McLaren M8A-2 sold overseas

[Goat Boy]

I was disappointed to read of this in the Herald this morning http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=11288746

It seems a shame that after fighting MOTAT for the possession of the car, it will now head overseas where Kiwis won't be able to see it any more. Seems that they should have just left it at MOTAT where we could have at least seen it. The comment that it would have been rotting away is incorrect, there are plenty of cars (and aircraft for that matter) on static display in museums around the world and this would have been preferable to the car leaving the country.

I do sympathise with the BMT about the ongoing costs, but if they had thought hard enough about this before embarking on the restoration and active retirement path the car perhaps would have stayed where it was.

[raymond]

Originally Posted by Goat Boy

I was disappointed to read of this in the Herald this morning http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=11288746

It seems a shame that after fighting MOTAT for the possession of the car, it will now head overseas where Kiwis won't be able to see it any more. Seems that they should have just left it at MOTAT where we could have at least seen it. The comment that it would have been rotting away is incorrect, there are plenty of cars (and aircraft for that matter) on static display in museums around the world and this would have been preferable to the car leaving the country.

I do sympathise with the BMT about the ongoing costs, but if they had thought hard enough about this before embarking on the restoration and active retirement path the car perhaps would have stayed where it was.

Agree. Makes me wonder why the Northern Sports Car Club ever gave up the rights to it. I hope they get some $$$ from it after rescuing and housing it for all those years. I know that originally the NSCC said no to it going, but obviously have had a change of mind.

To me this just shows the BMT is marking time, I would have thought it would have been a number one priority to keep this car in NZ, especially after they were basically gifted it. Sad news indeed.

[MalcolmC]

I too was surprised to read this in the Herald.
I haven't been a member of the McLaren Trust for several years since the newsletters dried up, but was the car even advertised locally?

Does everyone who made donations to the restoration get their money back? Profiting from public donations does not sit well with me.

I understand their inability to fund the ongoing costs of ownership but giving the car to Southwards Museum would have relieved them of that burden.

[KRDG]

Who has it been sold to? Anyone know?

Maybe the new owner will be sympathetic like the Florida Mosquito owner who left his newly restored aircraft here for some time while the test flying was completed.