Lay your hands on a rare legend
PERFORMANCE: ALL THE CARS TO BE SOLD AT THE CLASSIC AND VINTAGE CAR AUCTION ARE RUNNING
➛ Get down to the Killarney Country Club from 11am tomorrow.
Renowned for their expertise in fine art, jewellery and furniture, Stephan Welz & Co has added an exciting selection of classic and vintage cars to the November auction.
It is expected to be one of the highlights of this year’s classic car calendar, featuring automobiles that have been in private collections for years and are rarely seen for sale.
The more than 40 lots include cars and automobilia, such as original enamel signs, dating back to the 1920s and a children’s pedal car from the 1950s.
The auction will take place at the Killarney Country Club at 11am tomorrow.
The sale promises to attract enthusiasts, collectors and investors from across the spectrum, with a treasure trove of rarities to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
A multi-million rand industry, classic car auctions are monitored across the globe, not just by collectors, so auctions tend to increase the market value of the cars, says Stephan Welz & Co classic and vintage car specialist Steffan Liebenberg.
“Classic cars are one of the fastest-growing investment classes in the world.
“It’s an investment that you can enjoy and a major advantage is those cars are not being produced anymore, so there are many investors clamouring for them.
“From a South African perspective, property is a difficult investment category at the moment and few people can afford to have an asset that is not performing.
“A classic car has international value and can always move with you.”
Colleague Jack Rosewitz says English classics can go back into the UK completely duty free, while Liebenberg advises newcomers to the classic car market to watch the cars that are still on the up.
“Classic cars are generally a generation-based asset,” he explains. “Baby boomers are often more likely to want a car from the ‘50s and ‘60s as they may recall a parent had one.
“As the new gens become wealthier so the cars from the ‘80s are becoming valuable to them, such as the Magnum PI Ferrari, a fantastic investment option, which will be on auction.”
Some of the highlights include:
An ultra-rare 1936 four-door Derby Bentley, also referred to as the Silent Sports Car for its unique blend of style, grace and performance.
It once belonged to Viscount Curzon, who became Earl Howe.
“This vehicle is extremely wellpriced,” says Rosewitz. “It is way below the international pricing, as is the 1958 MGA 1500 Roadster.”
A pristine veteran 1911 Fiat 15hp four-seater Torpedo, the oldest running Fiat in SA.
The car comes with a major archive of documents, confirming its provenance and originality, including the original sales invoice, dated August 9, 1911 when it was sold for the princely sum of £500!
According to the owner it even had a tow bar when it first arrived in the country – tow bars didn’t exist at the time.
A British racing green 1969 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 2 Convertible with original black leather interior in full concourse condition, which was fully restored in 2010.
A blue right-hand drive 1913 Humber two-seater, which has a highly prized De Dion-type air-cooled single cylinder V-twin engine.
A red 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi, similar to the one made famous by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI.
There are also several classic Rolls-Royces, a Mercedes-Benz Pagoda SL as well as its W111 250SEb coupe sibling and two Bentley Continental GTs, one being a GTC.
There are some great classics on offer at the lower end of the pricing scale, including a beautifully restored Mercedes 220S Ponton, a W108 Merc 280SE, one of the most original ‘60s model VW hippie kombie buses and a nippy MGB GT.
All the vehicles are running and licensed, confirms Rosewitz.
Whether you’re considering a classic car as an investment, are a collector who actually drives your passion or there’s a set of wheels that you have simply fallen in love with, you need to get to the November auction!
Interested parties are invited to register for the auction online at www.swelco.co.za, telephonically on 011-880-3125, in person at the Killarney Country Club on viewing day today or before the auction starts tomorrow.
Both Liebenberg and Rosewitz will be available to answer queries and give advice today and are happy to share their knowledge.
It’s an investment that you can enjoy... A classic car has international value and can always move with you.
Steffan Liebenberg classic and vintage car specialist Stephan Welz & Co