout the day |
| Final simulator shootout | Afternoon (exact time subject to schedule) |
Visitors planning to attend should note that the event is family-friendly but vehicle numbers and parking can be constrained at coastal venues; arriving early will improve the chance of viewing popular exhibits. The organisers have not published a detailed timetable for specific displays but have emphasised the informal, spectator-friendly format.
As the Garden Route continues to market itself as both a tourist corridor and a community of distinct coastal towns, events such as Santos Beach Auto Extremo illustrate how niche cultural and motoring interests can be staged to attract a wider public while retaining local character. For Mossel Bay residents the weekend event offers both a chance to see exceptional cars up close and an economic boost to local traders on the day.
