SentiMETAL is the new proudly South African magazine for petrolheads all over the world. The belief that cars can have human-like characters, perhaps even souls, is laughable, of course. And yet, like many petrolheads, we believe this to be true. Our goal with this magazine is to bring those characters to life, to entertain you, thrill you and, most importantly, bring you joy. We will use the best writers, top-notch photography and great design in our efforts to achieve those goals. Ultimately, SentiMETAL is a celebration of the love affair that mankind continues to have with the automobile. We believe there are many stories to tell. SentiMETAL will not be limited to vintage or exotic classic cars and collectors; we fill feature people (and their cars) from all walks of life and backgrounds. What is important is the bond between man and machine. Enjoy the read.

Editor’s Letter

CONTRIBUTORS

OUT & ABOUT • WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE CLASSIC CAR SCENE IN SOUTH AFRICA, AND AROUND THE WORLD.

JOHANNESBURG SENTIMETAL GATHERING • THE FIRST SENTIMETAL GATHERING OF THE YEAR SAW AROUND 150 CARS DESCEND ON THE CARS.CO.ZA HQ IN BEDFORDVIEW ON SUNDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2020. HERE’S WHAT WENT DOWN…

CAPE TOWN SENTIMETAL GATHERING • We managed to squeeze in a SentiMETAL Gathering in the Mother City before the Big Lockdown, and the event attracted a beautifully diverse selection of cars to thrill the attending petrolheads. There were also a couple of surprise arrivals!

ALL AMERICAN HERO • When we made the most of an unexpected opportunity to drive a Dodge Viper GTS, we found that the iconic American supercar is not the hairy-chested, one-dimensional brute many of us have been led to believe…

Quarantini – shaken, not stirred • The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the release of the latest Bond film No Time to Die. To get his James Bond’ fix, Graeme Hurst revisited Goldfinger, in which agent 007 gets the keys to the most recognisable car in movie history.

Of mice and men • In a world full of uncertainty, purchasing a classic car seems such a self-indulgent act – or that’s how we are programmed (or guilted) to think. But, as Mike Fourie suggests, the value of the experience will only appreciate.

Late Bloomer • Collectors regard it as Japan’s most special and desirable classic sportscar. It is the child of great ambitions, exotic technology and a short, but bright, racing history, yet it wasn’t an immediate hit

AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP • With its stunning Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition timepiece, Breitling celebrates 17 years of collaboration with the iconic British automotive marque.

Project GTV6 3.0: Restoration Complete • With the clock ticking towards its live reveal in front of the gathered South African motor industry, the pressure was on the restoration team to get our GTV6 completed in time.

THE ALFA GTV6 3.0 STORY IN SHORT

SentiMETAL at the #CarsAwards • The SentiMETAL division of the Cars.co.za showcased its entire collection, including the beautifully restored Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0, at the company’s Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank.

At your service • The Déesse takes part in the last SentiMETAL Gathering before the big lockdown, and also manages to squeeze in its annual service… with a few surprises.

Ciro buys his classic

Big trouble

Cape Crusader • Purchased to be raced - and later crashed by a future Le Mans driver - this South African 356 Speedster has one of the most interesting stories we’ve come across.

The People’s Mercedes • A rear-engined Mercedes-Benz does not cross one’s path every day – this restored 130 illustrates the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s rich history

The allure of M BMW E46 M3 • Are you’re keen on buying a modern classic car? The BMW E46 M3 – widely...