$300,000 classic car likely stolen to order

The award-winning 1967 Chevrolet Camaro was stolen on June 19. Detectives say distinctive Camaro is so 'hot' the thieves will probably try to smuggle it overseas. Photo / Supplied

An award-winning hot rod worth $300,000 was stolen after its owner had a few beers watching an All Blacks game at the pub.

Police fear the thieves will smuggle the customised 1967 Chevrolet Camaro overseas as such a recognisable car is too "hot" to stay in New Zealand.

Owner James Flynn parked his pride and joy in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland and walked to the pub to watch the All Blacks play Wales a fortnight ago.

After having a few beers, he decided not to drive home. Around 8am the next day, Mr Flynn returned to find "SIKROD" stolen.

"This is Kingsland, for god's sake, not some shitty carpark in South Auckland.

"Life goes on and no one is dead, but suffice to say I am not overly happy."

Mr Flynn was due to fly to the United States the next day for a six-week holiday, and spent most of Sunday door-knocking the neighbourhood to see if anyone had seen or heard anything.

It turns out the area where the Camaro was parked - the corner of Western Springs Rd and School Rd - is well known for cars to be broken into or stolen.

"The sad thing is the residents of the houses and apartments overlooking the area where my car was parked saw and heard nothing and had in actual fact become immune to alarms," said Mr Flynn.

The car enthusiast had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours restoring the 1967 model, which has won a number of awards in New Zealand and Australia.

"The car was a one-off. I have spent an awful lot of money and time creating what was regarded by many as one of the best custom cars in New Zealand."

Mr Flynn hoped some publicity would help track down the thieves, but more importantly, lead to the return of his car.

Detective Sergeant Callum McNeill, of the organised crime unit, said the theft was unusual because "SIKROD" was so well known within the hot rod scene.

Even if the custom car was dismantled in a "chop shop", Mr McNeill said, the parts would be recognised by those in the industry because they were so specialised.

He said it was possible the car was stolen to order to be smuggled overseas for a buyer, as the Camaro was too "hot" to stay here.

Anyone with information about the car should call Mr McNeill on (09) 302-6400.