Chris Stephens, of Christchurch, paid $85,000 for a 1902 Rambler which was the oldest car in the auction of the remaining cars and car parts in the late Robin Dickson’s collection.
The auction of the 27 veteran and vintage cars was organised by Mr Dickson’s friend Paul Herron, of Gore, and held at the Southern Field Days, Waimumu site.
In 2022, Mr Herron organised an auction for 32 later models of cars in the collection.
Mr Stephens said he remembered seeing the car driven in the Dunedin to Brighton car rally in the 1980s when he was a boy.
"It’s the only Rambler here in New Zealand."
He had the opportunity to buy the car about 28 years ago but chose not to and then Mr Dickson bought it.
"My father and Robin were friends so I knew of the car for a long time."
He was pleased with the price.
"I’m surprised there wasn’t more international interest in it."
He already owned other early models of vehicles which included a 1905 Argyll.
He and his wife Jane would drive the Rambler on veteran car club runs.
Mr Dickson’s widow Susan said one memory she had of driving in the Rambler was travelling down a Dunedin street.
Her husband said he hoped to God the lights turned green before they came to the bottom of the hill because the brakes were not working.
"God was on our side, they turned green and we sailed through the intersection."
Her husband had been a realist and knew the day would come when the cars would be sold, Mrs Dickson said.
His hope was they would go to owners who would "love and appreciate them" like he did.
It was also a sad day for her, five years after his death.
"It feels like layers of him are coming off."
Mr Herron said he was pleased with the prices some vehicles fetched and a little disappointed with others.
