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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Spitfire Auctioned in New Zealand

A 1945 Supermarine Spitfire aircraft was sold for a record price of over $3 million NZD, the highlight of Bonhams and Goodman’s highly anticipated inaugural New Zealand sale of Collectors’ Cars and Aircraft.

spitfire.jpgThe sale, conducted on Sunday 14 September in Nelson, New Zealand, was attended by a crowd of over 500 enthusiasts. Spitfires rarely surface on the open market, and there had been a huge amount of interest leading up to the auction from both local and international collectors. Enormous tension mounted in the auction room as three bidders, two on the telephone and one in the room, fought it out. As auctioneer Tim Goodman knocked down the Spitfire to the successful bidder for $3.164 million NZ dollars (including 13% buyers premium), the crowd erupted into applause. The price, which translates to $2.568 million AUD, was a record for a motor vehicle or aircraft sold by auction in Australia or New Zealand, and was also the highest price achieved for a single lot by value in the company’s history.

Robert Glover, Bonhams & Goodman’s Head of Collectors’ Cars, said he was absolutely delighted with the sale. “To be entrusted with the sale of the Spitfire was a privilege and we are thrilled to have achieved such a wonderful result,” he said. “It caps off what has been an absolutely terrific sale.” He added that the plane was bought by an Asian buyer who is collecting for a major museum to be established in mainland China.

The next major auction date for motoring enthusiasts will be 16 November 2008, when Bonhams & Goodman conducts the sale of one of the most important collections of racing single-seater motor cars in the world. The historic and highly valuable collection of the English ex pat, the Late Hon. John Dawson-Damer, will be offered for sale.

Auction info www.bonhamsandgoodman.com.au