Man Caves Done Two Ways: Which Would You Have?
Clean & Clinical

As an adult, there are certain things in life you might aspire to. Things like a good job, a nice house, maybe a family… and a cool place to store all your cars.

Such a space is everyone’s dream, right? Well, today I want to show you two different but equally cool automotive man caves, each with their own unique characteristics.

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First up there’s Ravi’s showroom-like man cave, home to a collection of American muscle. Ravi has been collecting cars for quite some time, and the American stuff – especially Ford Mustangs – have always been his favourite.

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Ravi owns a high-end panel beating business called Auto Bonn, and it’s here that he’s built the special space for all his toys. He went with a clean, clinical type of feel with showroom lighting and highly polished concrete floors.

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Keeping your car collection at the office is a great idea for several reasons. First and foremost, what’s better than being able to sit behind your work desk, and look over to your right to see your immaculate Shelby GT500CR’s rear end staring back at you.

This car was built for Ravi by Classic Recreations in Oklahoma, USA and it’s a real beauty. The 427ci V8 up front pumps out 545hp, so it’s fun to drive too.

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Another great reason for Ravi keeping his collection here is being able to use the excuse of having to go to work whenever he doesn’t feel like doing domestic duties at home. Isn’t that just super smart?

The red car above is a very special one. You might have heard of the ’66 Ford Shelby GT350-H, in which the ‘H’ stood for Hertz. The rental car company’s Rent-a-Racer’ program allowed average citizens to rent Hertz’s special Shelby Mustang, of which around 1,000 examples were produced. There are stories of renters taking these cars to amateur track days and returning them looking a little worse for wear.

Ravi’s car isn’t one of the original 1966 cars; it’s one of the much rarer 1968 models of which just 224 examples were produced for Hertz. It was a barn find in the US, and after being acquired was repainted in its original Candy Apple Red.

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No man cave is complete with some scale model cars, and Ravi has a display case with quite a few examples. The most significant addition here is a wire model of the Lexus LFA on the wall; significant because Ravi used to own the amazing silver LFA above, one of only three brought to South Africa.

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There are two serious Chevy Impalas in the collection, both which have been completely overhauled with new paint, new engines, and air-ride. These cruisers are perfect for those lazy, late Sunday afternoon drives with the family.

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Both the Jaguar E-Type and the Mach 1 Mustang underwent full nut and bolt restorations and are quite sublime. These might not be special edition cars, but that doesn’t make them any less special.

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On the other hand, this Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition is one of only 750 cars produced by Ford. It’s basically an upgraded Boss 302, with Recaro sport seats, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, revised suspension tuning with unique spring and damper rates, and a larger rear stabilizer. It also lost its rear seat – something replaced by a cross-car x-brace to increase structural rigidity – and featured lightweight alloy wheels with R-compound tyres, and Ford Racing front ducts to help cool the brakes.

On top of all that, this particular car has been right-hand drive converted.

Restorations
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Being a panel beater by trade, Ravi can do all his own restoration and custom work right below the showroom. Every now and then he takes on custom projects for clients – but only if the car is interesting enough and the customer is willing to pay. As you might expect, Ravi’s quality work does not come cheap.

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Downstairs, the variety of cars branches away from the American stuff, with Ravi’s big-power Supra, plus a completely original Volkswagen Beetle and a Mk1 Ford Cortina.

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Delving deeper, I came across another two of Ravi’s cars currently under the knife. There’s a Mustang GT500 as well as a Chevy 3100 that was previously a real-show stopper and is currently undergoing a full rebuild.

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A few other golden oldies are also being worked on right now, my favourite strangely being the Jeep Wagoneer. I can just imagine it with a big Hellcat motor under the hood and the paint left as is. That would be a proper blast.

Industrial Vibes
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Now that we’ve looked at a clean and clinical man cave, let’s check out a totally different one…

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‘Custodian’ is the name Marius has given to his industrial-style man cave. This building serves multiple purpose; it’s a place for Marius to store some of his cars and hang out with friends at, and more recently, the new home for a friend’s detailing company, Gloss Monster Detailing.

This worked out pretty perfect for Marius; some of the unused space creates income, and his own collection is maintained in immaculate condition. It’s a real win-win situation.

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This double storey hideout also has one big plus point over Ravi’s place, and that’s a bar – a fully stocked one at that.

Marius has done quite well in business, so he’s basically retired. This means he doesn’t need to do any work here, but he does like to entertain his friends.

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He’s quite fond of old bikes too, and owns a few classic BMW motorcycles along with a lone Ducati – a limited edition 996 SPS.

Those odd, vintage-looking Soekoe bikes are locally made items that are brand new, but designed to look like they’re from a bygone era.

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As expected, there are some decorations around the premises, with a few wall prints and some scale model cars scattered throughout. I’d gladly take that 964 Turbo, but I want it in a full-sized version please and thank you.

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Getting to some of the cars in Marius’ collection, there’s real variety here. The stunning light blue Jaguar E-Type Coupé is joined by two Austin Healey 3000 MkIIIs, which have a really special place in Marius’ heart. A single German in the form of a completely original and meticulously maintained 635Ci finds its place on one of the four car lifts. Marius also has a beige E9 BMW which usually occupies the fourth lift, but was out at the time I visited.

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Two Italian horses rest in the corner of the warehouse, one being a 458 Italia and the other a F430 Spider in manual.

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The last car in the garage is an AC Cobra replica that makes for a real fun weekend car – if the weather allows.

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Two man caves that look completely different, each with their own flavour, style and unique characteristics. I must admit, although Ravi’s clean style is amazing, Marius’ space would be my type of setup for sure.

What would your ultimate hideout look like, and what dream cars would be parked inside?

Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzephoto
info@stefankotze.com
www.stefankotze.com

Cutting Room Floor
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1

The one thing that always seems to amaze me is the fact that almost non of them are working garages. A shame.

For me it would definitely be decked out with tools, a 2 post hoist and a 4 post hoist. Just a concrete floor will do. It's not what you have, but what you can do with it.

2

I've had the privilege to know a few people who own car collections like these. The situation for them is that they are all-go on the business that allowed them to purchase the collections, and would rather spend the free time driving versus working on them. I suspect this is the situation for at least one of these owners.

3

Translation: Most of them cant work on cars, hardly drive them, and the cars themselves are mostly seen as in investment and to look at.

And don't get me wrong: To each his own, but at least be reall about it....

4

Speaking only about the owners I have met personally, they do drive the cars as often as they can. Sometimes a car might be stored at a residence they are not at often, and that makes it difficult. One gentleman had Tubi headers fitted to his vintage Superamerica.
I doubt if they see these cars as investments. Assets that won't depreciate, yes, but not investments. There are very few cars that have given a market beating return over their life.

5

One gentleman had Tubi headers fitted to his vintage Superamerica.



Had fitted? As in he didn't fit them himself? My point exactly....


I doubt if they see these cars as investments. Assets that won't depreciate, yes, but not investments. There are very few cars that have given a market beating return over their life.



Clearly you haven't been into cars that long? Sure, a Superamerica is a 575M convertible, and won't rise much at this time and age. But have you tried looking at a Porsche 356 or a 911? Or any other real vintage car over the past 3 decades?

So lets face it, they are investments, to brag to friend, etc. It's not like the owners modify them (investment gone), or really use them the way they where supposed to be used (on a track, etc.)

It's never about what you have, but what you can do with it.... And the people that you are referring to , for the most part, cant do anything with it....

6

While i can appreciate your perspective of assumption. I do not like to paint everyone with the same brush. Unless you ask the owner directly, you are making assumptions about their intent for the vehicle. This is the problem. We cant convince you against your own opinion, however you should never generalize.

7

I don't paint everyone with the same brush, just the most of them:


It's never about what you have, but what you can do with it.... And the people that you are referring to , for the most part, cant do anything with it....



As a reference: I cant edit comments, so your comment is misplaced....

I'm talking about as a general rule that most people who own these type of garages don't work on the cars themselves, and generally can't drive to well either.

And sure, there are exceptions: Magnus Walker is one, and there are a select few others. But those are far in few inbetween. It's the same as being a car guy (the one who does everything with his cars), and a guy who likes cars (the one that pays someone to do the wrenching).

And don't get me wrong: I can afford letting other people work on my cars, but I still won't do that. Thats what its all about. Not the "look at me with my marble floor garage" without as much as turning a wrench yourself.

Those are the people who want to be a part of something they clearly aren't. There is no money in the world that can buy you respect....

8

Im not here to prove you wrong mr f1

9

You have proved my point. You begin with a 'general rule of thumb.' I stand by my point, if you dont know the owner, you dont know what you are talking about. You are generalizing, which is wrong.

10

Ok, so endulge me:

You say I am wrong?

I know I'm not wrong for the most of them. I've worked as a F1 engineering for years, and in the spare time I have, besides designing new parts and putting them to the test, I'm also an automotive photographer. So I've seen my fair share of garages. Work related and way outside that scope.
But humor me: Prove me wrong? I'm willing to bet on it that you cant? The fact that people don't like it, doesn't make it any less real. The truth hurts I'm afraid?

As for generalizing: Generalizing is neccesary, for it is how our minds work. That we attempt that we shouldn't do that anymore is a lie. And it shouldnt be considered bad either. But thats a topic for another time.

Do with it what you want, as its just me five cents. But proven your point, you have not....

11
thathellastockusdm3rdgenyaris@instagram

I want a working garage to be my house.

12

Yawn. Dino did a better garage, but actually I'm here just to correct some fakery: the "F430 Scuderia in manual" would be a 16M (Scuderia is a "coupe") and ZERO came manual, also have completely different front bumpers, and EAG that could convert the 16M into a manual, has done none yet. What BS.

13

Dude.......it does not matter who did the better garage .....it's about the coverage of cars all around the world WHY CANT YOU GUYS ACT RESPECTFUL IN THE CAR COMMUNITY?Maybe if yourl did some of us wont be victimized for you guys pathetic behavior and as much as you are trying to act smart i guess those pics Stefan posted really humbled you.

14

+1
Great job, Ihsaan. At least there is one person here that is standing up against those spam commenters. More people should listen to you.

15

@iLoveCars bro, you're 100% correct and im not standing up for Stefan just because im purely south African but I've been reading speed hunters for ages since teen days and I'm just amazed to see how Stefan covers our local coverage and most of all.... All The Speed Hunters! They all do a pretty epic job as always and if we all don't criticize and act like Google is our Bible to the car community then we all should get along like one big epic Fam!

16

Thanks, and long live Speedhunters!

Author17

You are right, it was supposed to say Spider not Scuderia (simple mistake which has now been updated). As it's of particular interest to you, here's a couple of extra shots you may enjoy.'

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Author18
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19

Being a simpleton with a regular income, I think something like the 12 Gauge Garage would do me fine.

20

Man cave, yes........but the environment is a little clinical.
The mechanics working there probably be very worried when their floor gets dirty, dusty and greasy.

21

choice of cars would be Evo 7, 07 STI, FD3S, F355, E92 M3, E36 M3, Pre Runner Ranger, maybe some other cars but those are the ones I need and some mountain bikes. it 100% needs a Bar/lounge are and a space to actually turn wrenches

22

Clinical is more my style, but then I'm also a bit lazy for that kind of upkeep. I do often dream of the 'dream home with the big garage,' as I'm sure we all do. Admittedly, most of the thinking surrounds the garage, since I don't care so much about the house itself. It only needs to be somewhat outside of town and away from people. Money no object, there'd be a bunch of random cars in there, but definitely a large collection of Hondas... some Mustangs... some 911s/Caymans. That shop in Tokyo Drift is inspiring in a way; it'd be cool to have a hang-out higher up, to be able to look down at your work while BSing with friends. Full functional shop, as one commenter pointed out, would be mandatory.

23

Women like cars too, the sooner guys stop running away to a cave the better. These are all lovely cars but the spaces look like expensive dealerships, to each their own. I'll appreciate a clean MGB sitting on the curb with a bottle of beer and save a few bucks on concrete polish.

24

Agreed Aaron.
No house has a "cave". They are workshops, garages, displays, showrooms etc.
While the vehicles are all beautiful I find the spaces are not at the same level and desperately need some life. The simple addition of a timber wall, tools, spare parts metal panels, hell even some mirror panels would breathe so much into these otherwise cold spaces. Magnus Walker is the one who few who know how to add a bit of design into the Motorvated space.

25

I remember seeing that ’66 Ford Shelby GT350-H in Bryanston Drive in sandton driven by a white folk and OMG it was love at first sight but i also realized it's LHD (LEFT HAND DRIVE),By the way how is possible to import a LHD car in South Africa, aren't they technically banned?

26

Both very nice! Here's the real deal: I grew up with muscle cars in the late 70's. Mopars, Chevys, Dodge, etc. We NEVER thought Ford were real muscle cars! We used to laugh at Ford people. My whole neighborhood was a Chevy dealer. Except for 1 neighbor who worked for Ford. The Corvette was already out and already established. The Mustang was a joke to us. What is it about the Mustang that people HAVE to try and pump it up like it's the greatest car ever made? I HATE Ford and Ford products! For life. Chevy and MOPAR ruled everything back in the day. That being said, I would take the 2nd garage. European cars forever! Especially German cars. You cannot touch German engineering! Period. Nice pics!

27

So you base your identity on your choice of mass produced branded goods and hate those with a different choosing. And your chosen preference is not your own but that of your neighborhood. You sound like 7 years old kid.

28

Definitely the second garage with the lifts, however the first guy has the best of both worlds. I would want a garage I could work in. I think once you have quite a few cars you will eventually need help maintaining them if you still work. I have 4 and its enough. I wish speedhunters would do some pieces on more garages focusing on products used to organize tools, garage layout, and other areas of the space. I used to frequent 6speedonlines garage section as it always had builds going on. Seems like the true shops are cluttered and dirty and not obtainable or space isn't an issue. Collectors garages look like they never work on their own cars. Id like to see some garage builds.... maybe product reviews and add revenue for SH.

29

I like the urban flair of the second garage but the first's collection. That '68 GT350H and '69 Mach 1 would be driven on every sunny day, and the Supra would make a helluva dragstrip barnstormer.

30

These aren't man caves they are museums. This site seems more and more out of touch lately. Yeah you have to dream, but for most this is ridiculous. Feature more stuff with ingenuity and 30k$ budget cap. Even a 30k budget that is discretionary is pretty yuppie as is.

31

So it's said that "... Ravi’s quality work does not come cheap." Looking at the front of the Shelby GT350-H (picture Nr. 16) the lights in the grille are not at the same hight and even the numberplate isn't fixed straight. To me that ruins the general expression, looks loveless - and yes - cheap. If I owed such a rare car, I would care about a flawless presentation, especially when the rest of it is in such a spotless condition. Also if I wouldn't present it in this so called "mancave"-environment.

32

I wouldn't have a an-cave like either of them honestly. Just because I would go more for a home-garage style with tools nearby and maybe some big banners/posters on the walls, old wheels and tires stacked, die-casts on some shelves. To make it cozy and a place where I can be alone, just working on my car. If I want to hang out with friends, I would probably go somewhere so I have the possibility to drive my car.
However, that's because in my dream mancave I don't want 5 cars or more. Just 1 hobby car with a cool atmosphere and room to work on it while the daily sits inside just behind the door so it isn't parked outside.
However, I would take that 966 tucked away in a corner so you can stretch it when the sun is out.

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