Huge International Interest in Vintage Car Collection
A second veteran and vintage car collection auction in Gore this Saturday in honour of the late Robin Dickson is attracting interest from around the world.
William Todd & Co (2011) Ltd is carrying out the special auction, which includes 32 vehicles dating back to 1902.
There are various Ford Model T vehicles and parts, Cadillacs, a 1955 Chevrolet - 3100 Thriftmaster Stepside and a 1968 Holden HK Stationwagon, as well as an assortment of badges, hub caps and Range Rover gear.
Family representative Paul Herron, said there have already been bids come in from America, and interest from England as well, along with two couples making the trip from Australia.
“There are a lot of people that knew him, from his interest in cars and involvement in car clubs,” he said.
A wool buyer who spent just as much time scoping out the old gems hiding out in woolsheds, Robin died five years ago and his widow finally started to auction off his prized possessions three years later.
“He came home with more car parts than he did wool,” Paul said.
A Facebook page set up just four months ago for the auction soon had hundreds of followers.
Paul said he expected the 1902 Rambler to get a huge amount of attention, being the oldest vehicle up for auction.
“This one’s had the most inquiries,” he said.
In recent years film companies also approached the family and used three of the vehicles in The Power of the Dog movie.
Auctioneer Lynsey Francis said he liked the look of the 1924 Buick 4 Touring which he described as a ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ type car, and was naturally very excited for the big day on Saturday.
“What man has 87 cars and 450 million parts? You can tell the intensity of it from the number of people ringing me from all over the world with phone bids,” he said.
With no reserve on any of the vehicles, it’s anyone’s guess as to how much these prized vehicles will go for.
“An auction sets the market price, regardless of what’s going on in the world. An auction keeps the industry honest,” he said.
The auction will be held at the Southern Field Day Site - Agri Centre, 575 Waimumu Road. Read more here