Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson has raised more than $30,000 for mental health charity I Am Hope, after auctioning off the first car he ever owned.
Lawson and childhood friend Matt Stevens donated their customised Subaru Forester on Trade Me, as part of I Am Hope’s annual Gumboot Friday fundraiser.
And after a week of bidding, with more than 100,000 views on the auction, Waikato-based Subaru-enthusiast Murray Wells snapped up the 2000 Forester, for $35,300.
Wells has owned more than a dozen Subarus since buying his first in 1986. And even if that number has fallen in recent years, Wells’ love of the Japanese manufacturer passed down to his family.
“My daughter now has my last Subaru,” he said. “I started off with a Subaru Leone 1800 wagon, a series of Legacys, a WRX which got stolen, a newer Forester than Liam’s customised one, and a series of Outbacks, so now I’m back in the Subaru fold.
“This will just be a pet car, I’ve got more money than sense and I saw this and thought, stuff it, I’ll buy it.”
A team of Kiwi suppliers have come together to help rebuild the Forester, now running less than 1000km on a brand-new engine, after previously clocking more than 234,000km on its previous one.
The full engine rebuild and performance tuning, completed by Possum Bourne Motorsport, has boosted the Forester to 300 Wheel Horsepower. Subaru New Zealand supplied a new W20C short block and genuine STI turbo (VF34), with components from Winger New Zealand.
The performance-focused makeover includes upgraded suspension, exhaust, ECU, valvetrain, intercooler and clutch, alongside fresh wheels, semi-slick tyres and a satin dark grey wrap.
Supported by Porter Group, Creme Insurance and other local sponsors, the project showcases top-tier Kiwi craftsmanship and tuning expertise.
“I’m very grateful to Murray and all the bidders who chose to push the final bid much higher than my expectation,” Lawson said.
“I’m happy it’s gone to a genuine Subaru fan and I appreciate his support is going to help so many young people.
“Honestly, I loved building this car and although I won’t get to drive it again I know Murray will have a grin when he gets behind the wheel.”
As well as its custom features, the car also carries Lawson’s Formula One number 30, and his signature on the dashboard.
The money raised in the auction as part of the Gumboot Friday fundraiser is used to provide free counselling services for people under the age of 25.
“This is the community at work,” said I Am Hope founder and former chief executive Mike King.
“A legacy car turned into real help, 230-plus counselling sessions, roughly a hundred young Kiwis getting proper support – think 20 carloads of our rangatahi being heard.
“Huge gratitude to Liam and Matt, the suppliers, every bidder and everyone who shared the listing. From our team and the families we serve, thank you.”