Early EV on the block

A quirky-looking two-person electric vehicle is among the eye-catching lots in an automotive auction taking place in Auckland this weekend.

The Electric Car Company FG-75, pictured above, was built in Long Beach, California, in the 1960s and is part of the catalogue for Webb’s Collectors’ Cars sale on Sunday, September 6.

The auction house notes the vehicle, which has an estimate of $25,000 to $30,000, was marketed as a two-person electric runabout about half a century before EVs reached the mainstream and is understood to be the only example in New Zealand.

Another standout lot is a Toylander 2 Land Rover, estimate $3,000-$3,500, that was bought as a kit and assembled by the vendor with his grandchildren.

It runs, drives, carries one adult and two children, and tops out at about 8kph.

Vehicles in the wider catalogue range from a Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda to a 1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30 HP Limousine and a 2024 Honda Civic Type R.

Motorsport fans may also be interested in the rear valance from Colin McRae’s Ford Focus RS WRC, pictured below, estimate $4,500-$5,500.

The unusual lot still bears the damage from the Whaanga Coast stage of the 2002 Rally New Zealand, where the Scottish driver’s retirement ended his championship challenge.

Sale items are on view daily at Webb’s gallery at 33a Normanby Road, Mt Eden, before the live auction at 2.30pm on Sunday, September 6.