Eric Brady had had a quiet drink at his local RSA and was getting into his car when a man began beating him and trying to drag him from the vehicle.
The man took off his top before beginning the attack.
Detective Sergeant Shaun Vickers said Mr Brady sounded the horn for help but was then dragged from his car.
His attacker then tried to steal Mr Brady's white Toyota sprinter hatchback.
"He failed as the car had an immobiliser," Mr Vickers said.
"The offender then decamped on foot from the scene with [Mr] Brady's car keys in his possession. [Mr] Brady managed to crawl to the rear door of the RSA where he was found by another elderly man."
Mr Brady was taken to hospital with his jaw broken in two places, cracked cheek bones, severe bruising and swelling to the right side of his face, a deep cut to his left elbow, bruising to his chest and right forearm and a possible fractured eye socket.
He is in a stable condition at Middlemore Hospital, where he is due to undergo surgery.
Mr Vickers said the man was described as a Maori or Polynesian of a skinny build, wearing a dark coloured top, black shorts and white shoes. He was also wearing a white basketball top with the number 13 on the back.
Mr Vickers said anyone with information about the beating should call the Crime Squad on 027 497 4912 or 09 261 1300.
-NZ HERALD STAFF
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