Record-breaking online bid for Porsche 962

29 May, 2015

The most valuable lot ever sold to an online bidder was the top lot at Bonhams’ recent Spa Classic Sale. The ex-Jürgen Oppermann/Otto Altenbach/Loris Kessel Obermaier Racing 1990–’93 Porsche Type 962 C Endurance Racing Competition Coupe (how’s that for a name) was eventually sold for €1,495,000 (NZ$2.28M).

Sold directly from the factory, the Porsche 962 had been carefully maintained by the same private owner for the past 25 years — unsurprisingly, the car provoked much interest with those possessing an eye for historic competition cars.

The fact that this Porsche was sold to an online bidder underscores the continuing growth of the internet as a trusted method of purchasing valuable collector’s cars. 

Elsewhere, Porsches continued to prove popular, with a 1988 Porsche 959 coupé achieving the second-highest result, selling for just over one million New Zealand dollars to a telephone bidder from the UK, while a 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Type 964 coupé sold to a bidder at the sale for €224,250 (NZ$342,370).

As you’d expect, classic Ferraris continue to record strong prices, with a 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Berlinetta going for €667,000 (NZ$1.1M), and the 1976 Ferrari 308 GT Berlinetta Vetroresina achieving an excellent price of €253,000 (NZ$386,264).

Further highlights of the sale include a pair of S1 3.8 Jaguar E-Type roadsters, both from 1962, which were sold for €172,500 (NZ$263,362) and €170,200 (NZ$269,850) respectively, with a slightly later 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 roadster finding a new owner at €138,00 (NZ$210,690).

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.