The former owner of a Ford GT is "gutted" his boys have lost a family heirloom.

Authorities confiscated Donald John McLean's 1972 Ford Falcon/Fairmont XY GT for sustained loss of traction. It sold at auction for more than $60,000.

The vehicle was the subject of a High Court decision after McLean appealed his conviction and sentence, arguing he momentarily lost control of the vehicle.

He lost the appeal, and his car.

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McLean was "gutted" to lose the vehicle, which was to be a "family heirloom to my baby boys".

The car was a one of 750 made. There were about 200 left in the world, he said.

"[That car] was taken and sold for an alleged black mark left at the lights under acceleration ... how would you feel?"

Authorities had the vehicle sold at a February auction in Dunedin to a North Islander for $60,200, plus buyer's fees.

The firm selling the Australian made, South African assembled, vehicle noted it had been repainted with new decals and looked like a Ford Falcon XY GT, but had a Fairmont GT badge.

McLean was convicted on a charge of sustained loss of traction in the Dunedin District Court last year.

He was later sentenced to 70 hours community work and disqualified from driving for a year.

McLean stopped amongst traffic at a Dunedin intersection, before taking off with the wheels spinning at a red light.

McLean rejected that, giving evidence saying he did not do a wheelie, a skid or a loss of traction on purpose.

The car had a button clutch which made it difficult to drive. If his vehicle did lose traction it was due to his vehicle's performance and was unintentional, he told the court.

On September 18, Judge Michael Turner ordered the confiscation of his car, which McLean estimated to be valued between $40,000-$100,000, with $60,000 owed to a family trust for the vehicle.

After the car was sold and costs of storage and sale were deducted, proceeds would be used to pay out any security interests, the High Court decision said.

"If no security interest is held over the car then, subject to deduction of Mr McLean's fines and relevant court costs and levies, the balance would be paid to him."