International auction house Bonhams continues its rapid global expansion through its Australian business, Bonhams & Goodman with the announcement of its inaugural Classic Car Auction in New Zealand and the appointment of a Head of Collectors’ Motor Cars for New Zealand.
Backed by the Bonhams International Motoring Department which is the world’s largest and most respected auctioneer of Motor Cars, Motorcycles and related Automobilia, the New Zealand venture will be a fitting addition to the Auction House which already has four fully staffed departments located worldwide – North America (San Francisco and New York), Australia (Sydney), Mainland Europe (Paris) and the UK (London)
Because of New Zealand’s impressive reputation as a country of enthusiastic and knowledgeable collectors, prestigious cars and world class restorers, Bonhams & Goodman sees the region as a natural and very exciting step on from the great successes of several collectors car auctions already held in Australia. These auctions have garnered huge international interest, achieving record breaking prices for exceptional vehicles. In anticipation of equally interesting and successful sales across the Tasman, two major auctions of collectors’ cars and motorcycles will be conducted in New Zealand in 2008.
Tim Evill has been appointed as Head of Collectors’ Motor Cars in New Zealand and he is tasked with sourcing an array of fine vehicles for these prestigious auctions. As a long time classic car collector himself Tim also has an impressive professional track record in advertising and marketing. He has spent the past 23 years in Singapore and China managing the marketing of major global brands such as McDonalds, Singapore Airlines, VW and Mercedes Benz for leading Advertising Agencies. He is also fortunate enough to own an enviable stable of fine cars in New Zealand including an Aston Martin DB2/4, a Lola T-204, and an Austin Healey 100/6 and a 3000 Mk1 that he is currently restoring.
Bonhams & Goodman will become the first international auction house to have a full time resource in New Zealand.
“New Zealand, like Australia, is a comparatively small market yet is home to many respected collectors and an unexpected number of highly important motorcars,” says Robert Glover, Head of Collector’s Cars in Australia. “Choices for buyers and sellers alike have been limited in the past with no international stage in their home country upon which to trade their cars.”
With the most international, broadly-targeted marketing and advertising; Plus the background muscle of the Bonhams brand and all that it stands for – integrity, commitment, flexibility, professionalism, track record and sales success – New Zealand clients will now be able to appoint Bonhams knowing their prized possession will benefit from simply the best service in the industry, which will in turn maximize their prospects to generate the very best price for their vehicles.
“We are confident that Bonhams’ reputation and expertise in classic and vintage cars will open up many possibilities and place New Zealand firmly on the global collectors’ cars map,” adds Glover.
Chairman of Bonhams & Goodman in Australia Tim Goodman echoes Glover’s sentiments “We have been eager to open in New Zealand for some time. We have always been keen to explore the collectors’ cars market but have been waiting for the right person locally to lead the New Zealand expansion. Tim Evill’s experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for motor cars, makes him the perfect pioneer for the business in New Zealand”.
Tim Evill is presently consigning entries for the first New Zealand auction which is scheduled to take place on Sunday 22 June. Negotiations are underway with several prominent national venue operators who are keen to secure this exciting event.