1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith claims ‘Best in Show’ at inaugural Ayrburn Classic in Queenstown

A brand-new motoring festival has cruised into Queenstown’s event calendar with style, as the Ayrburn Classic made a roaring debut over the weekend. Around 5000 car lovers flocked to Arrowtown’s hospitality precinct at Ayrburn, where a breathtaking 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith wowed the crowds and secured the coveted ‘Best in Show’ award.

Global Automotive Icons

Spanning three days of world-class automobiles, fine dining, and live entertainment, the Ayrburn Classic celebrated the pinnacle of automotive innovation and heritage—perfectly framed by Queenstown’s iconic alpine landscapes. Kicking off with a private launch on Friday, the event opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday, featuring over 250 classic and modern luxury vehicles valued at more than NZD $250 million. Among the head-turners were an $8 million LaFerrari and the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, revealed to New Zealand for the first time.

Chris Meehan—founder and CEO of Ayrburn’s owner, Winton—says the first Ayrburn Classic has set a new standard for motoring events, and he expects it will grow significantly in both size and influence. “It’s as big as any car show on the planet. As the event builds, we’ll see more international visitors, establishing Ayrburn Classic among the world’s premier car shows,” Meehan says.

Meehan also points out that Queenstown is already a hub for noteworthy events such as the New Zealand Golf Open and the Queenstown International Marathon. The Ayrburn Classic aims to take its place among these high-profile occasions, giving automotive enthusiasts yet another compelling reason to visit the region.

Showcase on the Dell and Special Guests

A highlight of the festival was the Showcase on the Dell, featuring a parade lap of the most captivating cars before each was presented on stage. Owners shared their stories in interviews hosted by MC Shaun Summerfield (Giltrap Group’s Communication & PR General Manager). Guests enjoying a long lunch were treated to a special appearance by Kiwi rally driver Emma Gilmour, while live music, DJ sets, and exceptional dining experiences from Ayrburn’s restaurants, bars, and food trucks kept the atmosphere buzzing.

Country singer-songwriter Miranda Easten headlined Saturday’s entertainment and even brought her original DeLorean along for the parade. Sunday’s crowd was serenaded by Harriet & the Radiophonics, rounding out a weekend of premium motoring, hospitality, and live performance.

Honouring Automotive Heritage and Innovation

Drawing inspiration from iconic international motoring events in the UK and USA, the inaugural Ayrburn Classic fused the excitement of automotive excellence with high-end cuisine and entertainment. “Ayrburn embodies our commitment to celebrating the stories of the past by giving them a new future,” Meehan adds. “It’s not just a destination but an invitation to experience the best of New Zealand’s food, wine, and hospitality in one of our country’s most picturesque locations.”

Ayrburn Classic 2023: Full List of Winners

• Best in Show
  Simon Manning – 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith
• People’s Choice
  Allan Dippie – 1922 Delage/Hispano-Suiza CO Speedster
• American Classics & Muscle
  1. Penny Murray – 2021 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR
  2. Graham White – 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
  3. Hayden Bowbyes – 2015 Dodge Challenger Hell Cat
• Awesome Australians
  1. Brendan Mason – 1970 Ford Falcon GTHO
  2. Troy File – 1965 Holden Premier HD Wagon
  3. Matt Wilson – 1956 FJ Holden Utility
• Best of British
  1. Simon Manning – 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith
  2. David Eadie – 1955 Jaguar XK140 Hardtop
  3. Neil Lewis – 1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe
• Exceptional European
  1. Lindsay O’Donnell – 1972 Gerrari Dino GTS
  2. Craig Osler – 1981 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit
  3. Phil Adamson – 1970 Porsche 911T
• Japanese Icons
  1. Dave Oshrey – 1972 Datsun Fairlady 204z
  2. David Lang – 2000 Mitsubishi Evo 6.5
  3. Jesse Grant – 1993 Nissan R32 GTR
• Kiwi Pioneers
  1. Howard Anderson – 1964 Vauxhall PB Cresta
  2. Scott O’Donnell – Begg 018
  3. Scott O’Donnell – Begg FM5
• Pioneering Vintage (Pre-1940)
  1. Murray Sinclair – 1929 Packard Runabout
  2. John Perriam – Model A Ford
  3. Allan Dippie – 1907 Sizaire et Naudin
• Unique & Exotic
  1. Anna Thomsen – 1974 Mazda REPU
  2. Darrin Burgess – 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerodesan
  3. Jeff Williams – Fiat Panda