Webb’s May car auction features iconic Jag E-Type, BMW Isetta
The 1962 Jaguar E-Type with an estimate of $145,000 - $175,000. Photos: Webb’s
Webb’s auction house has just released its May Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia catalogue with an outstanding array of vehicles on offer, from an iconic BMW Isetta to a Kiwi classic, a 1959 McRae 220s 'Masararri'.
To be held at its Mt Eden, Auckland showroom on May 5, Webb’s auction will have barn-find to museum quality vehicles with “something for every budget and taste”.
A stand-out vehicle of the auction is the 1962 Jaguar E-Type with an estimate of $145,000 - $175,000.
According to the catalogue, the1962 Jaguar E-Type is “often called the most beautiful production car of all time”.
It is an early 3.8-litre example of the classic first-generation E-Type, registered on 18 June 1962 to a Wellington nightlife personality, Pat McCashin, who ran ‘The Pines’ nightclub/cabaret at Houghton Bay, an after-hours haven of the day. It is one of only 1051 Fixed Heads.
The car was rebuilt extensively by the current vendor after acquiring it as a barn find over two decades ago.
The 1958 BMW Isetta has an estimate of $50,000 - $60,000.
Another vehicle of note is the 1958 BMW Isetta, with an estimate of $50,000 - $60,000.
Iso SpA spent three years making the Isetta from 1953-1956 before BMW took over complete ownership.
The first year of BMW Isetta production saw it become the world’s first-ever mass-production car to achieve a fuel consumption of 3L/100km. The BMW version would also become the best-selling single-cylinder car in the world.
The model at auction is rare in several ways, being a New Zealand-new RHD model with four wheels.
“Fittingly adorned in Bavarian Blue it shows 23,464 miles on the odometer. It is known to have been restored at some point prior to the current vendor’s ownership, with a more recent and fully documented engine, interior and chassis rebuild taking place as well,” says the catalogue.
The 1959 McRae 220s 'Masararri' has an estimate of $200,000-$250,000.
But the vehicle that will attract the most attention is the 1959 McRae 220s 'Masararri'.
Graham McRae was a New Zealand motor racing driver and builder and at age 20 he built a sports car both for everyday and hill climb racing; the ‘Masarrari’, based on an aluminium Maserati-style body and an Austin A70 engine.
It has an estimate of $200,000-$250,000, and according to the catalogue while “some re-commissioning is required this vehicle is undoubtedly a major part of New Zealand racing history”.
In total there are 48 lots in the Webb’s Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction. You can view the lot at the Mount Eden Gallery from 1 May ahead of the live auction on 5 May.
