Old-world cars have the potential to not only transport us from point A to B but to a bygone era of living it up in luxury. Most of us have only ever seen them on the pages of glossy magazines or on TV shows that celebrate all things on wheels but at these five outlets around the Cape, you can view these engine-powered, picturesque beauties up close.
1 Crossley & Webb
Crossley & Webb is a niche motoring hub where adventurous car fanatics can express their penchant for top-of-the-range vehicles. It’s also the official trader for the Morgan Motor Company in South Africa. Morgan vehicles are all constructed by hand and are the remainders of a declining type of coach-built automobile, which makes them highly valuable and sought-after. Apart from Morgan, Crossley & Webb also stock a variety of cars from Maserati, Porsche and Lotus. Customers have raved about the delicious coffee served on-site so you’re promised a quality caffeine dose during your visit.
OF NOTE
When Weekdays 7:30 am – 6 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am – 1 pm
Where 15 Sloane Street, Gardens
Cost Free viewings
Contact +27 21 462 3558, [email protected], crossley-webb.com
2 Sedgefield Classic Cars
This sophisticated dealer is home to the broadest collection of vintage vehicles in South Africa so it’s no suprise their showroom is one of the most-loved tourist destinations along the Garden Route. Amongst their assortment of 50-60 cars on display are veteran, vintage, post-vintage and post-1945 vehicles – all original makes of time-honoured designs such as Saloons, Roadsters and Coupes. Not yet on the market for a new set of wheels? Spoil yourself with a little something from their memorabilia store, such as the collectible Dinky or Corgi Scale Model.
OF NOTE
When Weekdays 7:30 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 8 am – 1 pm
Where Northern Service Road, Sedgefield
Cost Free viewings
Contact +27 44 343 1505, [email protected], sedgeclasscars.co.za
3 Club 9/Dapper Coffee Co.
Launched by veteran car enthusiast Dirk Molsen, Club 9 is a space where motoring aficionados can mingle as they admire rare vehiclesfrom the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. The showroom is connected to a buzzing eatery, Dapper Coffee Co., allowing visitors to meld their passion for motoring with the pleasure of indulging in mouth-watering cuisine. Club 9 also houses the Dutchman Car Care Clinic, mechanic Bryan Rütger’s workshop, and can be hired as a venue for special occasions and local art expositions.
OF NOTE
When Weekdays 7 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 8 am – 3 pm
Where Matrix Building, Corner of Bree and Strand Streets, CBD
Cost Free viewings
Contact +27 21 422 2994, [email protected], club9.co.za
4 Franschhoek Motor Museum
This sensational attraction is the only facility in Southern Africa whose selection of cars can do justice to the fascinating progression of the automobile. Locals and foreigners alike can explore more than a century’s worth of motor history in the eye-catching environment of L’Ormarins. The museum has four buildings, spanning a total floor area of 2 700 m², that plays home to the whopping collection of 220 vehicles. All vehicles, ranging from a 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar, appear in chronological order and the museum can be visited as part of the Anthonij Rupert Estate package.
OF NOTE
When Weekdays 10 am – 6 pm, Weekends 10 am – 5 pm
Where R45, Groot Drakenstein
Cost R80 for adults, R60 for pensioners and Motor Club members, R40 for kids aged 3-12
Contact +27 21 874 9000, [email protected], fmm.co.za
5 Classic Cats Vintage Car Hire Specialists
Classic Cats is the Western Cape’s foremost vintage car rental expert, giving newlyweds, matriculants and tourists the opportunity to travel in style. Armed with more than eight years of experience in the industry and having achieved more than 600 bookings, you can count on them for exceptional service and even more remarkable cars. Their prime fleet consists of Jaguars, such as the 1958 Mark VIII 3.4 and 1963 Mark II 3.8, but you can also expect a 1963 Austin Mini 850 and 1968 Volkswagen Variant. They are currently constructing a spanking new showroom, due to open in April 2017.
OF NOTE
When Weekdays 9 am – 4 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm
Where Vredenheim Wine Estate, R310 (Baden Powell Drive), Stellenbosch
Cost Free viewings
Contact +27 61 783 1156, [email protected], classic-cats.co.za
Photography Courtesy images