Behind the Scenes

If you’ve ever wanted to get behind closed doors at the Southward Car Museum to catch a glimpse of of some of the world’s rarest vehicles, then get along to the museum on Sunday March 6, 2016.

After the success of the inaugural Open House in 2012 it was decided to make it a special annual event, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the treasure trove of rare vehicles in the storage sheds and workshops where the cars and motorcycles are restored and maintained. Some of the vehicles usually on display in the museum will be kicked into life for all to enjoy, this time including an extremely rare Bugatti Type 57C.

Within the museum complex the main exhibition hall will be open, with Len Fifield playing the mighty Wurlitzer organ in the theatre as he accompanies silent movies on a screen.

There is a new and exciting feature for 2016, with The Marmightys — a local Kapiti covers band — playing live music in the museum grounds.

The event attracts cars and motorcycles and their affiliated clubs from all over New Zealand, resulting in over 500 exhibits on the front lawn, which is worth the admission price alone — so be sure to get along for this rare opportunity.

The Mataura Scouts and Venturer Leader group recently benefitted from a generous donation from a great bunch of petrolheads.

For the past five years, the Motoring Mad Show and Swap Meet on the first weekend in November has attracted an ever-growing and diverse number of motoring enthusiasts from all over Southland and further north to Tulloch Park. Keeping activities viable for young people in small country towns is no easy task, and organizer Tony Richardson, who is also the president of local hot rod club Cobra Rodders as well as the Mataura Scout Group, came up with the idea of a car-show fundraiser some years ago.

“We are very pleased with the turnout this year, with over 200 vehicles through the gate. We again raised a good amount to support the Scouts,” Tony said.

“I also would like to thank the many