Automotive News South Africa

Feel like a stretch limo... or possibly a muscle car?

By urgent instruction, a 12.5m stretch limo and two muscle cars, a Chevy Camaro 1973 and Corvette Stingray 1972, will fall under the Auction Alliance hammer on March 15. Oh, and by the way, if any of you petrol-heads out there are also into things wet, then also up for auction is a collection of leisure power boats including a Luhrs 3420 Sports Fisher charter boat and five moorings at Granger Bay, Cape Town.
Long enough for 23 passengers, and all the modcons.
Long enough for 23 passengers, and all the modcons.

"These assets offer both investment and lifestyle opportunities, hence we felt it appropriate to offer them at our property auction as the target market is aligned to fast and decadent cars, boats and a premium mooring location," says Ariella Kuper of Auction Alliance.

Sorry, no kitchen sink

To find a stretch limousine that offers a Jacuzzi, six TV screens, optical fibre lighting, ostrich leather interior, and that can chaperone 23 passengers around town, is a feat. This car was purchased in 2006 and took almost a year to transform into the luxurious vehicle it is today. ''It is ideal for an upmarket club or restaurant that wishes to elevate their service offering to their discerning clients. ZAR or Taboo come to mind,'' adds Kuper.

"The Corvette Stingray is a beautiful car and should attract key collectors," says a dealer of exotic cars in CT. "The value lies in the region of R350-R450 000, even in this current economy as, essentially, it's a piece of art."

'Ahoy there, sailor'

According to Wikipedia, the Corvette was born out of the post-war sports-car boom in the US; it was an optimistic time when nearly anything seemed possible. Despite the Corvette's initial impact as a sensational show-car, the first production model was dismissed as more poser than performer and was nearly axed from the Chevrolet line-up. However, the 'plastic bathtub' proved its mettle on road and racetrack during the space-age '60s.

For those with a penchant for slower thrills, the five moorings nestled at Granger Bay, right on the quay of the Raddison Hotel, all offer leaseholds through to September 2044. To fill the space of water, add to that a Luhrs Sports Fisher Boat for big game fishing.

This collection of assets is an urgent sale and is reflective of a new economy that offers opportunity to a younger generation seeking thrills and vintage icons at revised market levels, outside of the traditional dealership space. This should be a fun auction to attend as Cape Town's wheelers and dealers come out to buy some toys.

It's all about lifestyle, and Auction Alliance's multiple March auction at Crystal Towers, Century City, Cape Town, will ensure no bidder is disappointed. The auction kicks off at 12pm on 15 March.

Let's do Biz