Prestige Classic Car collection to be auctioned in New Zealand

1 March, 2019

 


 

On Sunday, 17 March, Auckland-based auction house Webb’s will offer one of the most distinguished personal collections of Classic Cars to be auctioned in New Zealand: the Roy Savage Collection.

The auction follows the successful sale of the first part of the Roy Savage Collection in 2016. This auction focused on British post-war classics and achieved multiple auction records, such as a 1955 Jaguar XK140 selling for $258,750, and the 1972 Rover P5B, 1966 Jaguar MK II, and 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL selling for $149,500, with total sales of nearly $1.5 million.

This time around, the auction will feature some of the most prestigious marques ever to come on the market in New Zealand, with seven Rolls-Royces offered, including a New Zealand–new 1951 Silver Dawn and an ultra-low mileage 1978 Corniche Convertible. Further highlights include a rare 1955 Allard Palm Beach Mark 1 Convertible (only 74 of this model ever manufactured), a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Manual, and 1953 Bentley R-Type.

For buyers whose need is more fundamental, there are two 5-Series BMWs, and for those who favour the rural pursuit, there’s the 1964 Land Rover, which carries a cult-classic status due to its enduring and iconic look. Also up for auction is what was often Roy’s daily driver, a Rover 3500 that he owned since 1973 and has just 62,623 on the clock.

Following Roy’s passing in 2017, the Savage family have again entrusted Webb’s to market the balance of their father’s passion. The collection is not the disposal of a static museum, but every car is registered, warranted, and has detailed service records.

The auction is set to take place at the Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu, one hour north of Wellington, on Sunday, 17 March at 2pm. Prior to the auction the vehicles can be viewed at the museum 14—16 March, 10am–4pm and 17 March, 9am–11am. To view the full catalogue of 18 cars, visit webbs.co.nz.

Hiroshima Express

One of the rarest Mazdas,and amongst one of the rarest production cars in the World, a 1967 Series 1, Cosmo made its public debut at the 2025 Cromwell Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday January 18 this year.
After a challenging 5-year restoration, its proud Cromwell owner, Mike Elford celebrated its appearance along with Dunedin specialist, Mazda rotary engine builder, Cory Wilson who trallered the car through to the show.
“There are a number of details still to attend to and fine-tune the engine and then it will at last be finished. I’m very pleased with the result,” Cory said.
Mike is extremely pleased with the end now in sight of what has been a very challenging project. The tiny jewel of Japanese motoring engenuity attracted many on-lookers at the show as it sat glistening in the sun on an appropriately brilliant Central Otago summer’s day.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.