A Gauteng Treasure Trove – Classic Car Africa Storage

February 02, 2025

Classic Car Africa Storage, a facility that offers more than just parking for valued cars, is a petrolhead’s hidden gem in the heart of Gauteng writes Wilhelm Lutjeharms…

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I’m sent a pin location on WhatsApp of where to meet the proprietor of Classic Car Africa Storage. At one of Johannesburg’s many multi-storey car parks, I turn up in front of a large but inconspicuous door. As it opens, Stuart Grant appears and upon entering, I’m greeted by a long line of cars reverse parked against the wall on either side. They include classic, modern classic and sportscars. As we turn the corner, even more vehicles are spread out before us; from European and American marques, as well as some very rare cars of which there are maybe only one or two in South Africa. There are even classic motorcycles tucked away in here.

Stuart invites me into a seating area and offers me a cup of coffee before we start talking. He’s been involved with cars for his entire life; growing up in a family whose father loved cars and still races and tinkers with them in his garage. He was also involved with Classic Car Africa magazine and possesses a keen knowledge of the industry’s ins and outs – from buying and selling classic cars, to storage and even the publishing side of motoring magazines.

It’s an amazing space where these cars are meticulously stored for their respective owners, and needless to say deals are done now and then. Enthusiastically, he further explains the details of this business.

“Just before the pandemic, we stopped printing Classic Car Africa magazine. The website carried on with stories, and then we decided to add sales, and auctions specifically. So, it became more of an online auction platform where guys can auction a car, a motorcycle, or memorabilia. We then take a small percentage as commission.”

In addition to auctions, Stuart’s website also offers straight sales of cars, motorcycles and memorabilia. “I’ve got some old petrol pumps coming. There’s definitely a market for those as collectors want that in their houses or garages.” Stuart is proud to confirm that the facility is currently full, but in Randburg there is another facility he can show potential clients if they need storage.

“Every car is put on a trickle charger. Our facilities also offer state-of-the-art security with CCTV cameras, firefighting assistance and rodent control. Our Randburg facility even has facial recognition control.”

Stuart and his business partner have been running this facility successfully for the past two years, meeting a clear demand for a company that knows how to appropriately store cars. “This is my office, and in addition to storage we also offer cars on consignment. You can imagine that this is also the perfect setup where potential clients can come and view these cars in their own time and in a safe space. This space is mainly for storage, but at the same time it is a showroom by appointment, as well as a type of ‘clubhouse’ for like-minded individuals.”

“We also have a small workshop. We don’t do restorations, but we can accommodate smaller jobs. For example, we now have a Mercedes-Benz 450SLC in the workshop that we are servicing. This will include changing the spark plugs and the oil. We also do detailing. Sometimes we will buy a car, spend some money on it, drive it and use it, and then finally put it up for sale. By then you have a very good idea about the condition of the car and you can relay that to the new owner.”

One of the rarest Volkswagens I’ve ever seen is neatly parked along the wall; it is 1990 Volkswagen Golf Rallye. Some German car fans would arguably give one of their kidneys for this car! “It is one of the cars we are recommissioning. It forms part of a larger collection of cars. 90% of people walk past it, but those in the know will stop and admit they’ve never seen a real one.”

“We often need to import parts when recommissioning cars. For this Rallye we had to import a new windscreen and indicator lenses, just to name two parts. Both these parts are different to the Golf 2 equivalents. I’ll admit, the interest in classic and modern classic Volkswagens has really increased over the past couple of years.”

Stuart is also involved in events, including road trips with small groups of enthusiasts which will involve driving a variety of cars to specific parts of the country which offer some of the best driving roads. Whether it is only finding a storage space for your second or third car, getting the necessary advice regarding the sourcing of a specific car, or selling your car, Stuart is certainly willing to assist and uses his wide network for the necessary information and assistance.

As the collection of cars – whether in for storage or for sale – is constantly changing, it is a great facility to meet fellow enthusiasts, as you never know what is parked here or at their house. Even the neatly parked motorcycles draw you in, being a mixture of performance motorcycles, modern classics, and some custom bikes.

One can easily spend a couple of hours here and just walk through these cars and appreciate what each offers. These are not cars you regularly see on the roads, and some are extremely rare. Thankfully they are all about as safe and well attended to as any valued car could be here in South Africa.

Find the full feature in the February issue of CAR Magazine.

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