The Garage - Cape Town's latest sales, storage and detailing facility

Having only opened their doors in March of this year, The Garage has managed to quickly carve itself a niche in Cape Town's classic and collectible car world.  

Words and images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

It is no secret that facilities that detail and store cars have become an industry of their own over the past decade, particularly in Cape Town. Together with this business model, it quickly leads to the sales of cars.

• The Garage currently has a 2015 Audi RS6 Avant for sale, check it out.
• The Garage currently has a 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS for sale, check it out.

With the above in mind two young entrepreneurs, Gil Simoes and Jaime Chemelli, have founded The Garage, situated in Gardens, Cape Town. The problem, especially for owners of multiple cars in Cape Town, is usually space, and this is where the The Garage can help out. Having identified a clear rise in demand for storage facilities, they took the chance and founded the company only a few months ago. However, there is much more happening at their premises than the washing of cars and putting them under covers.

Staring the business

“Jaime and I have known each other since we were about eight years old. Two years ago we had a discussion about the possibility of starting a business, but at that time nothing came of it. Then towards the end of 2022 we started to have serious discussions about it, and then the opportunity came with this specific space.”

Although there is a wide variety of cars in storage in terms of value and collectability, clients are treated the same.

“We have a single package for all clients. Whether you are storing a Haval Jolion or a Lamborghini Murciélago, we treat the customers the same and they pay the same amount for the storage facility.”

Jaime continues: “We are also trying to create an environment where our clients who have a passion for motoring can come and talk about what we love and share the experience. It is safe to say that anyone that come in here is a bit of a petrolhead or wants to learn about cars. They are welcome to ask us questions and be part of this industry.”

“We have the storage, detailing and the sales facets of the business. The wash bay is open the public though. We have a car wash booking system on our website and it is not just open to high-end or luxury vehicles – it is open to anyone. Apart from that, we do ceramic coating, PPF wraps, or colour-change wraps.”

In terms of storage, a vehicle will be checked in and put on a trickle charger. Every two weeks the car will be started and run up to temperature. This all obviously depends on the client’s needs and requirements. They can also take a car for a short drive if that is required which assists with tyre rotation.
“If a car needs a service or a license must be renewed, we will also assist with such jobs.”

Wide variety of cars

Walking down the steps from the loft area, there is a very alluring mixture of cars to look at. Cars in storage range from a rare Italian super car such as a Lamborghini Diablo SV to a Porsche GT3, GT3 Touring, Porsche 356, Ferrari Portofino and even a couple of SUVs. One of the most beautiful vehicles currently in storage is not even a car, but a MV Agusta F3 RC motorcycle.

Gil explains that all the cars that are for sale are parked opposite the storage cars. However, some of the cars in storage might be for sale at the right price, but it is clear that this works more on a case of a potential buyer asking the question... instead of the car being actively advertised. 

The model cars that are exhibited is on loan from a kind private collector. Here you will find a wide range of very rare and sought-after model cars, complete with the correct details and racing livery. 

Some highlights from the first few months in terms of sales included a low mileage B7 Audi RS4 up to a manual Lamborghini Murciélago. The latter was actually not on the market, but in the end a deal was done. One car that sold extremely quickly was a Porsche Boxster GTS. Gil admits that it is all about connecting the buyer and the seller, then you can move a car very quickly. 

Jaime elaborates: “Sometimes we also have clients who tell us to keep an eye out for a specific car, so we will make the necessary inquiries to try and source a car for a client.”

The pair admits that for both of them it is a fun industry to work in, even though there can be stressful moments. Their aim is to offer their clients a part of the fun and professional help while running and maintaining their cars.

Visit The Garage here.