Protea (car)

Protea
The Protea on display at the James Hall Transport Museum.
Overview
ManufacturerG.R.P. Engineering
Production1957–1958
AssemblySouth Africa
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body styleTwo door, Roadster
Powertrain
Engine1,172 cubic centimetres (71.5 cu in), 4 cylinder, 27.6 kW @ 4500 r/min

The Protea was South Africa's first production car. The two seater sports car was built in Johannesburg by G.R.P. Engineering between 1957 and 1958. Either 14 or 26 units were completed (Sources vary). The Protea was the first South African sports car, followed less than 6 months later by the Glass Sport Motors with their Dart and later Flamingo.