Enthusiasts rally for parade of people's car

Andrew Bayliss checks over the wreckage of a 1954 Kombi Barndoor ute. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Its name means "people's car" but the Volkswagen doesn't unite all drivers - some love it and some hate it.

But aficionados will tomorrow have the opportunity to bid for some of the rarest in New Zealand.

The cars all originally belonged to car collector and restorer Francis Baptist, who died in 2006. Eighteen cars, seven motorbikes and nearly 400 lots of car parts are to be auctioned.

Standouts include a 1952 left-hand-drive Volkswagen Beetle - which Mr Baptist spent more than 400 hours restoring - a 1955 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1960 Porsche Cabriolet.

The auction is being held at Turners Auctions in Penrose, Auckland, and Rob Herbert, general manager of sales and marketing, said he was expecting some of the cars to go for about $20,000 to $30,000, with a few expected to sell for up to $100,000.

"All of the items are just very special and rare cars."

Mr Herbert said Turners had had a lot of interest from overseas buyers as well as locals, and was expecting a big turnout.

Andrew Bayliss, a friend of Mr Baptist, said selling the collection meant the end of an era.

"In a lot of ways, it's sad that the collection is splitting because it means Francis is gone.

"He was so well-known and respected in the Volkswagen community here and overseas."

Mr Bayliss said it was sad some of the cars would be going to overseas buyers but "whoever gets them will cherish them like he did".

"It's obviously an awesome opportunity. Things like this don't come up every day."

Mr Bayliss said Mr Baptist had an eye for detail and was a "meticulous restorer".

"He had the passion and the dedication, the single-minded determination to get things done."

Mr Bayliss said it was possible he would buy something from the collection "if my wife lets me have the chequebook".

Wayne Sullivan, a car enthusiast, said he had been "daring to buy an old car for ages" but wasn't really interested in VWs.

"I hope I don't [buy one tomorrow] because I already have five cars, but if the price is right I could."

If he does take part in the auction, Mr Sullivan will have to compete not only with bidders at Turners' site but also with others pitching their bids via Turners Live, its online auction cam.

Mr Herbert said Turners was approached by the executors of Mr Baptist's estate, who asked the auction house to sell the cars on the family's behalf.

Mr Herbert said the 11am auction would be the culmination of two busy months of planning. "To be entrusted with selling all these vehicles is a pretty big thing for us, so hopefully [tomorrow] it all comes together."

COLLECTION

1952 Volkswagen Beetle - up to $100,000. Left-hand drive, oval windows.

1955 Volkswagen Beetle - $25,000-$30,000. New Zealand new, original engine.

1960 Porsche Cabriolet - around $25,000. Ex-New York, major restoration needed.