John Lemon

John Lemon - Historical Advisor for Volkswagen South Africa.
== The Volkswagen Connection ==
John Lemon (born Walter John Lemon, 7 October 1942) is the Historical Advisor to Volkswagen of South Africa. His passion for Volkswagen began at an early age. Through the years, that passion became a lifelong journey to catalogue and archive the history of not only Volkswagen South Africa, but Volkswagen Global as a whole. His knowledge on Volkswagen's German manufacturing plant established in the 1940's, to the South African history of iconic Volkswagen brands like the Citi Golf, is undoubtedly phenomenal. 
John Lemon has written many articles on the history of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Volkswagen Golf (including models 1 through 6 to Citi Golf), and in fact, details an extensive history of the Citi Golf in the book he authored for Volkswagen SA, Re:in:car:nation Citi Golf: 25 years. Citi Golf has a special story, as it was manufactured solely for the South African market. It became an iconic brand, and certainly a culture of it's own in South Africa. John Lemon gives an account of this too in a documentary "The South African Citi Golf" by Patina. 
Lemon's historical knowledge on the Beetle, Golf, Kombi and Audi is extensive. He is literally a walking history book on these topics, and is often referred to as a 'legend' in many online forums. He has performed vehicle verifications for owners struggling to re-license their vintage cars in 25 Countries from around the world, assisting with vin number identifications, manufacture dates, and model identifications.
Lemon has given many talks on the history of the Beetle, Kombi and Citi Golf to various organizations like V Dubs & T's Show and EP Round Table, to mention a few.
It seems though, that John Lemon's passion for transportation doesn't end there, as his knowledge expands far beyond the motor vehicle.
== The Model Train Connection ==
John Lemon's passion for all things transportation extends into model railroading too. In fact, he not only has the biggest toy train collection in South Africa, but indeed the African continent. He started collecting toy trains at the tender age of 4 years old, with the collection spanning 75 years. It consists of over 4000 items, and includes all the big names in model railroading like Lionel Corporation, American Flyer, Hornby Railways, Tri-ang Railways, Fleischmann (model railroads), Märklin, Lima (models), and Rivarossi. 
South Africa didn’t manufacture many model railroading items, almost all model trains were imported. This is probably what makes his collection so unique, it spans an array of manufacturers from all around the world. 
He is well known within the model railroading fraternity in South Africa, and was chairman of the Railway Enthusiasts Society in the 1990's, in Port Elizabeth. He also hosted numerous events showcasing his collection, where he talked about the history of it. 
== The Aviation Connection ==
John Lemon's passion for airplanes also started at a young age. He received his Solo Pilot License on the 10th January 1960, at the age of 16, even before he could legally drive a motor car! His flying instructors included Nick Carter, Mike St Quintin, and "Cookie" Von Gerlich. In 1972, he went on to get his Civil Aviation License, Night Rating and Cross Country Rating. 
He was chairman of the Friends Of The Airforce Museum in the 1990's, in Port Elizabeth. He also wrote many notable articles and hosted radio talk shows on the De Havilland Comet and the 1967 Rietbok Crash (Radio Algoa interview with Jill Stewart). 
A lifelong passion for all things transportation. 
Category:Advisors