Ballito classic car collectors give a sneak-peak of their mean machines
In most cases, cars are sourced through advertisements, while they are also at times approached by people who have cars rusting away in their backyards.
Somewhere in the quiet little village of Umhlali is a warehouse loaded with 48 classic and collectible vintage cars worth a fortune.
It is a petrol head’s dream.
The cars are from many different time periods. Some are still under restoration, while shells of other older models are scattered around the premises awaiting their turn for a facelift.
The men behind the impressive collection, Snow Cogan and Wayne Cody, said: “As Kiwis, we are pretty eclectic and will buy any car we fancy.”
While the Courier was asked not to share information about the value of the cars, it is obviously immense.
The two car fundis said their passion for restoring vintage vehicles began about 10 years ago after they formed a friendship over their shared hobby.
From beautifully restored muscle cars such as the Holden GTS 350, 1971 Fairmont GT, 302 Mustang Boss, to exotics such as an Aston Martin Vantage and even bikes, including a 1969 Triumph Trident, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy among the collection.
“None of the cars are for sale though,” they said, adding they were in the process of restoring several more cars.
In most cases, cars are sourced through advertisements, while they are also at times approached by people who have cars rusting away in their backyards.
One of their standout cars restored over the years has been the Holden GTS 350, which came from Zambia five years ago.
What makes the car unique today is how rare it is, owing to the low number of models manufactured.
Exact production figures are not known, but it is largely agreed that only 405 were built.
The Holden has appeared at the Ballito Junction’s classic car show, as have a few others, but none drawing the attention to the same extent as the Holden.
Some of their other favourites in the collection include a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air and a Ford Falcon XY GT.
According to Wayne, the biggest hiccup is always finding parts but luckily, owing to well-placed Australian connections, they are pretty well sorted in most cases.
“When either of us becomes bored driving one of the cars, we can simply drop by and swop it for another,” Snow said, pointing out they almost have a car for each week of the year.
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