The Roy Sharman Collection – Part 1: Classic Cars from a Lifetime of Motoring Passion

For the Matariki long weekend, we travelled to Waiuku to begin the enormous task of cataloguing the remarkable Roy Sharman Collection. Under a clear winter sky, Roy's friends, myself, and a bright spark named Derick spent the day opening cabinet after cabinet filled with decades of motoring treasures, each with its own story to tell.

Roy Sharman was a passionate collector with a lifelong fascination for anything that moved. His interests stretched far beyond classic cars. Roy worked closely with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for many years, served aboard Union Steam Ship Company vessels, and was the last known surviving crew member of the Wahine Disaster. His passion for New Zealand's transport history is reflected throughout this extraordinary collection.

Because of Roy's diverse interests, the upcoming auctions will feature far more than classic vehicles. Collectors can also look forward to an impressive selection of New Zealand Railways (NZR) memorabilia, Union Steam Ship Company collectables, early marine lighting, automobilia, and motoring memorabilia gathered over a lifetime.

Fourteen Classic Cars – Seven Offered in Part 1

The collection includes 14 classic cars, with seven exceptional examples featuring in Part 1 of the auction. Every vehicle has its own personality, and after spending the day driving and photographing them, it's fair to say each left a lasting impression.

1937 Packard

The first car to emerge into the winter sunshine was the stunning 1937 Packard, finished in eye-catching Canary Yellow. Elegant, smooth and surprisingly easy to drive, it started effortlessly and immediately reminded us why Packard became synonymous with luxury motoring. Wherever it goes, this car commands attention.

1951 Austin A40 Sports

Next came the charming 1951 Austin A40 Sports, complete with its lightweight aluminium body built by Jensen. Compact, stylish and full of character, it's exactly the sort of classic that begs to be driven with the roof folded down on a warm summer afternoon.

1930 Hupmobile

The 1930 Hupmobile was perhaps the most entertaining to drive. Unlike modern vehicles, its pedals are arranged accelerator, clutch, brake, rather than the familiar accelerator, brake, clutch layout. It takes a moment to adjust, but once mastered, the Hupmobile proved reliable enough for us to drive into town for lunch without missing a beat.

1930 Hupmobile

1930 Hupmobile

1950 Bentley

The stately Bentley was next before the camera. It was another delight to drive, although its gear lever mounted beside the driver's door certainly feels unusual by modern standards. Entering and exiting requires a little care, but that quirk perfectly reflects its heritage. After all, this was a motorcar designed when the owner often enjoyed the spacious rear seat while a chauffeur handled the driving.

1950 Bentley

1950 Bentley

1951 Daimler Special Sports

The elegant 1951 Daimler Special Sports followed, finished in a striking two-tone colour scheme. Equipped with a pneumatic clutch, it offers an exceptionally smooth driving experience and feels every bit the refined grand tourer. It's the sort of car reserved for life's special occasions.

1951 Daimler Special Sports

1951 Daimler Special Sports

1964 Renault Caravelle

The sporty 1964 Renault Caravelle soon came to life and made its way to our photography location. With its rear-mounted engine, graceful styling and convertible roof, it remains one of the most distinctive European sports cars of its era. It attracted attention everywhere it went and practically demanded to be driven top-down.

1964 Renault Caravelle

1964 Renault Caravelle

1910 Hupmobile

Saving one of the oldest for last, the 1910 Hupmobile rounded out the day. A true brass-era automobile, it provides an incredible glimpse into the earliest years of motoring. Standing beside it, it's impossible not to appreciate just how dramatically automotive engineering has evolved over the past century.

1910 Hupmobile

1910 Hupmobile

A Collection Worth Watching

This is only the beginning of what promises to be one of New Zealand's most exciting collector auctions. Whether your interests lie in classic cars, vintage automobilia, petroliana, New Zealand railway memorabilia, or Union Steam Ship collectables, the Roy Sharman Collection offers something genuinely special.

Over the coming weeks we'll be sharing more stories, behind-the-scenes photographs and highlights as we continue cataloguing this remarkable lifetime collection.

If you're passionate about classic cars, vintage motoring memorabilia, NZ railway collectables, or historic transport memorabilia, be sure to keep an eye on Collector Auctions. This is a sale you won't want to miss.