by Honda is closing its longtime plant in Nelson, New Zealand, and this decision has a positive side for classic car enthusiasts. The manufacturer opened its private vault to auction 19 classic models from its Heritage Collection. All proceeds will go to support local charities.
Plant closure and historical context
The closure of the facility marks the end of Honda’s 46-year history in Nelson. Originally an assembly plant, it produced British Leyland vehicles such as Triumph, Jaguar, Rover, and Austin, and in 1980 was converted to manufacture Honda cars. This move reflected market trends of the time. Vehicle assembly gradually ceased in 1998, a year after New Zealand abolished import duties, making local production economically unviable. Since then, the site has been used as the brand’s National Distribution Center, which is now listed for sale.
Auction stars: Civic Type R and other rarities
The company decided what to do with the warehouse filled with classics. The most valuable museum exhibits, such as the original NSX, S2000, and Integra Type R, will remain in the permanent collection. Instead, 19 more accessible models will be sold at auction in partnership with Trade Me.
The undisputed star of the sale is a 2000 Honda Civic Type R (EK9) imported from Japan. It has 154,000 km on the odometer, is painted in Championship White, and still retains the original red Recaro bucket seats. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder B16B engine, although the previous owner added a non-standard intake and exhaust system.
In addition to the original Type R, Honda is auctioning two track cars from 2005 and 2022. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the Honda Jazz RS with a manual transmission and Mugen modifications.
Time capsule: 1995 Accord LXi
For those who value pristine cars for daily use, there is a true time capsule — a 1995 Honda Accord LXi. This burgundy sedan, assembled locally in Nelson, has only 7,600 km on the odometer, making it likely one of the least worn fifth-generation Accords in existence. It is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Another similarly low-mileage example is a purple 1989 Accord with 33,147 km, leather interior, sunroof, and power windows and mirrors. Microcar fans can bid on a 1988 Honda City hatchback repainted in bright blue with only 24,000 km on the odometer.
Rare models and mileage record holder
Among the rarest lots are a 1987 Honda Accord Aerodeck wagon with a three-door “shooting brake” body and a locally assembled 1987 Honda Civic GTi hatchback. At the opposite end of the odometer scale is a fifth-generation 1992 Civic hatchback with 418,563 km. This locally assembled entry-level car with a 1.3-liter engine and manual transmission had only one owner. It has covered more distance than from Earth to the Moon, and Honda kept it in the collection as proof of its own reliability.
Auction details
Bidding for 16 of the 19 cars is already underway on the Trade Me platform and will close on July 29. All lots are sold without reserve prices.
This auction is not just a sale of old cars but a kind of summary of an entire era in the history of the Japanese automotive industry in New Zealand. The closure of the Nelson plant symbolizes the globalization of production, where local assembly loses its relevance due to cheaper imports. At the same time, the company’s decision to direct all proceeds to charity and preserve the most valuable exhibits in the museum demonstrates respect for its own heritage. Particularly interesting is the contrast between the nearly new Accord with 7,600 km and the “eternal” Civic that covered over 400,000 km — this vividly illustrates two different approaches to car ownership: as an investment in the future and as a reliable tool for many years.
