Local sport Sport

Classics, splitties make for a motoring treat

It's well worth a visit, never mind the scenic drive to get there.

October 10, 2016

2 minutes read

For the love of classics: Oliver Broome at East Coast Classics in Munster.

OLIVER Broome’s East Coast Classics on his farm in Munster is part workshop, part motoring museum.

It’s a hidden gem for motoring aficionados … and well worth a visit, especially if you love a bit of history.

Oliver’s main line of work is restoring old splitwindow Volkswagen Kombis.

He has a remarkable collection, possibly the largest on the continent.

It’s his passion, that much is clear. For example, the reception desk is made out of a splitty nose.

And he has built a bar counter out of a 1964 splitty, for mates to swing round after work and enjoy a few cold ones.

His oldest splitty is a 1959 Crew Cab, complete with a Porsche engine.

His clients are from all over the world – having a restored splitty is something of a collectors’ item, rare and valuable.

Splitties were hugely popular sixty years ago but, laughs Oliver, were awful to drive.

They had a habit of dropping anchor the moment they saw a hill.

So Oliver has given his restored vehicles some modern day power.

His personal splitty is geared to get to 165km fairly comfortably.

It’s not only splitties that call East Coast Classics home.

Parked therein is a 1986 two-door Ford Cosworth RS, the only one in South Africa.

Only 500 were made. It’s only done 72 000km, very rare low mileage.

Then there’s a 1965 Ford Mustang race car. Plus a 1984 VW GT, with original paint.

Throw in a 1964 Crew Cab, original colour. And a super rare 21-window Samba.

One of his favourites is the iconic ex Mike Briggs Opel Superboss, which he came across on one his trips to Zimbabwe.

Oliver’s first ‘classic’ was a 1979 SC Targa, which he bought with some cash he made on the stock exchange many moons ago.

He’s had some great experiences, like the time Willie van Wyk who was the Opel racing team director visited his showroom and suggested his Mike Briggs Opel was not the original race car.

When the whole story came out, and Willie realised that indeed it was, he was close to tears.

He was the one who was instrumental in its design and construction all those years ago.

But continuing on … there’s a 1967 Merc Pagoda.

And a 1971 Chev SS, with full racing trim. It can belt out a stunning 600hp.

Oliver says his staff play a vital role. “They have a passion for this work, there’s nothing slap-dash. We want the restored vehicles to last as long as possible,” he said.

Give Oliver a shout, by appointment only, 079 8936571. He’d love to show you around.