Invercargill’s celebration of motorsport legend George Begg set to take centre stage

Invercargill has a thing with wheels – and now, New Zealand’s premier destination for petrolheads is set to add another jewel to its crown.

Visitors to Classic Motorcycle Mecca during the Burt Munro Challenge will be the very first to see the newest display in the collection, dedicated to Southlander engineer George Begg.

Begg has been dubbed motorsport’s equivalent to Enzo Ferrari.

The new exhibit will highlight his competitive motorcycling roots, feature the largest-ever display of race vehicles built by Begg, and give visitors a fascinating insight into how the Southland engineer made his mark on the world stage.

Visitors to Classic Motorcycle Mecca during the Burt Munro Challenge will receive an exclusive first look at the spectacular new exhibit – housed in a whopping 1600m2 space – dedicated to the homegrown hero, ahead of its grand opening next week .

Begg had an illustrious career racing motorcycles in Britain and, famously, on the Isle of Man, before he returned to Southland to open an engineering business in 1957.

At his workshop in rural Southland Begg built 18 racing cars that went on to challenge – and beat – the best marques in the world. Begg’s cars bested some of the finest automotive names in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and throughout Europe and he cemented his

Visitors to Classic Motorcycle will get the first look at a brand-new display of race vehicles built by motorsport legend George Begg. Photo: SUPPLIED.

The exhibit is home to the largest-ever display of Begg race vehicles, plus memorabilia from Begg’s competitive motorcycling days. Photo: SUPPLIED.

The new George Begg display at Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a whopping 1600m2, custom-built space. Photo: SUPPLIED. name in our nation’s automotive folklore.

‘‘We think there are three great automotive personalities who have carved their names into Southland’s history books – Bill Richardson, Burt Munro and George Begg,’’ Scott O’Donnell says.

‘‘The Begg exhibit pays homage to a story of Kiwi ingenuity taking on the world, and coming out on top."

The new Begg display is just one of the highlights to be found at Classic Motorcycle Mecca during the Burt Munro Challenge.

Visitors will also be able to take in a newly-opened Burt Munro tribute area, featuring memorabilia from the Munro family and a replica of Burt’s workshop.

■ Exclusive first look at new George

Begg display

■ New Burt Munro tribute exhibit, featuring authentic memorabilia and more

■ Live music, al-fresco dining and special menu available at Meccaspresso cafe´

■ Reserved parking for visitors on Tay

St

For more information, visit motorcyclemecca.nz