‘Strong’ start for sales platform

An online auction platform dedicated to classic, performance and collectible cars has started this year with “strong momentum” and is optimistic about matching its record results of 2025.

Collecting Cars cleared 60 sold lots in January for a total of A$4 million (about NZ$4.7m) in sales, which it says was almost the same figure achieved a year ago.

The company describes the result as a healthy sign for the local collector car market and opens the door to a possible repeat of its 2025 annual performance, when more than 1,100 sold lots brought in over A$80m.

Highlights from last month’s sales include a 2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R, pictured, fetching A$470,000, a 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R going under the hammer for A$75,555 and a 1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV being sold for A$70,888.

“January sales results show that local collector car buyers and sellers weren’t dissuaded by the recent end-of-year holiday period,” says Lee Hallett, head of Apac at Collecting Cars.

“February 2026 is already set to accelerate our results with a number of special cars heading to Collecting Cars, including some special machinery from two V8 Supercars legends.”

The former Larry Perkins 1997 Bathurst 1000-winning Holden Commodore V8 Supercar, now fully restored under the guidance of the racer’s son Jack Perkins, will be available to buy.

Also featuring in the platform’s sealed bids auction service is Greg Murphy’s Hellcat-powered 1969 Dodge Charger, which was built by US custom car builders and restomod specialists, Ringbrothers.

“These two cars have undergone painstaking ground-up rebuilds,” adds Hallett. “It’s not often that cars of their provenance and finish become available to buy.”