Creative Rides in Tokai: A Petrolhead's Candy Shop

Based in Tokai, we visit the recently-opened Cape Town branch of Creative Rides. Here we find a selection of cars so broad that there will be something to appeal to nearly every type of car enthusiast. 

Words and pictures: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

After a hearty breakfast and cappuccino in the coffee shop at the entrance, I first walk over to inspect the model cars that are on sale. Maybe there is something I should add to my collection. There are plenty of scale models on offer, but when you turn around and start walking through the showroom, it is the real cars that truly grab your attention.

If there is one aspect of Creative Rides’ Cape Town showroom that stands out, it is the variety of cars on offer. Even at the entrance I find two cars that fit at opposing ends of the motoring spectrum, a 1987 Toyota Supra 2.8i and a 2001 Bentley Arnage Red Label. Where else will you find these types of cars on offer on the same dealer floor!

The surprises continue as there are no fewer than four Mercedes-Benz S600s on the floor, but at the same time some heavily customised 4x4 builds. From a Land Rover Defender 130 6x6, a 2015 Ford F150 Raptor SVT truck (bakkie) and a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that has been kitted out to the tenth degree, featuring massive Cooper tyres (40x13) and Fox suspension, to name two features. 

Providing more entertainment and intrigue is a TV screen showing high-end auction in the USA, more car memorabilia for sale and even more cars. If you like your Porsches, there is a gorgeous 356 on the floor and a neat 996 MKII Porsche 911 GT3. A Lamborghini Countach is currently paying a visit as part of Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary celebrations and further down the massive building there is even a paint shop.

• Have a look at that Porsche 356B here.

Regular readers will be well aware of Creative Rides as we visited their Johannesburg (their first showroom) branch in the recent past and have also featured a number of the their cars on SentiMETAL, as well as news about their auctions. To find out more about the Cape Town branch, I sat down with Jeremy Eccles, one its procurement and sales staff members. 

“We opened our doors around September last year. At the start we weren’t massively proactive as the company was dealing with this large building that had to be renovated in line with what we had planned. Towards the end of last year there was a big drive to get everything ready for the auction which took place in March.

“Apart from the auctions, this branch was opened to increase our retail footprint. Since our opening we have seen some strong gains in terms of retail – which we are very happy about.

“We are a motoring destination for the entire family. From the coffee shop where you can also have something to eat, to the model cars and memorabilia that are for sale.”

Jeremy admits that they often sell cars "under the radar", connecting the seller and buyer without the need for the car to come to their showroom or the need for the car to be advertised. “It is about us knowing where these cars are and linking people together.”

“Recently we had the opportunity to ask three clients to bring their manual Lamborghini Murciélago, Lamborghini Diablo SV and Lamborghini Countach for the day. We parked them at the front and invited enthusiasts to join us for the day. The aim was not to sell cars, but to get our name out and to let people know that they are welcome. Where else could you see this rare trio of cars in one place!”

The company will be doing three to four auctions a year between the Johannesburg and the Cape Town branches. Procuring cars and selling them directly or through the auction is not the only service Creative Rides provides. It also has a detailing department where extra care can be given to your car. As mentioned earlier, there is also a fully-fledged panel shop. 

If you want to import or export a car, the company also has Freight Factory in the building which can assist with the logistics. What further helps with the process is that vehicles are loaded and unloaded from the containers on-site.

Between the three salesmen the company boasts a combined 80 years’ of experience in the motoring world, and Jeremy says their knowledge covers all the eras, from true vintage cars to the modern classics and supercars. 

“Our Cape Town branch has done well since it opened its doors and we have a healthy, competitive relationship with our branch in Johannesburg.”

I take a final stroll through the cars and also appreciate a rare Morgan Plus 8 (which has been upgraded by none other than Jimmy Price), the motorcycle room that offers a number of bikes and then there are also a number of American classics, modern American muscle cars and even another bakkie in the shape of a Dodge Ram TRX.

It is clear that there is a ride to suit all tastes on the floor. And if it is not on display and for sale already, you can always just ask as they are likely to know someone who might be willing to part with theirs...