Classic cars for all budgets on auction in Cape Town next month

For the novice collector
For the seasoned connoisseur
1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 Fintail
1979-1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE
1984 BMW 333i
1986 Ford Sierra XR6
1987 Mercedes-Benz 230E
2004 Audi RS6

On 18 March 2023, Creative Rides is hosting a classic car auction at its new showroom in Retreat, Cape Town for buyers of all budgets.

The company has “specifically chosen its next auction selection to attract and introduce more enthusiasts to the collector car market,” said Kevin Derrick, Creative Rides CEO.

Selling prices for these vehicles are expected to come in under R100,000 and “rise to… well, the sky is the limit.”

For the novice collector

A classic car is anything that has completed more than 30 rotations around the sun and a broader range of models is hitting the market every year, said Derrick.

“Many classics in this bracket are also phenomenal for novice collectors because they offer value for money, they are immensely reliable, they’re built to last, they are inexpensive to insure, their values are increasing, and because they’re locally manufactured, parts are plentiful,” he said.

According to the expert, one of the top picks for starter collectors in the March auction is a one-owner 1994 Nissan 300ZX TT in original condition boasting a twin-turbo V6 engine with a full service history and under 62,000km on the clock.

For the fans of German autos, the auction will also afford the opportunity to swoop up a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 Fintail sporting a six-cylinder, 2.2-litre engine; a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230E “in great condition” with an odometer reading of 53,002km; as well as a Mercedes-Benz 280TE with “minimal wear and tear for its age” that was built sometime between 1979 and 1985.

A 1986 Ford Sierra XR6 with a six-speed manual shifter and V6 engine will be on offer, too, as well as a 2004 Audi RS6 with a monster 331kW, 4.2-litre, V8, twin-turbo powerplant.

“These models are perfect for novice collectors wanting to dip their toes into the market, and all are already classics or fall into the investment car bracket,” said Derrick.

1994 Nissan 300ZX TT

For the seasoned connoisseur

Collectors with more years of experience under the belt and bigger budgets can look forward to two “hot list” models in the upcoming auction.

The first is a white 1984 BMW 333i of which only 200 examples were built in total as a joint collaboration between BMW South Africa and Alpina Germany. The coupe was based on the E30 3 Series and featured the M30B32 3.2-litre, straight-six engine.

“The car was originally conceived for competition in South African Group 1 racing before the series was canceled at the end of 1985, resulting in the continued production of the homologation road cars,” said Derrick.

With an engine capable of 145kW the BMW was one of the most powerful cars of its time, and it was also the recipient of upgraded brakes, suspension, and interior components.

“We certainly never expected to have one of these BMWs on auction and it’s unlikely that another one will ever come to auction again. This model is the legendary big brother of the cult status Gusheshe,” said Derrick.

1971 Ford Capri Perana V8

The second standout car for next month’s sale is a red/black 1971 Ford Capri Perana automatic powered by a huge V8.

“Initially being introduced with a 1.6-litre engine to the South African market, Basil Green Motors quickly jumped into action fitting a stonking 302ci V8 Ford Windsor engine, after Ford South Africa began offering 3.0 Essex-engined options, into the Perana,” said Derrick.

“The Perana name, which was chosen by Basil’s wife and derived from the feared piranha fish species, was first used on the Mk2 Ford Cortina Perana in 1967 and over the years it was applied to various other Fords modified by the production company.”

As the only other car in the world allowed to be fitted with a Mustang engine under the Ford brand, this car is original, rare, and highly collectible.

The full catalogue of 76 vehicles that will cross the auction blocks in Cape Town on 18 March can be viewed on the Creative Rides website.

Registrations are already open and participants will be able to bid both in person and through the Creative Rides app for Android and iOS.