Keys for Rena Mercedes swap hands

Adam Wright was all smiles when he was handed the keys to his new Mercedes today.

He had driven up from Christchurch to take over ownership of a silver 2003 Mercedes C200 Kompressor, which had been recovered off the Rena wreck.

The car was donated to the Tauranga branch of the Child Cancer Foundation, who decided to put it up for auction.

Mr Wright, 34, won the auction with a top bid of $13,851.

At Safeway Auto Auctions in Mt Maunganui today, Mr Wright told the Bay of Plenty Times he was pleased to be the new owner of the car.

"It's a nice way I can support a good charity, with all the sponsors' help,'' he said.

"I can help by parting with money and I also get something out of it.''

The car was recovered off the bow of the Rena wreck.

It was restored to pristine condition by local businesses before it was put up for auction on TradeMe.

All proceeds of the sale of the car went to the Child Cancer Foundation.