PREVIEW: Massive Creative Rides Classic Car Auction

Totaling around 200 vehicles, including a few motorcycles, Creative Rides is having the largest classic- and modern collectible car auction on the 23rd and 24th of September at Montecasino in Johannesburg. We take a look at some of the highlights. 

Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms 

Photos: Supplied

An auction is always an exciting event. Whether this is for art, cars or any other object – you can’t help but wonder how high a bidder is willing to go on a specific car, for example. If you are the bidder, you obviously hope the other parties drop out as early as possible... 

Respected national auction company and car traders, Creative Rides, is having its biggest auction of classic cars to date. Paging through the catalogue (which you can view here), it's clear that this auction covers just about everything; from a 1913 Hupmobile Roadster to a 2012 BMW 1M!

There are even oddities like a 1991 E30 BMW 325i bakkie (and a similar 1986 example) as well as several American classics, including a 1995 Ford Thunderbird, 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible and a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. 

The BMWs

One of Creative Rides' press releases leading up to the auction puts the focus entirely on BMWs. Rightly so, as classic and modern classic BMWs have shown a healthy increase in value in South Africa, as well as overseas.

Some of the highlights at the event will include a 2003 E46 M3 CSL with only 27 000 km on the odo. This unit is number 14 of the 65 that was imported into South Africa. A local favourite will cross the auction block in the shape of the E30 BMW 325iS Evo 2. These cars are now changing hands for significant amounts as one was auctioned last year for R900 000.

If you want your performance car to offer both performance and comfort, there are another two BMWs to consider. The E39 BMW M5 with its V8 engine and six-speed manual gearbox has also seen an increase in price in the past few years. A much rarer alternative is a 1991 E34 Alpina B10. Alpina BMWs have also seen a higher level of interest and this model will undoubtedly attract the necessary attention it deserves.

The Italians

There are a few notable Italian cars on offer as well, with one coming in the alluring shape of a 2011 Alfa Romeo GT. It may not necessarily be the ultimate in terms of performance and dynamics, but when it comes to styling it clearly stands out. Another potential bargain could be a 2004 Maserati 4200 GT CambioCorsa. Keep in mind that this car was fitted with none other than a 4.2-litre, V8 powerplant from the Maserati/Ferrari derived engine family.

Although there is only a single Lamborghini at the auction, it is a classic in the shape of a 1976 Urraco P300S. These cars were equipped with a mid-mounted 3.0-litre, V8 engine. Although the most collectable Lamborghini at that time was undoubtedly the Countach, the Urraco is a much more affordable way to gain access to this manufacturer and its list of performance cars throughout the decades.

Local gold

Some other interesting cars come in the shape of a 1976 Ford Cortina 1600L Springbok. This was a special edition that offered local rugby enthusiasts something that portrayed their enthusiasm for the Bokke back in the day. Some older readers might remember that there was also a bakkie version of this car, also with green and gold.

If we move down the list in terms of monetary values, there are more affordable cars on offer, but no less exciting. Often described as one of the best handling cars of its time, Porsche’s 944 Turbo combines both a level of performance, with dynamic capability and GT comfort. This white example is from 1988.

There are several enthusiasts who focus their collections on air-cooled cars or Volkswagens, and they will tell you that the Beetle 1600 SP is a must for any air-cooled or Beetle aficionado. The SP offered a number of changes and upgrades over a standard Beetle and also looks sportier than most of the other Beetles that left the factory at the time.

Luxury, off-road prowess, performance or collectability, the cars (and motorcycles) on offer at this auction really offers a little bit for everyone. Whether you are going to bid or not, it will definitely be interesting to see the prices these vehicles will achieve at the auction.

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