The Best Auction to Source Classic Cars

In the early years of the 20th century Uruguay was one of the most prosperous countries in the world. As a result, today Uruguay is one of the best places to find vintage cars in excellent condition.

International Living Postcards--your daily escape

Monday, Oct. 2, 2006
Punta del Este, Uruguay

In the early years of the 20th century Uruguay was one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Wealthy families were able to acquire costly imported goods such as cars, and today many fully functioning vintage cars can be found in this country. Because of the Uruguayan fondness for old-fashioned items, and their strong inclination toward preserving things, most of these vintage cars are in excellent condition. During the sixties and seventies, several museum curators from the U.S. and Europe came to Uruguay in search of these cars for their exhibitions.

The best place to get a vintage car today is the Punta del Este Antique Car Auction. At a recent auction I saw a father and teenage son shopping for the son's first car.

"This is a Willys Jeep 1947, with original gas motor; wait until I start it, and you hear the engine run," hyped Mario Suhr, the auctioneer. But the teenager was more interested in a red Morris Mini 1275 GT 1976. His father was more taken with the next car; same model, but green. The son wanted to know the price of the car, to see if it was within budget, but the price is only decided during the auction (the Morris Mini went for $4,600; the Willys Jeep sold for $3,800).

A middle aged British man admires the wooden rays on the wheels of a Ford T Utility 1924. "Back in England, I've got one exactly like this," as he signals a Ford A. "I use it to drive newlyweds to Church."

A Brazilian family is having fun taking pictures at the driving wheel of a Fiat Topolino 1947, and a precious Ford Voiture 1924.

The auctioneer doesn't have any idea how high prices will reach. Some of the cars are running, but many will need months of work at the repair shop. The cars at this auction mostly belong to one person, a rancher selling his varied collection. By day's end the Ford T will have gone for $2,900; the Fiat, $3,700.

Other collectors focus on specific cars. Ito Dellepiane, son of the founder of the Argentina Sport Car Association, likes sporty Minis. (At their International Sport and Classic Automobile Week, I saw men in cream colored caps and vests piloting Triumphs, MGs, Austin Healys, Bugattis, and Jaguars.) Ito was looking forward to the auction, which will attract many foreign property owners in Punta del Este eager to drive their precious antique cars down the Rambla.

The catalog for the next auction--Jan. 15, 2007--is being compiled as I write. You can contact Mario at mariosuhr@hotmail.com.

Maria Reynolds
For International Living

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