Oom Louis Coetzer, a highly respected and well-known car collector in South Africa, died in a tragic car accident with his wife in 2020. Some 450 cars were believed to be in his collection at the time, 200 of which were sold through an auction in 2021. Most of those cars were reportedly in exceptional condition. But earlier this year, an additional 200 vehicles were found tucked away in Barkly East and his personal barn in Bloemfontien. Most of the classic cars in this latest barn find are unrestored and in varying condition, from project cars with potential to a plethora of parts. It would appear from the find that Coetzer favored Mercedes-Benz, but there are also a number of two-door utility vehicles or “Bakkies” as they’re known in South Africa.

Also in the collection are straight-six powered Holden Belmonts, a four-door Nissan Skyline R31 exclusively built for Oceania and South Africa, several classic Chevrolet Impalas, plus a select few Volvos, Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Cadillac, and Ford models.

Now, Creative Rides Classic & Collectibles Auctions in Johannesburg is offering the latest find through an auction running from March 25 through April 4. A total of 334 lots will be offered to encompass the cars, automobilia, and endless stacks of spare engines and parts.

“It’s difficult to put into words the emotion I felt taking those first steps over the threshold into the dim expanse of a barn at least the size of three tennis courts and seeing row after row of cars disappearing into the distance like a slumbering regiment awaiting a call to arms.

“As it turned out, more than 200 cars were hidden in the shadows of that barn and subsequently also across several farms near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape – a discovery made more than three years after the untimely passing of Oom Louis and his beloved wife, Hermie.”

Joff van Reenen, Lead Auctioneer, Creative Rides &Collectibles Auctions

The auction house is still actively uploading the lots, which can be viewed here.