Publications
Partners
• 140 classic cars went up for auction earlier in December.
• The auction drew interest from both local and international buyers.
• The collection belonged to the late Louis Coetzer.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
A classic and muscle car auction where South African-based Creative Rides released 140 cars, from a private collection, into the market place, drew heavy bidding from Dubai, Australia, and the UK. And, of course, South Africa.
As we all know, South Africa is known for having a good climate and perhaps less well known a good collection of classic cars. European classics (mostly RHD) and American muscle cars (also, many RHD). Such is our love for them, they are well maintained and, with our South African gentle climate, delivering rust-free vehicles, with good paint and in good to great condition.
Unusually strong turnout
The turnout of bidders on 5 December was unusually strong, with the organisers', Creative Ride's Showroom being put aside for the event. Joining the bidders from the floor were a large number of online and telephone bidders, including those from Austalia, Dubai and the UK.
Kevin Derrick, CEO of Creative Rides, said: "Given the previous perception of the market being down, or certainly stagnant, we were delighted to see the support and very strong turnout in our large Johannesburg showroom in Bryanston, and virtually, as well."
All of the 140 vehicles were sold.
Fetching good prices
At the top-end, a rare 1967 Mercedes Fintail Station Wagon, known as 'The Universal', went for R775 000. This Universal is one of only a handful in the world. A beautifully bat-winged 1959 Chevrolet Kingswood Station Wagon, in very good condition, sold for R630 000, while a rare 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, with its period-correct V8 sold for R800 000. A 1972 Ford Capri, in fair condition, fetched R320,000.
Shane Kirby, Managing Director of Creative Rides, said: "Two Escorts attracted some quick and fiercely competitive Ping-Pong bidding." A 1975 model went for R90 000, and 1980s one rushed to R90 000 as well. A pretty 1958 MG Magnette, described as, "good condition, running well, good paint with owner's manual," fetched R160 000.
EXPLAINER: Here's why SA's biggest estate of collector cars will not go into a museum
The 140 cars were part of the late Louis Coetzer's Collection, a well-known and highly regarded collector of classic and muscle cars. A certificate and plaque were given away with each vehicle in celebration and admiration of Louis Coetzer's love and freely shared passion for his impressive collection of cars.
Creative Rides will release another tranche of over 100 cars from the 'Oom Louis' collection in the New Year.
