Johannesburg - A 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Vantage, one of the rarest and most iconic cars ever built, leads the ‘British Invasion’ that is set to headline a spectacular classic car auction in Johannesburg this festive season.
With only 71 right-hand drives ever built, the DB6 Mk2 Vantage is one of the rarest David Brown era Aston Martins and the culmination of more than a decade of engineering advancement.
Creative Rides CEO Kevin Derrick explained that more than 60 of the finest classic cars to be auctioned in South Africa will go under the hammer in the hybrid virtual and live sale that will be hosted at the company’s expansive showroom in Bryanston.
He said that the auction has been dubbed the “British Invasion” because of the vast number of pristine UK-manufactured masterpieces on the block, but the sale will also feature South African collector gems, European classics and the perennial local buyer favourites – V8 muscle cars with lots of grunt.
“This will be the finest collection ever auctioned by Creative Rides, which is saying a lot considering the magnificent cars and record prices that marked our previous sales,” Derrick said.
“Very few auctioneers worldwide have ever been fortunate enough to get an Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Vantage and I never expected to see one come up for sale in South Africa, but our local collectors continue to surprise us with the quality of their classics.”
The Creative Rides CEO said that for decades the Aston Martin DB5 and its slightly bigger DB6 successor have also been renowned as the most iconic of the incredible cars driven by James Bond in the 007 movie franchise, and for good reason.
“The DB6 Mk2 is unquestionably one of the most enduringly elegant classic cars of all time, and our auction model is one of the best. Finished in the beautiful colour combination of silver birch with black leather interior, the vehicle underwent a lengthy and complete restoration.
“The full photographic restoration file, all invoices for imported parts from Aston Dorset and HWM Motors in the UK, plus the Parts and Workshop Manual and original British Motor Heritage factory build sheet will also be given to the fortunate new owner after the December 3rd auction.”
There will be several other star lots among the British Invasion classics on sale, which include:
– A red 1962 Austin Healey 3000S BN7 Roadster
Austin Healeys epitomised British sports cars of the period and were the high society rides of choice. The 3000 model was the best known “Big Healey”, and with fewer than 2 900 ever made, are in as much demand now as when they were first released. The three-litre 3000 was also a highly successful competition car in the 1960s, winning numerous European rallies. These roadsters are now extremely rare and highly desirable as both collector and investment cars.
– A 1963 MGA Twin Cam Le Mans Roadster
Among collectors, this car is considered the rarest and most desirable MG of the post-World War II era. A design masterpiece, only 2 111 of these exotic high-performance sports cars were ever produced.
The model on auction has a beautiful interior and body, and has been well maintained – a striking road and investment car.
– 1967 Sunbeam Tiger V8 Roadster
The big bang in a small box isn’t large, as convertible roadsters go, but with a V8 under the hood, it performs like a jet-propelled rocket. The transformation from sedate little English roadster to fire-breathing dragon happened with the help of the legendary Carroll Shelby, and if you can find one on the market today, is ultra-collectible.
– A red 1958 Triumph TR3A Roadster
This classic care looks as good on the outside as under the glossy bonnet. This classic British sports car features a large 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine and with remarkable handling, runs like a dream.
Derrick said that another stunner on auction that’s in high demand among collectors is the 1991 BMW 325is Evo 2, which has achieved cult status in South Africa.
“It was built for the sole purpose of dethroning the dominant Opel Kadett GSI Superboss in the Stannic Group N racing championships, and has now achieved cult status with local collectors.
“Only 508 of these BMWs were ever produced, so it’s unequivocally a South African racing legend and a bullet-proof investment car.”
He said that they are expecting record registrations and a massive turnout for this sale, both because of the quality of the stock and because the classic car market is so hot right now, with no downturn in sight.
This sentiment was shared by mid-year Hagerty Price Guide figures that show widespread gains across the classic car segment, pushing the Hagerty Market Rating to a record high of 78.22.
The Creative Rides Showroom auction will be held at their showroom on December 3 from 11am. The hybrid live and online auction will be streamed across Creative Rides’s website and social media platforms. Public viewing of the spectacular cars on auction will take place on site between November 30 and December 3.
The full auction catalogue is available on Creative Rides Collectibles – In-Person & Online Auctions.