Classic BMW sports car to be auctioned in Bermuda
A classic BMW Z3 with only 26,000 miles on the clock is to be auctioned at an island motor festival this month.
If the event is a success, it could pave the way for the shipment of more classic cars to Bermuda in a move that it was claimed could help to “further beautify” the island.
David Cahill, the driving force behind the Scooter Mart Motor Fest, said: “This car is a true original with a meticulous service history.
“It was produced in November 1998 and registered January 1999. It’s never missed a service and only has 26,000 miles on the clock.
“That means that on average it’s done approximately 1,000 miles a year — and it’s been in a garage the rest of the time.”
Mr Cahill said a client approached him about adding more classic cars to the island’s landscape so that Bermuda could become “synonymous” with the glamour linked to stylish older vehicles.
He explained: “He was interested in providing a concierge service to help people get cars here and I suggested to him that he should do a proof of concept and bring in his own vehicle, which would highlight any obstacles.
“I also suggested that as a way of finding out the level of interest in buying a classic car that it would be fun to hold an auction and, as I understand it, this will be the first live auction for a classic car in Bermuda.”
On whether this could be a new business, Mr Cahill, the director of Bermuda Charge, a motorsports organisation that puts on Motor Fest, added: “It could be a business, but it’s more of a community service.
“The primary goal of my client is the further beautification of Bermuda and this is really an experiment to find out how much it costs to bring these in and what they are worth when they get here.”
The car was sourced through High Peak Autos in Britain, which is run by Bermudian-born Matt Goodwin.
It is classified as a modern classic, has a power roof, power windows and seats — and a CD player. It also has the advantage of a local dealer, Bermuda Motors.
Owners used to be able to drive classic cars on Sundays only but the law was changed to allow them on the roads on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
There is also no need for an assessment number for cars registered with a classic numberplate.
“This BMW Z3 drives very much like an everyday car. You’ve got service and repair facilities on island and it’s suitable for anybody to get in and drive,” Mr Cahill said.
The opening bid for the car is set at $28,000, and as well as having live bids, people not on the island can enter a maximum bid in advance via the Bermuda Charge website.
Mr Cahill added: “The Z3 was first introduced to the world in the James Bond movie GoldenEye in 1995, which was a huge hit. And then when they commenced production in 1997, it sold out immediately.
“With that in mind, we have given the auction, and the show in general, a 007 theme, which can be seen in the poster for the event, but also we’ll have a beautiful show-winning motorcycle called Golden Eye displayed next to the car.
“Our auctioneer, Karen Plianthos, of Bermuda Wine Concierge, will be dressed in Bond-girl attire.”
He added: “I also want to give a big shout-out to the team at TCD who were extremely helpful in bringing the car to Bermuda.”
The auction will take place during the Scooter Mart Motor Fest on Sunday, June 30.
On Sunday, June 30, Front Street will be closed as motoring enthusiasts show off their bikes, cars — and boats.
“We’ve got so much going on. It’s action-packed,” said David Cahill, the director of Bermuda Charge, the event organiser.
There will be everything from powerboat racing in Hamilton harbour to stunt shows, speed tests and even a slow race.
There will also be hundreds of bikes and vintage cars to view as well as the latest in electric vehicle developments.
It is a far cry from its origins when scores of car and bike enthusiasts set off from Clearwater car park, riding for charity.
“In the first year we ran a contest for best car and best bike and that became the most popular part of the day,” Mr Cahill said.
“Each year we have increased the number of categories up to the point where this year we have 19 and, for the first time, we’re running a people's choice award, where members of the public can scan a QR code to vote for their favourite bike and car.”
In addition, he is flying in J. Shia, the owner and founder of Madhouse Motors in Boston, courtesy of BermudAir.
Mr Cahill said: “She’s one of the world’s leading motorcycle designers and builders and there’s going be a Madhouse Motors award, which has got a prize of business class flights with BermudAir.”
Other prizes include a one-night stay at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club with breakfast for two.
• To view the poster for the event with more details, see Related Media
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