The Creative Rides auction is back with a BMW agenda.

The Creative Rides auction is back with a BMW agenda.

Vehicle auctions come in all shapes and sizes. From wrecked chassis to bulk orders, the auction room is a great place for a bargain. But in certain scenarios, an auction can provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to chase their dreams, and the latest iteration of the Creative Rides Auction is sure to whet the appetite of the most avid BMW enthusiast.

Six iconic BMWs and a selection of notable models from other parts of the world will go under the spotlight tonight at 6 pm at the Creative Rides location on Main Road, Bryanston. For a few, it’s the opportunity to broaden their collection or embark on the topsy-turvy world of classics. So without further ado, here are the competitors.

Leading the charge is a stunning yellow 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL E9, replete black pinstriping, and in near-perfect condition, is sure to make its owner very happy. The 3.0 CSL E9 is somewhat of a hen's tooth in South Africa due to the heavy import duties, but its local popularity in 1976 skyrocketed with the help of Jody Scheckter's untouchable performance at the Wynn’s 1000 km endurance race at Kyalami in his very own 3.0 CSL, codenamed the Batmobile.

Second up is the boastful 1985 BMW M635CSi. This beauty was also a product of heavy import duties and, as a result, cost over double that of the 733i. It came as the product of the 70s CSL and shared the same 24-valve engine. Only this one was beefed up to 3.5-litres, and to the most proficient BMW enthusiasts, it was known as the M88 with 210kW to show for it. This rare edition is going under the hammer, and it’s a car which you can most certainly appreciate.

Now the 1987 BMW E30 333i is a legendary car in the South African automotive space. And added an elevated level of luxury and performance to the 3-series. It came as a bit of a protest to the lack of an M3 in our local BMW lineup, and its results are a product that turns heads anywhere in SA. Although it might sound like a Frankenstein car, with its 733i 3.2-litre inline-six, Alpina wheels and body and a nice new wing to wrap it all up. This is a car that will never fail to excite a South African, and it’s a cool piece of history to add to the collection.

Following on from this South African special is another name with enough weight to disturb any car meet. The 1991 and 1993 BMW 325iS Evo, and yes, there are two of them up for grabs. The 325iS Evo sports a 2.7-litre straight six and a plethora of performance additions, garnished with BBS wheels. But this isn’t what makes the 325iS South Africa's most sought-after classic, as this story is a product of local Group N homologation racing. Group N is the art of racing standard showroom-ready cars to find out what brand builds the best road-ready race car. And it was a good one, winning the class in 1993 with Robbie Smith behind the wheel.

Next up is the 1988 BMW M5 E28 series, and its story ruffled a few feathers. This is the first generation of the M5, and its release opened the public to a new world of family-friendly performance, as it was the fastest five-seater saloon of its day. Sporting the same engine as the M635CSi with 210kW. Although the M5 is one of the most sought-after performance saloons of the modern era, this generation was met with an output of only 2,241 units, adding that sense of exclusivity we look for in a proper classic.

The last of the notable BMWs is the 2005 BMW M3 CSL E46 and although this is a slightly newer model, man is this a car for the drivers. Many consider the E46 M3 to be the best M3s, and adding the raw passion of the CSL to the equation, it really doesn’t get much better. Oddly enough, this machine is finished black paintwork, one of two factory colours the model came with.  

BMW isn't the only brand present at the auction, as a selection of Mercedes-Benz products will also be on display, including the likes of the 1952 Mercedes-Benz W187 series sedan, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL and 1957 Mercedes-Benz 180d Ponton bakkie, just to name a few. The Italian angle is covered too, with a number of Alfa Romeos ready for a new owner, and the American muscle and British class are showing up to please the likes of those who prefer something with a touch more character.

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