28.01.2010 5:05pm by Chris
On six‐hectares of park‐like gardens, this major Nature Coast attraction boasts the biggest collection of vintage and veteran cars in the Southern Hemisphere. The list of cars, motorcycles and bicycles on display is a fascinating memory lane into the past and a treat for the whole family.
Sir Len Southward, who started buying and restoring cars in 1956, opened his museum - the biggest collection in the Southern Hemisphere - in December 22, 1979. The Hutt County Council initially refused to change the zoning to allow its development due to protests from neighbouring residents. Sir Len's announcement he could legally open a pig farm saw all opposition disappear. Today, managed by a charitable trust, the museum, set in expansive park‐like grounds, is a wonderful gift to the Coast and the people of New Zealand.
Inside, the amazing workmanship of metal and rubber emits the heady scent of power and social status. Amongst the 350 vintage and veteran car collection is Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich's 1934 Cadillac. There's also a "gangster special", the 1950 Cadillac that belonged to Chicago gangster Mickey Cohen. The bullet holes are guaranteed to thrill kids. Less romantic but equally intriguing is a Mercedes Benz used by German army staff during the WWII.
An interesting item is the made‐in‐Ireland, Delorean ‐ the same model used in the movie, Back to the Future. But Southward has another little known back‐to‐the‐future car. ‐an electric one made in 1918!
Southward's Office Manager, Sue Beissel, has fond memories of this American‐made Rauch & Lang. The 42 Exide batteries producing 2 volts per cell drive a 3hp engine. With a speed of 20mph and a range of 30 miles it was Sue's choice of wedding car 36 years ago. "We went to Waikanae and back. It was slow, silent and different," recalls Sue.
Sir Len Southward's collection has two electric cars. The other is a 60kmh 1974 Citicar with a 83 km range. Given the advent of climate change and the spiraling cost of petrol, they provide an I‐told‐you‐so litmus on the history of the automobile. The car has shaped the recent history of civilisation and become the personal measure of the quality of people's lives. "People, both old and the young, are fascinated by the collection. Some spend the whole day here and come back the next. Quality local accommodation makes this a comfortable option. Others on quick group tours visiting other interesting local attractions are surprised at what the building contains and are remiss they have only a little time," says Sue.
Southward Car Museum
A: Otaihanga Road (off State Highway One), Paraparaumu
T: 04 297 1221
Opening Hours 9am - 4.30pm
Entry charges: Adults $12 Children $2 (5 to15years)
For more information, contact Southward Car Museum or Chris Barber, Nature Coast Enterprise,
Ph 04 298 6611 www.naturecoast.co.nz, chris@naturecoast.co.nz
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