One of the stars of Webb’s Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia winter auction sold for above its estimated value at Sunday’s event in Auckland.

Webb’s had more than $4m worth of vehicles on offer at the Vodafone Event Centre, including a Beacham-restored 1969 Jaguar E-Type, and a racing pedigree 1969 Ford Falcon XW GT-HO (Phase I). 

But the stand-out at the auction was a 1952 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II that had already garnered plenty of attention pre-auction. It had an estimate of between $375,000–$400,000 but sold for $418,000. 

In November 2012, the Aston was purchased by its Auckland vendor, and it was restored by Atkinson Restoration Services. The project was eventually finished two years later in November 2014.

The E-Type had an estimate of $230,000–$260,000 and sold for $242,000 while the most expensive vehicle auction, the 1969 Falcon with an estimate of $570,000–$650,000, currently remains unsold. 

Two other standouts at Sunday’s Webb’s auction were a left-hand-drive 1974 VW Karmann Ghia with an estimate of $35,000–$45,000 but sold for $54,050 while a stunning 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190SL went for $218,500, after an estimate of $180,000–$220,000.

Before the auction, Webb’s had said collectible vehicles have proven to be excellent investments. “As tangible assets with broad appeal, they often appreciate in value. We expect this appreciation to continue as we have seen a steady increase in sales over the last 18 months as more cars roll out of the garage onto the auction block. 

“Recently, we can speculate that this is due to supply chain delays resulting from the pandemic, inflation and growing wealth of high-net-worth individuals. Such factors have likely helped  fuel the classic car market, as well as the irresistible nostalgic allure.”

Webb’s next  Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction is in November.