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 $60,000 - $80,000

An Icon of New Zealand Motorsport

Offered for sale is the legendary Rhubarb Mk3 Sports Racing Car, one of New Zealands most historically significant sports racers.

Built in Tauranga in 1975 by Colin Smith, this car is a multiple SCANZ and NZ Sports Car Championship winner, with victories in:

1976, 1977, 1980

A true period race car with an exceptional pedigree, the Rhubarb Mk3 is well known in NZ motorsport circles and represents a rare opportunity to own a genuine championship-winning machine.

Engine & Drivetrain

Lancia 124 Twin Cam engine

Oversized forged pistons (USA)

Cometic MLS head gasket

Capacity: 1998cc

Previously ran a Hart Twin Cam

Dry sump lubrication

Hewland FT200 5-speed gearbox

Extensive selection of gear ratios to suit any circuit

Chassis & Setup

Approx. 700kg

Wheel-weighted perfectly with driver onboard

Rare adjustable sway bar (race-adjustable)

Smith design rising rate front suspension

Last major work carried out by Denco Engineering

Why This Car Matters

Genuine SCANZ title-winning car

Proven race winner with decades of documented history

Correct period specification

Extremely rare opportunity to own a front-running NZ-built sports racing car

Ideal for historic racing, demonstration events, or serious collection

This is not a replica or tribute this is the real Rhubarb Mk3.
Cars of this calibre, history, and provenance rarely come to market.