Special VIP car going to auction

29 October 2009

A Daimler vehicle whose passengers have included Her Majesty the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, royals from Belgium and Holland and heads of state from the Philippines, Finland, Ireland and Indonesia, will be on sale at the Turners Classic and Collectable Vehicles auction at Penrose Cars on 31 October 2009.

The Daimler is owned by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Craig Doherty, Procurement Manager, Department of Internal Affairs, says the limousine was purchased in 2001 to transport the highest tier of official visitors on visits to New Zealand.

“As soon as the limousine was purchased restoration work got underway. This included stripping down the vehicle and rebuilding from bare metal. New seats covered with New Zealand leather were added and the original wood veneer was relacquered. The engine was replaced and brakes upgraded.”

He says the limousine has a prestigious background with the Department. “Befitting its status only designated drivers from Internal Affairs with the specific training drove the limousine.

“With the recent advent of a fleet of fuel efficient BMWs, meeting our VIP needs for passenger security and comfort, the Daimler is no longer required,” says Craig Doherty.

Further information about the Daimler, including auction details can be found at:
http://www.turners.co.nz/Auctions/Pages/Auctions-Details.aspx?scope=Products&view=VehicleCatalogue&AuctionId=16354