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Following on from the discovery of a private collection of 70 rare classic cars and more than 100 000 spare parts in Stellenbosch, they officially went under the hammer.
The auction drew the attention of many around the world looking to get their hands on examples like a 1964 Chevrolet Impala Convertible, 1928 Buick Convertible and 1954 Mercedes Benz Ponton 180 to name a few.
Big numbers
More than 30 online bidders from six countries in addition to 450 South African car aficionados, gathered in a purpose built auction arena on Nassau Farm.
"We were expecting a substantial turnout this weekend, but the number of bidders who registered for the sale, the attendance at the auction and the 1 000-plus viewers who watched the auction online was way beyond our predictions," off van Reenen, Lead Auctioneer and Director of High Street Auctions.
Image: Bidway Auction House/High Street Auctions
Instead of purchasing one of the classics on show, buyers could feast their eyes on rare parts like entire vintage engine blocks to chrome bumpers, original factory-fitted radios to headlight bulbs and gaskets more than 50 years old and still in its original packaging.
The auction was well attended, according to Joff van Reenen, Lead Auctioneer and Director of High Street Auctions.
Overly successful
"We were expecting a substantial turnout this weekend, but the number of bidders who registered for the sale, the attendance at the auction and the 1 000-plus viewers who watched the auction online was way beyond our predictions," he said.
This deceased estate sale is understood to be the country’s largest ever auction showcase of automobiles, spares and automobilia.
Image: Bidway Auction House/High Street Auctions
"The auction took more than six hours to complete, with the highlight of the day the massive interest and hugely competitive bidding for the restored runners on the block from Lot 350 onwards," says Stef Olivier, South Africa’s 2018 Champion Auctioneer and MD of Bidway Auction House.
"Most vehicles were eventually sold to South Africans, who were bidding fiercely against international buyers to keep the cars in this country. Classic Motor Clubs joined in the numbers to attend as well, and co-ordinate to protect South Africa’s automotive heritage,” he added.
Compiled by: Robin Classen
