Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 28 May 2026
A collection of classic Volkswagens owned by the late Jim Wilson is heading to auction early next month.
Owned by Jim Wilson, founder of Phantom Billstickers and the first manager of The Exponents, the collection features five immaculate vehicles.
The headlining vehicle of the collection is a 1963 Volkswagen Samba Deluxe that’s tipped to fetch as much as $210,000 when the hammer drops.
As a 21-window model, it is one of the rarest Kombis around, and it has undergone a complete restoration by Hopkins Restoration Works in Mullaway, NSW.
Beneath the pristine exterior, the Kombi sports a 2.3-litre engine with Super RaceCrank, Mahle forged pistons, an Eagle Race cam, MagnaSpark ignition, Kennedy race clutch, and a Freeway Flyer transmission.
The other Samba Deluxe is believed to have started life as a panel van. It has since undergone a similar restoration, and also features a larger engine.
The Kombis aren’t the only vehicles in the spotlight, a 1952 split-window Beetle is also up for grabs.
This immaculate survivor is tipped to fetch as much as $160,000 at the auction as it’s one of the rarest Beetles built.
This one reportedly arrived in 2023, and was converted to right-hand drive soon after.
A 1956 Beetle is also included, and although its estimate is in the $30,000 – $40,000 region, the listing states how it is one of the most immaculate examples around.
While it isn’t a Volkswagen, the final vehicle in Wilson’s collection going under the hammer is just as interesting.
The 1967 Saab 96 V4 is a far less common sight on New Zealand roads, but like the other VWs, it also looks to be in incredible condition.
The collection is going to be sold via auction at Webb’s Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia June event early next month.
