Ciro De Siena talks about South African Car Culture in this new series by Cars.co.za. Ciro tells us where his passion for cars, particularly BMWs, comes from and reveals his favourite car, which he also owns – a stunning BMW E39 M5.
Why do South Africans love the BMW brand so much? How did he get into the car reviewing business – thank you, Jeremy Clarkson! and why should you consider buying a classic rather than a new car? Ciro did just that … He bought an old Lexus LS400 for a third of the price of South Africa’s cheapest new car (the Suzuki S-Presso) and uses it as his daily. Ciro also tells the amazing story of how one of the first cars he drove after getting his license, a Mazda MX-5, came back to him many years later.
Ciro reflects on South Africa’s rich motorsport heritage, particularly the era of the South African specials, which saw cars such as the iconic BMW 325is (E30) – also known as the “Gusheshe” – and Opel Kadett GSi Superboss battle on South African racing circuits like Kyalami and Aldo Scribante in Group N racing. These days the Gusheshe and Superboss are valuable classics, not only in South Africa, but across the globe.
So now you know what South African car culture is to Ciro? What is it to you? Let us know in the comments below and look out for Episode 2 of SA Car Culture at 6pm on Sunday, September 18th.
