Internationally recognised Volkswagen historian, Beetle builder and former columnist for The Herald, John Lemon, has died.
The Gqeberha-born 82-year-old, affectionately known as Mr Beetle, will be laid to rest at Emmanuel Church in Lorraine on Saturday, after a life of rebuilding and restoring some of the most iconic classic cars from around the world.
Lemon, a husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday.
His cause of death was not immediately known.
Lemon, who used to be a historical adviser to VWSA, leaves behind a legacy that spans decades of dedication to the car manufacturer’s history.
His passion for the brand was immortalised in his book Re:in:car:nation Citi Golf: 25 years, which chronicles the history of the beloved car.
A true enthusiast from an early age, Lemon became the go-to expert on everything from the German manufacturing plant established in the 1930s up to times of the iconic Citi Golf, which was produced exclusively for the SA market.
His passion and knowledge were unmatched, earning him a reputation as a walking history book on all VW models, including the Beetle, Golf, and Kombi.
Known for his articles, books, and talks on the subject, his contributions to the VW community were as legendary as the cars he loved.
In addition to his love for the brand, he also had a passion for aviation and received his solo pilot licence at the age of 16, and served as chair of the Friends of the Airforce Museumin the ’90s.
His son, Mike, described his father as a true legend.
“Anyone who knew my dad knew about his passion for Volkswagens,” he said on Friday.
“I don’t think I’ll ever meet anyone who carried that much passion and expertise in the way my dad did.
“He lived and breathed it, and his love for cars is something that has most definitely been passed down to me. It’s a bond I’ll carry with me forever.
“In the world of Volkswagens, the Golf GTI is considered a legend.
“But in my world, my dad was my true legend.”
One of his lifelong friends, Eben de Vos, said the Victoria Park School alumnus was a kind-hearted man and a VW fundi like no other.
“He had charisma, an incredible knowledge of everything VW and everything transportation.
“He had a way of pointing out your mistakes without ever making you feel small.
“In all the more than 50 years I knew him, I never once heard him swear.
“He was a man of pure kindness and grace, the kind you rarely find in this world.
“I have a Beetle that I got from him, a car he cherished deeply.
“He kept it with me, trusting me to care for it, saying, ‘Look after it’.
“And now, every time I sit behind the wheel, I feel him there — his spirit, his love for that car, his legacy.
“I promised him I’d look after it ... and I will.”
The Herald’s former motoring editor, Bobby Cheetham, described Lemon’s passing as an immense loss.
“John was a true gentleman, a kind soul who was loved by all,” Cheetham said.
“He knew everything there was to know about VW, and his collection was nothing short of incredible.
“He was a passionate participant in vintage VW rallies, often taking home the top prize or coming second.
“He was a priceless source of knowledge and wrote some legendary pieces for The Herald.
“His wealth of expertise will be sorely missed, and so will the man himself.”
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