Publications
Partners
A catalogue of approximately 170 stunning classics will be going under the hammer over two days in September in the biggest collectable cars auction in South African history.
The late addition of two superb automobile collections to the Creative Rides Classics and Collectables Auction planned for Saturday, 23 September, has boosted what was to have been an already massive sale into a mega weekend event, Creative Rides CEO Kevin Derrick told News24 Motoring.
Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg, is the location of the designer steel showcase weekend, with the sale getting under way at 11:00 (Central African Time) and continuing live and via digital streaming to a world audience at the same time on Sunday, 24 September.
Derrick says the catalogue is nothing short of extraordinary, offering rare and collectable cars from across the world. Earlier in August, Derrick revealed that 150 cars were up for auction, but now he has told News24 Motoring that another 20 classics have been added to the list, making it the biggest classic car auction in South Africa's history.
We've seen some rare gems going under the hammer at recent Creative Rides auctions during the past two years. Some have fetched a pretty penny while others were sold at an absolute steal. So, what's going to be so special this time around?
Of the 170 cars, a 54-strong parade of German road technology is on the list to go under the hammer – including four legendary Gusheshes (BMW 325iS).
The selection of highly collectable vehicles has been hand-picked by Derrick, and he says some German models are so rare that the chances of them appearing on the market again anytime soon are slim to none.
What else is on the list?
A BMW Z3 M Coupe: One of only 821 right-hand drive models ever built out of a total of 6 291 in the world. In the three-year production run that ended in 2000, 186 made their way to South Africa; all fitted with the S50 3.2-litre Evo engine.
2012 BMW M1: Fewer than 75 were allocated to South Africa out of the total production run of 6 331.
Four BMW 325iS: The legendary Gusheshe was built exclusively for the South African market, with only 508 ever made.
Derrick says the massive Autobahn collection under the hammer reflects 2023's hottest global classic car investment trend.
"This year, German classics have posted the strongest quarterly price gains of all market segments measured by Hagerty Price Guide Indices. German car values climbed 3% across the board in the first three months of the year, putting Hagerty's German Index at a new all-time high.
"Big ticket moveable assets are perennially popular, but in times of global economic uncertainty the collector market focuses on investment value as much as aesthetics. Creative Rides continually analyses emerging trends and our September sale reflects this demand.
"A perfect example is our 2012 BMW M1 auction lot. This model rated a special mention in Hagerty's Price Guide with a 5% value increase between last year and the end of the first quarter of 2023. They're rare, collectable and rapidly rising in value."
According to Derrick, the German classics auction showcase includes:
- 3 Porsches;
- 10 Mercedes-Benzes;
- 11 Volkswagens, ranging from split-windscreen kombis to rare Beetles;
- 4 Opels; and
- 26 BMWs.
Given that BMW is celebrating 50 years of production in South Africa this year, Derrick is pretty chuffed to have such a German showcase on offer.
He says: "Rosslyn was the first BMW plant to open outside of Germany and, since 1973, more than 1.6 million vehicles have been built there.
"The Rosslyn plant [in Pretoria] is also responsible for a host of iconic cars unique to this country, including the BMW 2000 SA, BMW 745i, BMW 530 MLE, BMW 333i and, of course, the BMW 325iS."
Other BMW auction highlights include:
- BMW M3 E46 CSL
- 1992 BMW Alpina B10 E34
- 1988 BMW E30 Hartge H23
- 1982 BMW 635 CSi
Collector's gold
According to a release, Derrick says German cars are increasing in value and popularity among global collectors because of their sterling reputation for high-performance engines, road handling, outstanding safety features, precision engineering and iconic design.
"Even the humble Beetle has become collectable, with fans willing to spend big money on acquisition.
"A new Beetle auction record of just over R3.9 million was set late in 2022 for Herbie, the Love Bug, but it's certainly not the only one that's changed hands for millions. In 2016, a 1960 Bug previously owned by comedian Jerry Seinfeld sold for R2.2 million, while an extremely rare 1950 split window fetched R3.2 million two years later.
Derrick also says South African collectors love Beetles, and there will be six different models spanning more than 50 production years going under the hammer.
The full auction catalogue will be available here soon.
Derrick adds that the catalogue will also be available on the Creative Rides app, which is free to download on both Android and iOS.
Collectors who can't be at the Montecasino auction in person will be bidding on the app. The auction will also be live-streamed on the Creative Rides website and social media channels.
Registration for the auction has just opened. Bidders can register online, via the app or by contacting Creative Rides in Johannesburg.
