Aspire's Inaugural Collectable Car Auction Revs Up Success
Submitted by: Aloma Swanepoel
History was made in November 2024 when leading South African auction house Aspire Art debuted its inaugural rare collectable car auction to a packed audience of floor bidders, auction spectators, and both local and international online participants.
Meeting Growing Demand for Collectable Cars
The South African collectable car market has evolved rapidly, with a growing appreciation for rarity, craftsmanship, and provenance among buyers. Until now, there was no premium auction platform for serious car collectors.
This changed with the launch of Aspire Collectable Cars, offering the same unwavering commitment to quality, significance, and authenticity that Aspire Art is known for. With the tagline "Driven by Passion, Defined by Rarity", Aspire Collectable Cars aims to become the first-choice destination for discerning collectors of rare vehicles.
“In our opinion, there is an undeniable synergy between the appeal of rare cars, automotive excellence and fine art,” said Marelize van Zyl, CEO of Aspire Art. “Rare cars, like art, balance design, creativity, and innovation while providing aesthetic joy and investment potential.”
Highlights of the Inaugural Auction
Curating this auction took nearly a year, with Aspire carefully researching each car's history and provenance to ensure authenticity.
1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina
One of only five remaining in South Africa, this iconic Ferrari captured the audience's attention.
Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
A standout piece, this garage find was discovered after 23 years in storage. It retains its original matching engine numbers, colour, and interior, a rarity for a car of this age.
“We were very excited to find this car,” said Jake Gore, Aspire board member and car collector. “The vehicle’s originality makes it truly special.”
The 190SL Roadster ultimately sold for R1,830,000, while other Mercedes-Benz vehicles also performed strongly:
- 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500SL sold for R1,1 million.
- Post-sale interest was noted for the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo 1.
Alfa Romeo 3.0 GTV6
Previously owned by South African racing legend Arnold Chatz, this car sold for R892,000.
Bridging Fine Art and Collectable Cars
Aspire Art is already known for its leadership in modern and contemporary art, having set numerous auction records in South Africa over the past eight years. Van Zyl emphasises that collectable cars share many attributes with fine art:
- Artistry and design.
- Engineering excellence.
- Strong appeal as passion investments with potential for financial growth.
“The response to our debut auction and the collection of superb cars was nothing short of extraordinary,” added Van Zyl. “This marks an exciting chapter for Aspire, setting the stage for even more exclusive car auctions in the future!”
Complementary Success in Art Auctions
The Collectable Car Auction opened Aspire Art’s series of summer sales, culminating in the 20th Century & Contemporary Art Live Auction in Cape Town. Key highlights included:
- A J.H. Pierneef painting that sold for R808,675.
- A Gerard Sekoto Parisian-themed work that fetched R577,625.
- An iconic Helen Sebidi piece, achieving R438,995.
These results highlight the continued demand for and appreciation of significant South African art.
About Aspire Art and Collectable Cars
Founded in 2016, Aspire Art is a leading auction and consulting business specialising in 20th-century, modern, and contemporary art. The company recently expanded into classic and collectable cars, responding to growing demand for high-quality, rare vehicles.
Partnering with WH Auctioneers and Rosso Sport Auto, Aspire Collectable Cars offers passionate collectors access to authentic, historically significant vehicles.
For more information, please visit: www.aspireart.net
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Company Name: Aspire Art and Collectable Cars
Website: https://www.aspireart.net
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Aspire's Inaugural Collectable Car Auction Revs Up Success
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