Auctions

BMW’s first EV was launched in 2013 and despite being out of production for two years, the i3 still stacks up as one of the best in its class today. It’s a small car by today’s standards but is roomy and has thoroughly interesting modern styling. Older examples are still consistently hitting their range targets and they have a pretty good reliability reputation. The BMW i3 might just be a canny used EV buy. Turners Westgate has this one coming up for auction. Read on...

The Defender has long been the go-to vehicle to make posh people look more rugged. But make no mistake, this is one tough beast from a time when the Defender was a stripped back, no nonsense, work truck. The new Defender is actually posh. It’s all modern and flash and it probably doesn’t even leak oil like it’s supposed to. And costs around $150k. Turners North Shore has this one that could be yours. Read on...

So you find the regular Nissan Note E-Power a bit bland? Well they also do a Nismo edition, and it’s a blast to drive. Unlike most hybrid vehicles, the Nissan Note e-Power is the perfect compromise for those wanting the EV driving experience without the need to plug in. But can it really be a driver’s car? Well yes, actually. Read on...

If you were very successful and wealthy in 1972 you probably had your heart set on a luxury car. A Rolls Royce was maybe out of your range, or perhaps a bit ‘old money’ for your taste. Indeed, what you really wanted was the Mercedes that was the forerunner to the famous S-Class line, the W108/109. And if funds could be stretched you really wanted the 3.5L V8 option. It said to the world you had class and taste. Over 50 years later this 280SE V8 still projects good taste and is perhaps more classy than ‘class’. And it could be yours. Read on...

Look, sure, it’s a tiny Toyota with a tiny engine at Turners Timaru, but it’s also, basically, an Aston Martin. Will your neighbours even know the difference when they see it parked in your drive? Will they think you’ve won the lottery? Well probably not. But Aston Martin did make a version of the Toyota iQ and it didn’t go well. But why did they do it in the first place? Hint: it’s a bit cynical. Read on...

This 1969 Sunbeam Imp caught fire and its future is uncertain. A few years ago it would’ve almost certainly been scrapped, but these, now rare, little British curiosities are well worth saving. The Imp is not just a cutie though, it’s quite a little performer, winning the British Touring Car Championship 3 years running. But this one needs your help and it just might be the rewarding project you’ve been looking for. Read on...

Any Porsche 993 is worth saving but this badly damaged RWB modified example is 1 of 1 and has multiple scale models paying tribute to it. It’s actually really famous, and, like all RWB Porsches, is a true statement piece that will split opinions. RWB cars are rare, wild and highly coveted by many. So what is RWB, what’s the deal with the SuperNine edition and how can you buy it at Turners? Read on...

It’s possible to argue that one of the most affordable sports cars is also one of the very best. That’s the case with the first-generation Mazda MX5. It may not be all that fast or luxurious but it’s brilliant design, light weight nimbleness and the joyful nature of its driving prowess make it one of the true greats. And it’s got pop-up headlights. This low mileage example in Dunedin is being auctioned next week. Read on...

One of the main issues with owning a big American imported car in NZ is having the controls on the wrong side. It’s a long way from the driver’s seat to the ticket dispenser at a car park and any coolness you’d built up by driving your dream machine quickly leaks away as you try to – unsuccessfully – get your car into the car park, with a crowd watching on, while retaining some dignity. Not a problem with this 1966 Impala that’s being auctioned with a $1 reserve – it has been converted to RHD. Read on...