Many dream of a lavish collection of exotic supercars and brutish American muscle cars. For those not in a position to realise this dream, the miniature die-cast replicas of the automotive world’s most beautiful creations will have to do.
One Lindhaven resident boasts a collection of almost 1 000 pieces dedicated to the history of motorised transport. Johan van Biljon’s pride and joy spans decades of work and includes inherited historical pieces. “Cars are just something that runs in my blood,” said Johan, who is a member of the Late Great Motor Association and has marshalled at various racetracks over the years.
The bulk of this collection is the 770-piece Hot Wheels collection. The collection ranges from your typical muscle car to special-edition cartoon replicas and cinema tributes. Special mentions must be made of The Flintstone’s family car, ‘The Mystery Machine’ from Scooby Doo and ‘The Homer’ from The Simpsons. Johan’s friends are also mindful of his collection and have contributed a special set of eight Chevrolet Camaros all the way from the US state of Nebraska.
Johan’s love of the miniature masterpieces was passed on to him by his father who also left him a set of vintage collectibles dating back to the 1930s. Johan’s son, Leon, is also an avid car collector, meaning this family tradition could continue well into the future, growing the collection in the process.
Even though these are scaled down versions of the real thing, the sentiment is magnificently life-sized.
