Liam Lawson’s Subaru Forester to be auctioned off for charity

Kiwi Formula 1 star Liam Lawson has donated his Subaru Forester to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the I AM HOPE foundation.

Modified with help from childhood friend Matt Stevens, Lawson notes that this Forester is the first car he’s owned in New Zealand.

Purchased with over 234,000km on the clock, the pair wasted no time in restoring the 25-year-old Subaru to its former glory, plus adding a few extra ponies along the way.

“We wanted to really push the project and make the car as cool as we can and then auction it for I AM HOPE. A lot of people have a connection to the charity, or have some experience with, myself included,” said Lawson of the project.

The Racing Bulls driver reportedly chose this model in particular as it’s a favourite for young men who are overrepresented in tragic outcomes of declining mental health.

Thanks to support from Subaru New Zealand, the Forester received a brand new W20C engine, plus all the trimmings from Winger New Zealand. Possum Bourne Motorsport completed the engine work, and has reportedly tuned the car to 300hp at the wheels (223kW).

Other modifications include aftermarket wheels wrapped in semi-slick tyres, a short shifter, roof racks, a roof box, and a satin grey wrap. Lawson has also side the dash.

It’s noted the project started before Lawson was promoted to a full-time driver in Formula 1, which made it difficult for the young driver to return to New Zealand and work on the car.

“It’s been a far longer project than I ever imagined but I’m excited that it’s finally going to auction. There’s been a few dramas along the way but finally it’s ready to go and I hope we can raise not only awareness for the I AM HOPE charity, but also shine a light on youth mental health, especially young men, at a time of the year when the Gumboot Friday is in full swing,” said Lawson.

In Lawson’s absence, Matt Stevens was put in charge of the project, getting everything buttoned up before the auction.

“Customising a car like this is not without issues along the way but I’m confident we have something unique now. With over $25,000 spent on the car over and above all the performance parts that have been kindly donated, it’s probably the world’s most expensive Forester,” he quipped.

“Whoever is the successful bidder on this car is guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind vehicle. After seeing this transform from what we started with it’s kinda sad to see it go, but it was always intended to be donated to I AM HOPE so I’m just pleased we finally nailed it,” added Stevens.

The auction listing on TradeMe closes at 7pm on Gumboot Friday November 7th, the weekend Lawson races in the Brazilian Grand Prix.