Tony Kotze, the founder of 45 Cars, is possibly the oldest and longest serving member in his profession, with his 80th birthday on the 23rd January 2011. Tony has been in the motor business for 54 years, whilst 45 Cars has traded for over 46 years in England, Witbank, Middleburg, Somerset West and Cape Town.
Tony raced Formula One in the 50's and early 60's, having won the Silver Star in the SA Drivers Championship and represented South Africa in Bulawayo - Rhodesia, Luanda - Angola and Mozambique just to mention a few.
Tony designed and built the Assegai Formula One racing car for the South African Gold Cup series (see inset picture - the Assegai in the pits at Silverstone). He has owned numerous Ferrari's and many other all time greats including 1931 Alfa Monza 2.8, Lamborghini Muira, Espada and the legendary Countach.
Outside of his family, all things motoring, can sum up the legend of Tony Kotze and his life.