The Ayrburn Classic Live Auction

Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026.
This vehicle will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm.
For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or additional history, photos and videos please visit the Sunday Drive website auctions page or ask a question here.
Reserve price is significantly lower than the listed price
Price guide $40,000 - $80,000

This particular example boasts extensive correspondence and supporting records that firmly establish its provenance and enrich its story. Sold new by Grove Garage, Cheltenham on 6 July 1953 and originally registered MD9490, it passed just one week later to Lord Dulverton of Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. By 4 January 1958, ownership had transferred to Lady Victoria Dulverton, whose personal connection to the car adds a distinctly human touch to its early history. On 4 September 1962, the Bentley was acquired by Hugh Foster, then listed care of the Commercial Bank of Australia in London.

Among the substantial archive that accompanies the car is a particularly charming letter from Lady Dulverton to Mr Foster, expressing her regret at having missed him during a recent visit to Chelsea.

On 4 March 1962, the Bentley was shipped to Lyttelton aboard the RMS Pipiriki, arriving and ultimately being registered on 18 January 1968. The accompanying documentation paints a vivid picture of attentive ownership, including a wealth of correspondence between Mr Foster and Bentley Motors regarding parts and upkeep. Notably, a letter dated May 1968 records an order for touch-up paint priced by the pint while another candidly expresses his dissatisfaction with the local branch of the NZ Motor Corporation

In 1980, the Bentley was purchased by a well-known Wellington engineer, remaining within his familys care for decades before being sold in 2021. It was subsequently acquired by the current vendor, under whose custodianship it has continued to be enjoyed and respectfully preserved.

With effectively just four owners from new, this Bentley represents a rare and highly desirable survival. It also benefits from a past engine reconditioning, ensuring that its renowned straight-six continues to deliver the smooth, dignified performance for which these cars are celebrated. The recorded mileage now stands at just 143,861 miles, having increased by little more than 1,000 miles since it was last offered in 2021.