Hot wheels . . . Mosgiel car enthusiast Philip Wilson admires the engine bay of a 1927 "lakes modified'' Model T Ford during a classic and collectable vehicle and memorabilia auction at Haywards Auction House in Dunedin on Saturday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
So when a bright orange version from Oamaru appeared on the auction list at Hayward's Auction House on Saturday, it created interest among car enthusiasts.
Auctioneer Kevin Hayward said a "lakes modified'' car was a style of hot rod built for racing on the dry salt lakes of North America. They were popular in the 1950s.
"This was a one-off, really. You'd seldom see one in New Zealand.''
Mr Hayward said interest in the roadster was high, but bidding failed to reach the vendor's asking price.
Other vehicles for sale at the classic collectable automobile, motorcycle, boat and memorabilia auction included a 1965 Morris Minor van, a 1959 Mk II Zephyr, a 1969-70 VF Valiant hardtop coupe, a 1950 James Single motorcycle and two early Hamilton jet-boats.
A 1954 Ford Customline attracted the top bid of $17,000, with other high bids including a 1982 Citroen C2V6 Special ($12,000) and a Harley-Davidson Panhead 4 motorcycle ($16,100).
Mr Hayward said it was the first time Haywards had held an auction specifically for cars and, based on the success of Saturday's auction, he planned to hold up to two a year.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
