Ah, the ultimate 3-car garage. It’s the kind of question that has kept car enthusiasts up at night, staring at the ceiling and debating endlessly with their inner petrolhead. It’s the automotive equivalent of pondering the meaning of life, only with more horsepower and less philosophy. If you ask a hundred car lovers what their dream garage would look like, you’ll get a hundred different answers – and probably a few heated arguments thrown in for good measure.
So, what do you go for? Do you fill your garage with classics, those automotive icons that have stood the test of time? Perhaps an E30 BMW M3 to remind you of the days when cars had more character than computers. Or an AC Cobra, which is essentially a road-going missile with no concern for your personal safety. And let’s not forget the original Austin Mini Cooper – a car that’s so small, it makes a shoebox look like a penthouse, but it’s got charm by the bucketload.
Or maybe you’d rather go full tenderpreneur and opt for something a bit more… shall we say, flashly? We’re talking Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Maybachs. Cars that are so luxurious, they make a five-star hotel look like a budget motel. But let’s be honest, in South Africa, driving a Rolls-Royce through the chaotic streets, dodging kamikaze Toyota Quantums, is a bit like wearing a tuxedo to a rugby match – impressive, sure, but completely impractical.
Then there’s the supercar and hypercar crowd. Yes, they’re jaw-droppingly fast and look like something straight out of a sci-fi film. But unless you’re planning to spend your days avoiding speed bumps and potholes, and your nights hiding from opportunistic smash-and-grabbers, they might not be the most practical choice. Plus, the thought of having your R5-million side mirror sheared off by an overzealous Karen with a Woolies trolley is enough to make any sane person break out in a cold sweat.
What about the JDM legends? Ah yes, the Japanese Domestic Market heroes like the Nissan GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7. They’re fast, they’re furious, and they’ve got more street cred than a double-barrel surname in Sandton. But let’s face it, they’re also magnets for attention – and not always the good kind.
Perhaps you’re the adventurous type, and your dream garage is filled with go-anywhere, do-anything 4x4s and bakkies. The kind of vehicles that laugh in the face of the toughest terrains. Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Rangers, and Jeep Wranglers – the off-road kings that can conquer the wildest landscapes South Africa has to offer. But then again, do you really want to spend all your time covered in dust and dodging wildlife?
So, what’s the perfect combination? For us, it’s all about balance – a little bit of everything to suit every mood, every occasion, and every terrain. And here’s our pick for the ultimate 3-car dream garage:
1. The Family and Travel Wagon: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Price: R1,462,400)
When it comes to hauling the family around – kids, dog, luggage, and all – the new Land Cruiser Prado is the undisputed champion. It’s rugged, reliable, and can go pretty much anywhere without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re tackling the dunes in the Kalahari or cruising through the concrete jungle, the Prado will get you there in comfort and style. Plus, you’ll have enough space to pack everything, including the kitchen sink.
2. The Face-Melting Speed Machine: Porsche 992 Turbo S (Price: R4,841,000)
If you’re looking for something that can tear the skin off your face while still flying under the radar, say hello to the Porsche 992 Turbo S. It’s brutally fast, yet understated enough that it won’t attract unwanted attention from the law – or anyone else, for that matter. With its blistering acceleration and precision handling, it’s the perfect car for when you need to remind yourself why you love driving.
3. The Pure Fun Mobile: Ariel Atom 4R (Price: R1,868,000)
And finally, the pièce de résistance – the Ariel Atom 4R. This is a car that doesn’t just put a smile on your face; it slaps you across the cheeks and leaves you grinning like a lunatic. It’s stripped down, raw, and utterly thrilling. Sure, it’s about as practical as a chocolate teapot, but that’s precisely the point. This is the car you take out when you just want to feel alive, when you want every drive to feel like an event.
The Grand Total
So, what does the ultimate 3-car dream garage set you back? Quick Maths:
Total: R8,171,400 🤮
Better start saving, or better yet maybe one day there will be a place where I can win the car of my dreams 😉.