Old cars are rarely just a hobby. They are often an obsession and sometimes even an all-encompassing disease. Nicholas Hoferichter falls into the latter category, smitten by any and all things 'old car'. Rather besotted with his vintage Volkswagen collection, comprised of a '74 Fleetline Kombi, a '67 crewcab, a rarely-complete '67 ambulance, a rare '54 Kombi and two Beetles, a '66 and a '67 LHD Deluxe sunroof model, he'll be the first to admit that there is always space to be found for another one and that despite the common sight of his legs dangling out from underneath one of them, accompanied by the sound of much grumbling & mumbling, it is a labour of love made worthwhile every time he trundles down the road in one of them.
"Any real vintage petrolhead will present their collection in short order, because no man, or woman, with an old car just has an old car. Soon an excuse will be found to acquire a second vehicle, and then a third and so on. You'll find a reason to buy a few tools this month and then decide that you need some accessories that require those tools. Your garage will start looking lonely without some motoring signage, you'll trade your bedtime fiction for a car manual and your furniture will make way for a model display cabinet."
A visit to Nicholas' miniature 'private museum' [with a bed and bathroom attached somewhere insignificantly] is a rather overwhelming example of this notion. There are old sign-written doors, reclaimed signage, tools, framed ephemera, endless displays of badges, models and other odd trinkets, a vintage petrol pump and other assorted antiques, motoring-related and more eccentric acquisitions.
"I've driven these cars all over the country. Pedantic maintenance means greater reliability, but ultimately you are dealing with old technology and the inevitable does happen, they breakdown. It's part and parcel of owning an old car. It's certainly not for everyone, especially not when it comes to daily driving, but I find a distinct lack of soul in a modern car and love the smiles they bring to other motorists."
"I wasn't the type to get my hands dirty when I started in this game, I just wanted to drive something a little different. I soon learned that maintenance and reliability come as part of the package and today I have the requisite knowledge to do what needs doing, on my own. It brings a sense of pride and security knowing that I keep my cars on the road, in peak condition."
"My cars opened up a new social world to me too, spurring me on to make like-minded friends, to join in the fun when related events came along and to network with other car people across the globe."
"My interest quickly ran from a novelty to an obsession and then more, which meant that my knowledge of the car world boomed. Coupled with a love for antiques and history, I became involved in writing about the subject, trading in related goods, organising events, travelling to far-flung events, getting involved with a myriad of activity online and now to my quest for an active career in the vintage motoring and antique industries."
"I am always on the hunt for more early Volkswagen items, old "Kombis" or any interesting 'old car stuff', be it tools, accessories, signs, badges, etc."
Nicholas can be contacted on 078 121 7607 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can find a brief write-up on some of his cars at the3rdrock.com
Monthly showcase of interesting, local collectors. Brought to you by:
Golly Gosh - Vintage, retro, kitsch, kewl & funky. These are perhaps just some of the words that come to mind upon entering Golly Gosh, a whimsical hide-a-away offering everything from antique crockery to porcelain and ceramic treasures, dashing cushions, ephemera and even toys for little ones, all hosted by the elegant and delightful Leigh Goddard.