Rare car sales in Christchurch are attracting a lot of interest from car enthusiasts and history buffs vying to own a piece of Canterbury’s motoring history.
The Holden Kingswood that starred at Britain’s 1974 Commonwealth Games has been put up for sale ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of the Christchurch Games.
Classic Automobile Company director Ian Hyndman said there had been strong interest in the vehicle since it was listed on TradeMe in mid-December with an asking price of $89,000.
Mr Hyndman traded the car from a private owner in Rotorua a few months ago.
Rare white 1973 Holden Kingswood 253 V8 Trimatic Saloon with 174,300 kilometers on the clock.
Games organizers have ordered approximately 169 Australian-made Holden Kingswoods for the event. All were decorated with blue and red livery and were used to guide managers and athletes around event venues.
The vehicle is sold with its original logbook, which lists the names of its occupants, including cycling officials from Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.
The new owner will also receive a set of commemorative Commonwealth Games coins and medals.
Hosting the 1974 Commonwealth Games was a significant moment in Christchurch’s history, with the city hosting over 1,000 athletes from 38 countries.
The New Brighton Museum is planning the grand opening of its Commonwealth Games commemorative exhibition in mid-January, with an official event hosted by the New Zealand Olympic Committee to be held at Te Pae in Christchurch later that month.
Auction listing: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/holden/listing/4463071921?bof=QQIIpgYc
– Written by Jeff Sloan
Produced in collaboration with NZ On Air