Various businesses and Land Rover owners in the UK are using their vehicles to support relief efforts in Ukraine. One among them is Joe Kwaterski, who came to the generous decision to auction his 1971 Series IIA ‘Gertie’ and donate the proceeds.
All funds raised will be used to buy medical and relief supplies, with the help of NHS consultant anaesthetist Dr Alexander Yashchik, organiser of Support Ukraine Shropshire.
The supplies will be transported to Ukraine by family-run road haulage company Swains Transport of Church Stretton.
Gertie has been MOTed and prepared for sale by Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover, and now enjoys pride of place in their showroom. Hatfields has also undertaken to match-fund the money raised by the sale. Combined funds from the sale will therefore be double the value of the vehicle.
Auction website Collecting Cars, which is hosting the sale, has also promised to donate its fee.
Hatfields’ managing director Gareth Williams said: ‘Like so many of us, Joe has been watching the devastating situation unfolding. He has turned that upset and frustration into action with his increasingly generous decision to donate Gertie for auction. We hope that she will raise an amazing amount of money, and I am delighted that Hatfields has been able to put her on show and double the impact by matching the funds raised! With the help of Dr Yashchik and Swains Transport, we hope that the vital supplies purchased through Gertie’s sale will be in Ukraine as soon as possible.’
Gertie is a late Series IIA 88in 2.25-litre petrol hardtop, in what appears to be excellent condition. Its restoration has involved a rebuild for the engine and gearbox, along with chassis repairs, and many new parts including fuel tank, suspension and braking components.
According to the latest edition of the LRO Price Guide (updated for every issue of the magazine) it could be worth £16,750.
The sale is currently live, and ends on Friday 8 April at 8:30pm. Visit the auction here.
