New Zealand’s collector car world is gearing up for a landmark moment as the inaugural Ayrburn Classic 2026 Auction prepares to open its doors at the picturesque Ayrburn Estate in Queenstown. Hosted by Sunday Drive, this premium automotive event promises to blend rare machinery, curated hospitality, and the excitement of live bidding, an experience designed to feel more like a world‑class motoring showcase than a traditional auction – and we will be there too!
Set against the dramatic Central Otago landscape, Ayrburn Estate offers the perfect backdrop for an event that aims to raise the bar for automotive culture in New Zealand. For its debut, the Ayrburn Classic Auction is limiting the field to just 40 high‑quality consignments, ensuring every car is a head‑turner and every bidder has something truly special to compete for. The combination of exclusivity, atmosphere, and craftsmanship reflects a style reminiscent of top-tier international auctions, but with its own uniquely Kiwi twist.
The auction catalogue already hints at the diversity and calibre of vehicles set to cross the block. Early listings include a broad spectrum of automotive treasures, from iconic Kiwi‑favourite performance machines to meticulously preserved vintage legends. Among them is the 1975 Rhubarb Three MK3, expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000, offering collectors a rare piece of motoring character with its 1997cc manual configuration.
Performance enthusiasts will no doubt have eyes on the 2022 Ford Mustang SM17, a low‑kilometre modern icon projected at $165,000 to $180,000. With only 2,480 km on the clock and a 5038cc manual setup, it stands out as one of the most compelling contemporary performance offerings on the roster. Meanwhile, the revered 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII GSR (a staple of rally heritage) is expected to sit between $70,000 and $90,000, appealing to collectors seeking raw, analog, turbocharged thrills.
Classic purists are equally well catered to. Vehicles such as the 1953 Holden FJ, showing only 480 km and valued at $60,000 to $80,000, embody the nostalgia and craftsmanship that define mid‑century motoring. The beautifully presented 1966 Austin Healey 3000, estimated at $80,000 to $100,000, offers refined British sports car elegance with its 3‑litre engine and timeless lines.
For those chasing European pedigree, the lineup boasts a 1987 BMW M3 E30 (left-hand drive, manual, and steeped in motorsport heritage) also projected at $80,000 to $100,000. There’s also the breathtaking 1955 Jaguar XK140, an immaculately kept classic expected to reach between $135,000 and $150,000, powered by its iconic 3442cc straight‑six.
But perhaps the most dramatic head‑turners are found among the heavy‑hitting vintage and custom offerings. The 1956 Lycoming Special, with its monstrous 5244cc powerplant and an estimated value between $350,000 and $500,000, promises to be one of the most hotly anticipated vehicles of the day. Not far behind in star appeal is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, presented beautifully with only 420 miles and valued at up to $270,000.
Modern luxury also has a place on the roster, with vehicles like the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 63 S Edition 1 (a high‑spec, 3982cc twin‑turbo V8 sedan expected at $100,000 to $130,000) offering a blend of performance and refinement. The 1973 Jensen Interceptor, known for its 7.2‑litre engine and unmistakable grand touring presence, is also set to draw attention with expectations of $100,000 to $120,000.
Collectors of prewar craftsmanship will appreciate entries such as the 1935 Standard Swallow SS1, valued at $160,000 to $180,000, a significant slice of early British automotive design. And for fans of 1960s style, the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, with its elegant 2786cc engine and value set between $280,000 and $350,000, stands as one of the most desirable classics on offer.
With interest growing quickly, Sunday Drive is encouraging prospective bidders and sellers to register early. Whether you’re securing a seat in the room, arranging phone bidding, or accessing the official auction catalogue, the process is simple via the event’s dedicated channels. Spaces for consignments are intentionally limited, preserving the exclusivity and prestige that define the Ayrburn Classic’s vision.
If the early lineup is any indication, the Ayrburn Classic 2026 Auction is shaping up to be more than an event, it’s set to become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s motoring calendar. From rare classics to modern collectables, all showcased in one of the country’s most luxurious settings, this is an automotive experience designed to captivate enthusiasts for years to come.
For enquiries, prospective bidders can reach the auction team at +64 9 802 3287 or via email at [email protected].
