34 | Transport World T T Russell Fredric Vintage vehicles with a sweet addition The museum was developed out of the late Bill Richardson and his family’s passion for restoring vintage vehicles. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A sweet new shop, a one-of-a-kind vintage Chrysler, and a mix of exciting events are all part of the line-up at Transport World. With Bill Richardson Transport World as its central hub, the business also comprises Classic Motorcycle Mecca, The Lodges at Transport World, Transport World Events, and now Toot Sweets, a lolly shop that opened in March 2024. Transport World general manager of tourism, Courtney Russell describes Toot Sweets, located on Tay Street in the central city, as a lolly utopia where the whole family can enjoy a vast array of delectable delights and special-occasion activities, with themed venue spaces also available for hire. Following a challenging post-Covid recovery, Transport World is seeing a gradual upswing in momentum, reflecting the resurgence in the tourism industry as well as the completion of the central city redevelopment, Courtney says. “This includes new accommodation offerings in The Langlands, and Distinction Hotel, which is opening soon – we can feel the change is coming.” Bill Richardson Transport World was opened nearly 10 years ago with the vision of creating New Zealand’s premier wheeled tourist destination, bringing domestic and international visitors to the city for a world-class experience in the south. The museum was developed out of the late Bill Richardson and his family’s passion for restoring vintage vehicles, particularly trucks. It is the largest private automotive museum of its kind in the world, showcasing a vast collection of more than 300 classic vehicles, including many rare models. The collection houses vintage trucks and cars, including a Volkswagen display, early Ford vehicles and Henry Ford ‘letter’ cars, all immaculately restored. One Volkswagen in the collection is a late-1957 Beetle Cabriolet, believed to be the oldest surviving right-hand drive square-window-era VW Cabriolet in the world. A 1935 Chrysler Imperial CW Airflow Custom LeBaron is currently undergoing restoration by Transport World’s talented workshop team. It is a rare and historically significant automobile featuring a unique body designed and crafted by coach builder LeBaron, and is notable for its innovative aerodynamic design and luxurious appointments. Only a small number were produced between 1934 and 1937. Along with the collection, Transport World is also a hub for events. I n April, Transport World delivered the George Begg Festival, a biennial motorsport event featuring on- and off-track activities held over four days. The festival included a welcome function in the George Begg Bunker at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, racing at Teretonga and A Night at the Opera with Queen featuring iconic music. This October 15-17, Transport World will be running the inaugural Bill Richardson Truck Rally. Starting in Christchurch, rally participants will travel the lower South Island before finishing at Bill Richardson Transport World to celebrate Bill’s legacy on what would have been his birthday, October 17. Transport World also hosts a range of other events throughout the year that deliver the unexpected, from the annual Christmas party Lazy PA through to drive-in movies. Bill Richardson Transport World continues to impress visitors from around the world, Courtney says. “People are just wowed at the size of the collection and the beautiful restorations that have taken place. “One of the main comments our retail team receive is this collection is the one of the best collections they have seen, and we agree.” Industrial • Commercial • Residential “Quality Solutions delivered on Time” INVERCARGILL QUEENSTOWN DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH CLEAN-BIZ Cleaning supplies LTD 117 Ettrick Street, Invercargill 03 218 8169 03 218 8167 sales@cleanbiz.co.nz cleanbiz.co.nz Proudly supporting Transport World Celebrating 80 years in 2025 6 Bowmont st, Invercargill Phone 0800 THE PLUMBER Email: admin@jacksonplumbing.co.nz Proud to supply plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying services to the HWR Group 24 Ettrick St, Invercargill | Ph: 03 218 4394 www.csroofingsouthland.nz Southland owned • Free measures & quotes For every residential roof quote accepted, CS Roofing Southland makes a donation to Hospice Southland.
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