Honda NZ list 16 rare heritage cars for sale as Nelson operations close

Honda New Zealand is auctioning off 16 vehicles from its Heritage Collection as the brand prepares to close its long-running Nelson facility, giving enthusiasts the chance to own everything from an ultra-low-kilometre Honda Accord to a cult-classic Honda Civic Type R.

The auction follows Honda New Zealand's decision to relocate its national vehicle distribution operations from Nelson to Auckland, bringing more than four decades of operations at the South Island site to an end. Proceeds from the sale of every vehicle will be donated to local Nelson charities.

The collection spans almost two decades of Honda history, from a 1981 Accord sedan through to a 2000 Civic Type R, with many of the vehicles assembled in New Zealand.

Arguably the standout is a 1995 Accord LXi, which has travelled just 7600km since new. Honda believes it could be the lowest-kilometre example of its generation anywhere in the world, with the locally assembled sedan presented in near-showroom condition.

The 2000 Civic Type R (EK9) is also expected to attract strong interest. Widely regarded as one of Honda's greatest performance models, genuine EK9s have become increasingly sought-after by collectors around the world.

Other rare models include a 1987 Honda Accord Aerodeck, a 1988 Honda City Jazz, and a 1989 Accord Hatch 4WD.

Not every vehicle is a pristine time capsule, however.

One of the more intriguing lots is a 1992 Civic hatchback showing 418,563km, serving as a rolling testament to the durability that helped establish Honda's reputation in New Zealand.

Several other cars have exceptionally low odometer readings despite being more than 30 years old, including a 1989 Accord sedan with 33,147km, a 1994 Civic hatch with 79,688km, a 1995 Civic LXi sedan with 70,026km, and a 1998 Civic VTi-S with 65,251km.

The sale comes after Honda New Zealand president and managing director Carolyn McMahon earlier confirmed the company was reviewing its Heritage Collection to determine which vehicles would be retained and which would be sold or rehomed.

"Obviously we want to retain the units that have very, very high heritage value and we're just going through that process at the moment of what do we keep, what do we maybe pass on to other lovers of Honda heritage cars," Ms McMahon told AutoTrader.

The collection also reflects Honda's manufacturing history in New Zealand.

Many of the Accords and Civics in the auction were assembled locally before New Zealand vehicle production came to an end, making them significant pieces of the country's automotive heritage.

The company says moving operations to Auckland will improve access to ports, transport networks, and the country's largest concentration of vehicle sales, reducing transit times and handling costs while supporting the long-term sustainability of the business.

Ms McMahon says relocating operations to Auckland would also reduce delivery times, with around 80 per cent of Honda New Zealand's sales now occurring in the North Island.

Honda began assembling vehicles in Nelson in 1980, initially building the Civic before adding an engine assembly line during the 1990s. In more recent years, the facility operated as Honda New Zealand's National Distribution Centre, handling pre-delivery inspections, vehicle customisation, servicing, and distribution to dealers nationwide.

The auction marks the end of one chapter in Honda New Zealand's history while giving the historic vehicles a new lease on life in private ownership.

All 16 vehicles are listed on Trade Me, with bidding closing on July 29.