We visit a barn in the Overberg that looks unlikely to house anything of significance… until Cobus van den Berg opens the doors to his collection of (mostly French) cars.
There are several Peugeots in Cobus van den Berg’s barn, but in front of me sits a Mazda MX-5 (NC), while, along the walls, there is an array of artefacts and memorabilia. It’s a veritable feast for the eyes.
Cobus van den Berg is quick to point out that the barn is still a work in progress, as he has only recently moved his cars here. However, to me it is already an inviting space – especially when we each pull out a chair in the little mancave office. Movie posters line the walls, most notably Klein Karoo and its sequel, Klein Karoo II , both of which Cobus produced.
Cobus has had (and continues to have) an illustrious career. He began his career as a chartered accountant, although as a young boy he had always dreamed of making films.
Began his career as a reluctant CA
His late father, however, would have none of it, so Cobus studied accounting to appease his old man. During this early phase of his life, Cobus had no involvement in film production whatsoever.
Opened an Afrikaans theatre cafe
That changed when Cobus decided to open an Afrikaans theatre cafe in Cape Town. It was during this period that he deeply missed his father, who had passed away when Cobus was 29.
“I decided what I needed was a Peugeot 404. I grew up with one, and my father loved the French brand and its cars. This was in 2004, so I browsed the newspapers and found a 1974 model in Lichtenburg. The owner confirmed it was in daily use and wanted R12 000 for the car,” says Cobus.
Where his love of Peugeot comes from
“I made him a deal: if he drove the 404 to me in the Cape, I would pay him upon arrival. And that’s how I bought my first Peugeot .”
Thankfully, Cobus still owns this car, affectionately nicknamed Oom Christoffel (after its previous owner).
“When my wife turned 40, I gave her a Mini Cooper . When I turned 50, she exchanged the Cooper for a 1975 Citroen Pallas. That was 10 years after I bought the Peugeot 404 – so I then had 2 classic cars… and then the bug properly bit me,” he adds.
See also: We drive the first-ever Cape 1000 in a 55-year-old Citroen DS!
“My father was a petrolhead. He didn’t have the money to buy all the cars that he wanted, but he most certainly had broad knowledge about them. He often told stories about the cars of his youth and used to take me to car shows. That laid the foundation for my love of cars.
“You get to a stage where you wonder whether you should specialise – perhaps only to collect certain models within a brand, such as the coupes. But I don’t do this for investment purposes; after all, many of these cars are not worth all that much. Do I do it for nostalgic reasons? Definitely.
The collection was trimmed, but then grew again
“At one point, I sold a few cars, but then the collection grew again. I decided to get a barn to store them, tidy the place up, and make it enjoyable for myself. My wife says that this hobby clearly energises me – in fact, she often encourages me when I wonder whether I should buy another one.”
There are a number of highlights in the “Van den Berg Collection”, most notably a rare 1974 Peugeot 404 Coupe, painted in a sporty red hue. These are not cars you often see in collections. French cars are typically an acquired taste, so I asked how difficult it is for Cobus to maintain them.
“I wouldn’t say it’s always easy to find the parts, but it’s definitely not a nightmare either,” says Cobus. “Within the Peugeot club ( Club Peugeot Afrique du Sud ), people are very helpful. I’ve rebuilt 2 engines without major difficulty. Most of these classics share the same engines.”
Cobus admits he is unlikely to take on another full restoration project. He has done so before and knows what it entails – whether doing it himself or involving specialists.
He also tends to take advice from friends when it comes to new purchases…
“The Mazda MX-5 was suggested by my friend, actor Arnold Vosloo. He told me to get a Toyota MR2 or a Mazda MX-5 . I ruled out the MR2, as I’m not a Toyota fan,” says Cobus.
“I found the MX-5 online for a bit of a bargain. It needed attention, but even with the money I’ve spent, it remains a great buy. I’m honestly thoroughly enjoying it.”
See also: Mazda MX-5: All 4 generations driven
As Cobus walks me through his collection, I spot one of the prettiest Volvo s ever made: a 1970 P1800 coupe. It sits next to another 20th-century automotive design and tech highlight – the Citroen Pallas.
Framed pictures and theatre memorabilia are displayed along the walls. A black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn (shown below) catches my eye.
Even the barn fits perfectly with the nostalgic atmosphere created by these artefacts; it transports you (albeit briefly) to another time. I ask which cars Cobus still dreams of adding to his collection.
“I’m definitely still looking for an Alfa Romeo – perhaps an Alfetta or a Junior . As for Peugeot , I’d really love a 504 Cabriolet.”
As my interview with Cobus van den Berg wraps up, he continues to share anecdotes, whether about his cars or upcoming film projects. Something tells me this collection will keep evolving in the years to come.
Search for a classic car listed on Cars.co.za
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