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 $350,000 - $750,000

Widely regarded as New Zealands most loved racing car, The Lycoming is a marvel of kiwi engineering genius and a true national icon. Conceived and built by the brilliant Ralph Watson, driven and raced by Jim Boyd, personally driven in competition by Bruce McLaren along with Jimmy Clark. A rare distinction that places this car firmly at the centre of New Zealand motorsport history.

Finished in its instantly recognisable polished alloy bodywork, later accented by the iconic red band sweeping back from the nose, the Lycoming is as beautiful as it is purposeful.

Powered by a 5.2 - litre Lycoming O-290 aircraft engine later upgraded to 320 cubic inches in 1960, mounted unconventionally and engineered with Watsons own fuel injection and dry-sump system, the Lycoming delivered immense torque, thunderous performance, and remarkable reliability. Capable of 240 km/h and a standing quarter in the low 12.8 second range, it was devastatingly effective - and famously driveable. In period, it was raced hard, hill-climbed, sprinted, and even driven on the road between events.

Between 1957 and 1967, the Lycoming dominated New Zealand circuits, becoming virtually unbeatable in the hands of Jim Boyd. Its legend was sealed with victories over far newer and factory-built machinery and by moments such as Bruce McLaren piloting it at Wigram and Jimmy Clark requesting a drive at Teretonga.

Nearly lost to history after being dismantled, the car was painstakingly recovered and restored in the early 1980s by Dunedin engineer Ralph Smith, with guidance from Watson and Boyd themselves. Remarkably, the car remains largely original, retaining its character, integrity, and authenticity.

A car that defines an era.
A machine that embodies New Zealand ingenuity.
And quite possibly the rarest opportunity ever offered to own a cornerstone of New Zealand racing history.

Offered at auction at Ayrburn.
When the hammer falls, history changes hands.