| Saxon Roadster 1915 | |
| Saxon Motor Company, Ypsilanti & Detroit | |
| The Saxon company followed the typical English pattern of light cycle-car. Powered by 1400 cc 4 cylinder engines made by Continental for Ferro, early models had a two-speed rear axle which was soon superseded by a three-speed version. Priced at $395 on its introduction in 1914, electric lights were an optional extra until 1915, when they were included as standard. The Saxon was a popular car in its day with two factories accounting for a peak production tally of 27,800 cars in 1916. | |
| 4 cyl. side valve with 3 sp. rear axle gearbox. | |
| Schacht High-Wheeler 1907 | |
| Schacht Manufacturing Co, USA | |
| Before 1909 all Schacht cars were high-wheelers with the engine under the seat. Chain driven, several of these vehicles were seen on early Wellington roads. Unusual features include the free standing radiator and the long Concord springs. | |
| 18 hp, twin cylinders, 120 mm bore, 101 mm stroke, 2285 cc, chain drive to each rear wheel, infinitely variable friction drive with reverse, internal expanding brakes on rear wheels. | |
| Sci-fi car - | |
| Although looking very much like a hovercraft, this remarkable vehicle is actually built around the motor and chassis of a Volkswagen. It was created specially for the Woody Allen sci-fi comedy film "The Sleeper"?. Visibility is very limited - not recommended for serious motoring! | |
| Sinclair C5 | |
| Eccentric English millionaire inventor Sir Clive Sinclair had a vision of personal transport in the eighties - and the Sinclair C5 is the result. Sir Clive made his fortune with electronic kitsets and home computers before selling his company. Subsequent ventures were not to prove so lucky for the eclectic entrepreneur. The C5 was based on a motor adapted from an electrical appliance, and just a few thousand were produced before the venture exhausted Sinclair's fortune. | |
| Singer Gazelle Mk 2 1958 | |
| Singer Motors Ltd, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, UK | |
| Donated by the late Mrs D M Malcolm of Poukawa. Singer, taken over by Rootes Group in 1956, produced the Gazelle (of Hillman Minx lineage) and continued to produce the marque until 1970. The name Singer was used by Rootes to identify deluxe variants of basic Hillman types. | |
| 1592 cc, 4 cylinders, ohv engine with column shift. | |
| Standard Vanguard Phase III 1957 | |
| Standard Motor Co, UK | |
| Standard cars were so called because they were assembled from standardized parts. Production began in 1902 and continued until 1963. The Phase II had a new integrally constructed body shell and a clean uncluttered look. Chrome embellishment was confined to a simple grill surround, headlamps and rear lamp trims. Donated by Mr & Mrs R A Foster, Levin. | |
| 4 cylinders, ohv, 2088 cc, 85 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, 68 bhp. Max. speed, 128 km/h. | |
| Stanley Steam Car 1920 | |
| Stanley Motor Carriage Co, USA | |
| One of the most famous of all steam cars, and at one time holder of the world speed record, this 1920 model resembles a conventional car of the time. The boiler is under the bonnet while the engine is under the floor attached to the rear axle. Steam cars were very efficient, but took a long time to get up steam pressure when the boiler was cold. The advent of the electric starter-motor saw the end of the steam cars, and production of the Stanley stopped in 1927. Specs: Double acting twin cylinder steam engine, 600lb operating steam pressure. The radiator is really a condenser which converts the spent steam back into water. Up to 25 gallons of water and 14 gallons of kerosene could be carried in the tanks. | |
| Studebaker Champion 1951 | |
| Studebaker Corp, USA | |
| One of the last '?real'? Studebakers before the company merged with Packard in 1954. The Champion featured the famous Studebaker "big six"? flat head engine and was a striking sight on the motorway with a bullet-shaped body styling and is a nice car to drive. | |
| 226 cu in, 6 cylinders, side-valve. | |
| Stutz "Bearcat"? 1931 | |
| Stutz Motor Car Co, USA | |
| The original Bearcat was a beautifully designed fast tourer with lines more typical of European than American models. This car was rebodied in Te Awamutu by the late Mr Martin Smith in the 1950s. Classic lines from other models have been included in the design to produce a remarkably nice looking car. Donated by Mrs Martin Smith. | |
| 8 cylinders, 4.9 ltr, o/h camshaft, dual ignition. Max. speed in excess of 160 km/h (100 mph). | |
| Stutz Indianapolis Special Race Car 1915 | |
| Stutz Motor Car Co, USA | |
| This exhibit is one of three Stutz racing cars that won the American Road and Track Championship in 1915. Car Number 5 was third in the 1915 Indianapolis 500, averaging a speed of 87.6 mph (140 km/h). It was first in the 1915 Astor Cup Race over 560 km at an average speed of 102.6 mph (164 km/h) and as a Durant Special, was second in the 1919 Indianapolis 500, averaging 87 mph (139 km/h). The car was bought to New Zealand in 1923 and raced by Bob Wilson, who drove it to victory in the New Zealand Cup in 1926, 1927 and 1928. Later, the engine was used in a speed-boat, while the chassis (with another engine) was used as a farm tractor. Engine and chassis are now reunited, and the car restored to its former glory by the museum. | |
| Wisconsin 4 cylinders, ohc, 4 valve motor, 96.8 mm bore, 65 mm stroke, 4851 cc. Top gear ratio, 3 to 1, (was 2.35 to 1). Compression ratio 5? to 1. | |
| Suzuki CV1 | |
| A two seater town car built by Suzuki, but not road legal in New Zealand. Powered by a Suzuki motor cycle engine. Donated by Suzuki Motors, Wanganui. | |
| Swift Roadster 1925 | |
| Swift of Coventry Ltd, England | |
| Swift originally made sewing machines and bicycles before progressing on to cars. Swift cars of the 1920s were immensely strong and simple, but inefficient in terms of power output. Production ceased in 1931. | |
| 10 hp, 4 cylinders, 60 mm bore, 97 mm stroke, 1097 cc, cone clutch, spiral bevel rear axle drive, electric starter. | |
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ADMISSION
HOURS
Easter until Labour Weekend 9am– 4.3Opm every day Labour Weekend until Easter 9am–5 pm every day (Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday) ADMISSION CHARGES Adults — $10.00 Children — $3.00 (5–15years) Pre-schoolers — No Charge Special rates for group bookings. Enquire here. Wheelchairs available. |
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LOCATION
Otaihanga
Road, Paraparaumu, New Zealand MAP  CONTACT Phone: +64 (4) 297 1221 Fax: +64 (4) 297 0503 Email: southward@kapiti.co.nz |
