Liam Lawson has put his custom-built Subaru Forester up for auction, with all proceeds going to the I AM HOPE Foundation. The charity supports young people facing mental health challenges in New Zealand, and the auction is timed to close at 7pm on November 7, during the foundation’s major annual event, Gumboot Friday. The listing runs in parallel with Lawson’s race weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
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A personal car turned into a fundraising project
The 2000 Subaru Forester was Lawson’s first car. He began the restoration project with his close friend Matt Stevens before entering Formula One full-time. Starting with a high-mileage base car that had driven 234,000 km, the pair rebuilt it over an extended period.
Lawson said:
“I wanted to make this car look as good as possible and auction it for I AM HOPE. Many people have a connection to the foundation, including myself.”
The choice of car was intentional. The Forester has long been associated with New Zealand’s youth car culture, and Lawson hopes that showcasing it will help the foundation reach young men who often struggle in silence.
“It’s been a much longer project than I anticipated, but I’m happy it’s finally ready. I hope it raises awareness for I AM HOPE and shines a light on mental health among young people, especially young men.”
A Forester built far beyond factory spec
While Lawson travelled through the F1 calendar, Stevens oversaw the bulk of the rebuild in New Zealand with support from several specialist companies. The car features a fully rebuilt powertrain built around a brand-new Subaru W20C short block supplied by Subaru New Zealand, paired with a genuine Subaru STI VF34 turbo.
Possum Bourne Motorsports handled the full build and calibration, producing a verified 300 horsepower at the wheels. The engine has run less than 1000 km since completion.
Stevens said:
“Customising at this level is always a challenge, but I’m confident we’ve created a truly unique car. I’ve invested more than twenty-five thousand dollars into it even before counting donated parts, so it’s probably the most expensive Forester in the world.”
The car includes adjustable suspension, Whiteline sway bars, a turboback exhaust, a Link G4X ECU, Kelford Cams, new wheels and semi-slick tyres. The exterior is wrapped in satin dark grey, with a roof rack and roof box. The dashboard carries Lawson’s handwritten signature dated 2025.
Stevens added:
“I’ve seen it transform and I’m a little sad to let it go, but I always intended to donate it to I AM HOPE. I’m happy it’s finally finished.”
Auction underway on TradeMe
The car is listed on TradeMe, New Zealand’s largest online auction platform. The top bid currently stands at $25,900. The auction closes at 7pm local time on November 7.
Lawson hopes the project becomes more than a charity effort. His aim is to create a visible reminder that seeking help is not a weakness and that mental health support for young men should be easy to access and openly discussed.
