Some classics are perennial all-stars of the collector car world; American muscle V8s, Italian supercars and - for many - the clean lines and superb engineering of Germany luxury cars crack the nod every time. But while they're amazing to own, the hammer fall prices at auction usually match the popularity of these vehicles among collectors, says Creative Rides CEO Kevin Derrick. "With the market as high as it is at the moment, many of these classics are also going to be slightly longer-term investments, so it's a good idea to be looking across a broader field to some of the historically underrated collector cars that are fast rising in value. "We have several sought-after models in our July 10th to 14th online estate collection auction, among them Brookwoods, a BMW Baur Cabriolet, a Karmann Ghia and a couple of rare offroad vehicles." Derrick says one very underrated investment classic is the German-made Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14. "Karmann Ghias were the sports cars of the Volkswagen brand, designed by Carrozzeria Ghia with hand-built bodywork by German coach builders Karmann. Our model on auction was built between 1960 and 1969, with a rear mounted engine. "Karmann Ghias are infinitely collectable, and are valued on the global market at around R450 000. These cars in tip-top condition can fetch a lot more, and the model in our online auction will take a little effort to be brought back to its former glory." Derrick says the big cruising-style American 1950s and '60s station wagons have also been somewhat of a niche market for collectors, "but models like the 1958 Chevrolet Brookwood transcend that and should be rated by the entire market". "With a stonking V8 under the bonnet, dazzling chrome trim and two-tone paintwork, this is a cruising car that will take you and your entire extended family on the road trip of a lifetime. It's a true collector car and an investment. "There aren't too many Brookwoods on the road anymore, they're collectable and certainly worth investing given that their average values on the international market are around R545 000. Unless of course they've been completely restomodded, in which case their values can reach R2m or more." Derrick says other cars that have been registering on investors' radars for a while now are American classics like Cadillac DeVilles and De Sotos. "We're auctioning a Crysler De Soto believed to be a 1948 model, which is powered by a Flat Head 6 Cylinder engine. It must have been a great car in its day, and as an investor car, expect to have around R100 000 in the kitty to secure one. "The design of the pale-yellow machine is beautiful and the car appears to be complete - including the interior, which aside from some wear on the seats is in good condition. "Cadillac DeVille values are even higher. The model in our sale is in good condition and was until recently still being driven by the late Louis Coetzer's family. The baby blue and white paintwork is complimented by the white wall tyres and the bright chrome. As expected in a Cadillac, the interior is super luxurious. Under the hood is a fine V8 that'll never miss a stroke as you glide along the open road. "Models like this we expect to fetch from R300 000, upwards." But Derrick says investment-wise, the new collector cars on the market simply can't be ignored. "They're usually big, powerful and they draw attention to themselves whenever they're out on the road. The great thing about modern collectables is that you can have fun with them, and still make a decent profit when you decide to sell. "A perfect example is the 2015 Land Rover Defender 110 on this month's auction. "This fine example of a Defender 110 is among the last of these vehicles made. What sets this car apart from other Defenders is its extremely low mileage. "Under the bonnet is a 4-Cylinder 2.2 Turbo Diesel engine putting out 90kw and 360NM of Torque. Every kilowatt is still there because this vehicle has only travelled just over 9 100kms and comes with its books as well. "It's a single-owner, platinum buy with a full-service history - probably the best 2015 Defender 110 in the country - and we expect collectors to value it upwards of R1.2 million." Derrick says the more than 200 lots in is online-only auction also include estate automobilia and memorabilia including grills, car front ends, spares, barn finds, model ships, aircraft and submarines, a full-sized billiard table, pin-ball machines, a one-arm bandit slot machine and a Michelin Man. "The full catalogue is available for viewing on the Creative Rides app, which is a free download on both iOS and Android. Quick links are also available on www.creativeridesauctions.com. The online-only estate collection auction is already live on the Creative Rides app and you can still register to bid. The auction will continue until Sunday, July 14th. Successful buyers will be contacted the following day. Public viewing of the vehicles is available from 9am to 4pm on all four days. Location details can be found on the Creative Rides app.
