Modern Classic: Webb’s car auction
Webb’s next “Collectors Cars” Motorcycles and Automobilia auction is this month and for me, Webb’s auctions are always a chance to dream of what ideally would make extra additions to the Parihoa garage.
Due to how large this offering is, Webb’s have outgrown its Mt Eden Gallery and the entire collection will be on view at ASB Showgrounds, Auckland from December 8. They go under the hammer from 2.30pm on Sunday, December 13.
Webb’s Head of Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Single Owner Collections, Caolán McAleer, is incredibly excited to present the latest car catalogue to the market.
“With 56 classic and collectable cars, 20 bikes and a boat, this is our largest catalogue to date,” McAleer told AutoMuse.
“Lots have come from all over the country and we have really seen a huge growth in the interest for classic bikes, with the single-owner auction The Len Pearce Collection, a highlight of the catalogue with 10 bikes focused on the American manufacturer Indian.
“Since publishing the catalogue online, we have had significant enquiry come through. Ones of particular interest include a pagoda roofed 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, estimated at $160,000 to $180,000 and a really rare 1972 Ford Fairmont XYGT Shaker at $120,000 to $150,000.”
We all have our tastes but when buying classics, I like New Zealand new examples, low kilometres, the least number of owners possible and a realistic price. There are, of course, deviations to this rule! Happy bidding and see you there.
Here are my picks:
1964 Mercedes-Benz 230L
The Mercedes-Benz 230SL is an investment vehicle that can be enjoyed daily. Photos: Webb’s
These Pagodas are incredibly rare in New Zealand now. I missed a 280SL at the last Webb’s auction. This is the lower-powered 230SL and is the four-speed manual. My ultimate would be the 280SL three-speed auto but I haven’t seen one for sale in New Zealand in recent years.
This example has 72,501 miles and while a 1964 model, was brought into New Zealand in 1980. Its passed through several owners and had a rebuild before its current owner acquired in 2008.
While Webb’s says $160,000 to 180,000, I suspect this could top $200,000. (See our previous article on the Pagoda.)
1973 Mercedes-Benz 350SLC
This 1973 Mercedes-Benz 305LC has a V8 engine.
I love the successor to the Pagoda; the SL/SLC which started in 1972. This is a very early 350SLC (the coupe version) and has the 3.5-litre, V8 engine. I prefer the SL but what makes this unique is that it only has 14,367km, is New Zealand new and has only had two owners.
I imagine, like the Pagoda, it could exceed Webb’s estimate of $15,000 to $20,000. By comparison, there is also a 1973 450SLC being offered, that is not New Zealand new ( close enough at a 1976 arrival but it has 165,961 miles) and is $12,000 to $15,000 according to Webb’s. I think it makes the 350SLC look even better value for money. (See our article on the SL.)
This 1973 450SLC arrived in New Zealand in 1976.
1994 Range Rover Vogue LSE
This Range Rover LSE may be the only New Zealand new model.
While I own a 1995 Range Rover Vogue SE of the same shape, this LSE is the ultimate (a 40cm longer wheelbase) and really temps me. Like mine, it’s New Zealand new and has 227,000km versus mine at 187,000km. The LSE had the 4.2 V8 with six-speed auto versus the Vogue SE’s 3.9 V8 with a five-speed auto.
Webb’s range of $55,000 to $60,000 is high and I think this would be a great buy at perhaps $45,000.
I suspect this is one of few New Zealand new LSE examples in the country. (See our article on the Range Rover.)
1987 Jaguar Sovereign
The 1987 Jaguar Sovereign has never been driven in the rain.
After recently binge-watching series four of The Crown on Netflix, I have become more interested in the best of British: the mid-1980’s Jaguar. This example is exceptional with just 67,000km and two owners, with the current one having had it since 1990.
It is a New Zealand new example and has apparently never been driven in the rain.
Webb’s estimates this will go for $30,000 to $35,000 and I imagine if anyone else out there is obsessed with Jags like this, this mint example could go for $40,000-plus.
