Liam Lawson’s Subaru funds more than 230 counselling sessions for Kiwi teens
Liam Lawson’s old Subaru Forester has done far more than find a new home; it’s set to fund over 230 counselling sessions for young New Zealanders through the I AM HOPE Foundation.
The week-long TradeMe auction for Lawson’s first New Zealand–registered car drew huge attention, pulling in more than 100,000 views and a flurry of last-minute bids. The auction closed at $35,300 after an intense two-way battle in the closing hour.
The winning bidder was Waikato local Murray Wells, a lifelong Subaru loyalist who has owned more than a dozen models over the years, at one point even having five in the household.
“That’s dwindled away now and my daughter now has my last Subaru. 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,” recalled Wells, “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!”
Wells expects he’ll only cover a few thousand kilometres a year in his new purchase — though he admits part of the appeal is owning a piece of Lawson’s journey.
“And who knows what’s going to happen with Liam’s career, he might go from strength to strength. He’s a very talented driver and the money is going to a good cause.”
Lawson, currently deep in his 2025 Formula 1 campaign, was thrilled to see the Forester project fetch more than he had anticipated.
“I’m very grateful to Murray and all the bidders who chose to push the final bid much higher than my expectation. I’m happy it’s gone to a genuine Subaru fan and I appreciate his support is going to help so many young people,” said Lawson.
“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.”
Lawson built the car with friend Matt Stevens, spending more than a year transforming the stock 2000 Forester into a fully personalised charity machine. The auction wrapped up deliberately on Gumboot Friday, I AM HOPE’s flagship annual fundraiser.
Foundation founder Mike King says the Forester’s sale price speaks volumes.
“This is the community at work. A legacy car turned into real help. 230-plus counselling sessions, roughly a hundred young Kiwis getting proper support – think twenty carloads of our rangatahi being heard,” he said.
“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.”
With the car now heading to the Waikato, Wells and Lawson hope to catch up in person when the F1 driver returns home during the off-season — a fitting finish to a charity project that’s already making a real difference.
