Rare classic cars have become sought-after assets amongst discerning investors, frequently outperforming other luxury assets like wine and watches in value appreciation. According to the 2023 Knight Frank Wealth Report, top-tier classic cars have seen a surge in value in recent years, increasing by 185% while delivering an average 118% return on investment over the past decade, driven by rising demand and proving their worth as a lucrative and resilient investment. Over the past eight years, Aspire Art has built a reputation for offering exceptional works of art to discerning collectors. The business is now extending that same philosophy to the world of classic and collectable cars with the launch of Aspire Collectable Cars as it responds to growing demand for high-quality, rare, authentic and historically significant cars, both in South Africa and internationally.
“Our decision to integrate collectable cars into Aspire Art’s offerings aligns with an evolving market trend and our ongoing commitment to provide access to the most desirable assets of the highest quality and rarity,” says Aspire Art CEO, Marelize van Zyl.
Explaining that the new Collectable Car division combines the worlds of art and automotive excellence, she notes there is an undeniable synergy between the allure of classic cars and fine art. “Both captivate collectors with their beauty, engineering and innovation. The sleek lines, sculptural form and rich history of iconic automobiles speak to the same passions that drive art collectors. The excitement of acquiring a rare, classic car is akin to the joy of building an art collection. With a shared appreciation for rarity, craftmanship and provenance, the collectable car market has expanded and evolved, offering new possibilities for discerning collectors.”
Aspire Collectable Cars has partnered with WH Auctioneers, a trusted and well-known name in the auctioneering industry. Shannon Winterstein from WH Auctioneers has extensive auction management experience and great enthusiasm for rare cars while senior specialist Andrew Cocks specialises in identifying vehicles with exceptional collectable potential. Aspire Collectable Cars is also supported by Rosso Sport Auto, a Ferrari, high-performance and classic automobiles specialist.
“These formidable partnerships ensure that each vehicle offered through Aspire at auction meets the highest standards,” says Van Zyl.
The inaugural auction, scheduled for 9 November 2024 in Bryanston, Johannesburg, will feature an exceptional collection of 22 iconic marques from Alfa, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, M.G. Car Company and Porche, each with its own unique history and appeal.
One of the most exciting cars on offer is one of the only five remaining 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina in South Africa, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a truly iconic piece of Ferrari history.
Designed by the legendary Pinifarina, the 308 GTB is often cited as one of the most exquisite Ferraris ever made. This was the first time that Ferrari used fibreglass for a road car, a significant departure from the steel or aluminium that most Ferrari road cars were built from. The 308 GTB Vetroresina was only produced from 1975 until mid-1977, after which Ferrari switched to a more traditional steel bodywork. Only 712 examples of the fibreglass model were made, making it one of the rarer Ferraris on the market.
The 308 GTB Vetroresina on offer at the inaugural Aspire Collectable Cars auction was originally delivered new to Charles Pozzi in Paris, France and has subsequently been fully restored by Rosso Sport Auto’s Piero Giovanelli. The vehicle is finished in an original Argento Auteuil (silver) exterior, complimented with a black leather interior. Owning this Ferrari is not just about the prestige but also about the driving experience. Valued at R 3 – 4 million, the 308 GTB Vetroresina offers a raw, visceral experience that modern Ferraris cannot replicate.
For more information about the 308 GTB Vetroresina or the other rare and iconic vehicles on offer, contact Andrew Cocks at andrew.cocks@aspireart. The full catalogue and sale preview is available at www.aspireart.net