Rare Gems: Honda’s Heritage Car Collection Now Available for Purchase

Honda New Zealand is set to auction off 16 vehicles from its Heritage Collection as the brand prepares to close its long-standing Nelson facility. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of vehicles, ranging from a low-kilometre Honda Accord to a classic Honda Civic Type R.

The decision to relocate Honda New Zealand’s national vehicle distribution operations from Nelson to Auckland marks the end of over four decades of operations at the South Island site. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to local Nelson charities.

The collection showcases almost twenty years of Honda history, featuring models such as a 1981 Accord sedan and a 2000 Civic Type R, many of which were assembled in New Zealand.

A standout vehicle in the collection is a 1995 Accord LXi with only 7600km on the odometer. This locally assembled sedan is in near-showroom condition and is believed to be one of the lowest-kilometre examples of its generation globally.

The 2000 Civic Type R (EK9) is also expected to garner significant interest, being a highly regarded performance model in Honda’s lineup.

Other notable models up for auction include a 1987 Honda Accord Aerodeck, a 1988 Honda City Jazz, and a 1989 Accord Hatch 4WD.

While some vehicles have exceptionally low odometer readings, such as a 1989 Accord sedan with 33,147km and a 1994 Civic hatch with 79,688km, others like a 1992 Civic hatchback with 418,563km showcase Honda’s reputation for durability.

The decision to review and auction off vehicles from the Heritage Collection was made by Honda New Zealand’s president and managing director, Carolyn McMahon. The company aims to retain units with high heritage value while finding new homes for others.

The move of operations to Auckland is expected to enhance access to ports, transport networks, and the country’s main vehicle sales hub. This transition will support the long-term sustainability of the business and improve delivery times for customers.

Honda’s manufacturing history in New Zealand is reflected in the collection, with many locally assembled vehicles set to be auctioned off as significant pieces of the country’s automotive heritage.

The auction of these historic vehicles marks the end of a chapter in Honda New Zealand’s history, providing them with a new opportunity for private ownership. All 16 vehicles are listed on Trade Me, with bidding closing on July 29.

For those interested in exploring the Honda showroom or adding a piece of automotive history to their collection, the auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire rare and iconic Honda models.