Invercargill: New Zealand's "Classic Motoring Capital"

Waihōpai Invercargill has plenty of character and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere - except when it comes to celebrating Southland’s obsession with classic motoring!

Invercargill proudly holds the title of New Zealand’s “Classic Motoring Capital”, but what fuels this fervour? What ignites Southland's boundless enthusiasm for motorcycles, vintage cars, and the thrill of speed? Keep reading to unravel the origins of this fascination!

It all began decades ago when Burt Munro, a local legend with a passion for speed, roared onto the scene. With his customised Indian Scout motorcycle, he shattered records and captured hearts, earning international acclaim and securing Invercargill's lasting legacy in the history of motorcycling.
In 1967 Burt Munro set an under-1000cc world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats with an average speed of 295.45km or 183.586mph. A record that still stands today. The 2005 film "The World's Fastest Indian", with Anthony Hopkins starring in the lead role, is a cinematic tribute to Burt's remarkable achievements.

Inspired by Munro's legacy, Invercargill embraced its destiny as a haven for petrolheads. The city's wide streets and scenic roads have become the perfect playground for enthusiasts of all sorts. From classic car collectors to adrenaline junkies seeking the thrill of the track, there is something for everyone.
 

Half a century later you can still see Burt Munro’s original motorbike on display at E Hayes & Sons. Burt sold his prized 1920 Indian Scout - the 'Munro Special' - to Norman Hayes and his son Neville in 1977, for permanent display in their hardware store. Nowadays, visitors can squeeze themselves into a full-size replica of the Streamliner for a photo opportunity. Besides this remarkable machine, there are many other items of memorabilia where Burt himself left them. The shop also showcases numerous other classic motorcycles, cars, and machinery, making it a must-visit for any motor enthusiast.

But wait... there is much, much more! Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a museum with over 300 bikes and motorcycle-themed artwork. It is the country's largest display of classic motorcycles, with a collection from 1902 - 2007. The magic continues down the road at Bill Richardson’s Transport World, with hundreds of motor vehicles, ranging from vintage trucks and classic cars to racing cars and even farm machinery. Bill Richardson spent decades restoring vintage vehicles - now, his family has infused his collection with their own interests to create a world-class experience.

Invercargill is far from shy about celebrating Southland’s obsession with motorcycles. A week-long event dedicated to all things automotive is a testament to this enthusiasm. Every year, the city comes alive with the roar of engines during the Burt Munro Challenge. Riders from around the world flock to the city to pay homage to the man who put Invercargill on the map and to test their skills on the legendary Oreti Beach, where Munro himself once raced.

And there you have it: all the reasons why Invercargill stands tall as New Zealand’s “Classic Motoring Capital”, where the enduring legacy of speed and passion for (vintage) vehicles unite to offer an unparalleled experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike.