Classic VWs set for auction
A number of classic vehicles that belonged to Jim Wilson, the founder of Phantom Billstickers and the first manager of The Exponents, are due to go under the hammer this weekend.
Wilson, who died this year, spent decades collecting and restoring classic Volkswagens and some of those are now being sold as part of the Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction at Webb’s in Auckland on Sunday, June 7.
The lots from his estate include a 1952 split-window Beetle and a 1958 Samba Deluxe, pictured above, both with estimates of $140,000 to $160,000.
The Beetle, restored in California and converted to right-hand drive in New Zealand, won best in class and best in show at the VW Nationals in 2024.
The Samba, fitted with extensive performance upgrades, achieved the same feat at the 2025 event.
A 1963 21-window Samba, which was previously owned by Hugh Jackman’s personal trainer and regularly seen being driven by the actor around Bondi Beach, is also up for sale and expected to reach between $190,000 and $210,000.
Two other vehicles in the auction catalogue that belonged to Wilson are a 1956 Beetle and a 1967 Saab 96 V4, “reflecting Wilson’s affection for unusual and characterful vehicles over conventional prestige classics”.
Webb’s notes Wilson spent decades accumulating, driving, and writing about cars in his personal blog with the same energy he brought to everything else.
In his own words: “In my lifetime I have owned probably 30 Volkswagens, and I loved every single one of them, whether or not one could see the road through the floorboards.”
The wider catalogue for Sunday’s auction offers a range of vehicles, from grand touring to everyday classics, and some personalised plates.
Highlights include a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL “Pagoda”, pictured below, with an estimate of $250,000 to $275,000, and a 2015 Porsche 911 4S Targa expected to fetch between $160,000 and $180,000.
Also in the sale are a 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S, a 2010 Ferrari California, a 2016 Bentley Continental GT W12, a 1992 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II, a 1961 Jaguar MK 2, and a 1947 Ford Mercury.
The lots are on view at 33a Normanby Road, Mt Eden, from June 3-7 and the auction takes place there at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 7.
