What began with the donation of a collectable ornament has led to an extraordinary gift: a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE W108 that will benefit both Arohanui Hospice and the Starship Foundation.
Frederik Dean and his wife are preparing to move to Australia to “chase the sun”. While clearing out and packing up their home, Frederik approached Arohanui Hospice to ask whether the Foundation would be interested in selling a rare Chronicles of Narnia collectable.
Hospice gratefully accepted the “Girls on Aslan” statue, which will be listed for sale on Trade Me to raise funds for local hospice care.
When Frederik delivered the statue, the conversation turned to some of the other unusual items Hospice had sold. In passing, he asked whether the Foundation ever sold cars.
As it happened, earlier this year Arohanui Hospice had been gifted a 1969 Jaguar, which was successfully sold through Trade Me.
With their home sold and just two weeks remaining before Frederik and his wife flew to Australia, another phone call followed. This time, Frederik offered Hospice the opportunity to sell his 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE as a fundraiser.
The first $15,000 raised through the sale will be donated to Arohanui Hospice, with any remaining proceeds going to the Starship Foundation to support the health and wellbeing of New Zealand’s children.
The classic W108 was originally imported from South Africa and features an unusual floor-shift four-speed manual transmission.
For Frederik, the decision was about seeing the car go to someone who would appreciate it, while also supporting causes that mean something to him.
“You get to a point in life where money isn’t everything,” Frederik said. “I’d rather see someone else enjoy the vehicle and the Hospice benefit from the sale.”
Frederik has had close friends cared for by hospice and understands what that support means during an incredibly difficult time.
“What do you say to a man when his wife is going to die in the next few days?” he said. “It’s very sad. You guys do good.”
A gift as unusual as a classic Mercedes calls for specialist knowledge. Fleetwise was happy to come on board to help prepare and manage the sale, while also sponsoring the associated costs so the two charities can receive as much as possible from the opportunity.
Arohanui Hospice Foundation Director Michelle Connor said the generosity behind the donation had made a real impression on the team.
“We are incredibly grateful to Frederik and his wife for trusting us with such a special vehicle. It is an extraordinarily generous gesture, made during what must already be a very busy and emotional time as they pack up their home and prepare to move overseas.
“We’re also very thankful to Ambrose and the Fleetwise team for immediately offering their expertise and covering the costs associated with the sale. Their support means we can make the most of Frederik’s generous gift and ensure the proceeds have the greatest possible impact.”
Ambrose from Fleetwise said the team were excited to get behind the sale of the vehicle and raise funds for hospice.
“Frederik’s Mercedes isn’t your typical fleet vehicle, but our sales team welcomes the variety,” he said.
“Finding the right buyer and delivering a great result is what our fleet sales team do every day, and we’re excited to put our expertise behind such a special vehicle to help raise funds for the Hospice.”
The Mercedes has now been assessed and prepared for auction. It will be listed on Trade Me from 7–14 August.
For Arohanui Hospice, the journey from Narnia collectable to classic Mercedes is a wonderful reminder that generosity can come in many different forms—and sometimes from the most unexpected conversations.
You can find the car available for auction here 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W108 Saloon | Trade Me Motors
