‘Cardborghini’ sells to fellow car fanatic
A cardboard model of a Lamborghini that sold on Trade Me for more than $10,000 has changed hands once more, after being sold on to another car fanatic in Christchurch for just over $2000.
The ‘Cardborghini’, made by Auckland YouTuber David Jones, made headlines last year when it was put up for auction to raise funds for Starship children’s hospital.
Following a short stint under ownership of Lincoln resident Dean Graham, where it spent much of its time in a Christchurch showroom, the car is now ready for its next adventure – adorning the mancave of local WOF shop owner, and friend of Graham’s, Jayden Elliott.
Christchurch-based Elliott bought the famous ride from Graham on Trade Me for $2,025.
He initially bidded on a ‘‘buggerit’’ whim, but clicked on more seriously when a fellow buyer almost pipped him to the post just minutes before the sale was to close.
‘‘We were battling it out for about 15 minutes,’’ he said.
Graham, who purchased the makeshift automobile for $10,420 in May, said the interest on Trade Me had been ‘‘quite phenomenal’’, with more than 30,000 viewers amassed.
As part of a Hot Rod club in North Canterbury, Elliott is just one in a sea of petrol heads who will be thrilled to get up close and personal with the unique creation. ‘‘It’s just very unusual,’’ he said. ‘‘You go into someone’s garage and look at some cars and, cool, you leave again, but if someone comes across this piece of cardboard then it’s going to be a much greater talking point.’’
Much like the car’s previous owner, Elliott intends to keep it for a brief time before putting it back up for auction once more, paying the raised funds forward onto another charity.
‘‘It will be a cool talking point for a wee while, and then I’ll do the same thing and sell it off online. Hopefully the trend continues,’’ he said.
As for the two grand gained, Graham said all the funds raised will go towards I Am Hope, a Kiwi charity dedicated to mental health support.
‘‘We all suffer in some ways, and it’s great that something like this can generate such interest in mental health issues.
‘‘Yes, you make money for the cause, but more importantly, it’s getting people talking about it,’’ said Graham.
I Am Hope ambassador Mike King said the money put forward by Elliott is a ‘‘magnificent contribution’’, that will go towards free counselling for children.
‘‘Every little bit helps, and every
cent of that will go towards counselling for the kids, at least 15 young people,’’ he said.
King said the furore surrounding the Cardborghini and the awareness it has brought to various charities represents a huge shift in how the public are regarding philanthropic endeavours.
‘‘Ordinary New Zealanders are getting out there and making a difference, and I’m hoping that will encourage others to do the same.’’