Sir Len and Lady Southward

The founders and benefactors of the trust, Sir Len Southward, KBE, OBE and Lady Vera Southward, began collecting cars In 1956 when they purchased a Model T Ford for £40. This vehicle has been given pride of place in the museum and remains in the condition in which it was originally bought.

Knighted in 1986 for his services to the community, Sir Len was associated with the New Zealand motor industry since 1919, when he started work as a message boy in a Wellington motor warehouse.

He went into the motorcycle and light car business and in 1939, spurred on by import shortages, began manufacturing car accessories.

Wartime shortages of imported tube led him to devise machinery to manufacture steel tubing and the company he founded today continues to be a main supplier of steel tubing.

In the 1950s he gained headlines throughout Australasia for his championship wins in his speedboat "Redhead". On 22 February 1953 on Wellington Harbour he powered "Redhead" to become the first man in Australasia to travel at over 100mph (160km/h) on water.

However over the years his fascination with vintage cars gradually became a full-time occupation. Assisted by Lady Vera Southward and sons Roy and John, he worked steadily at expanding and restoring the collection. After retiring from daily involvement in his business he devoted his time and energy to the museum where visitors could share his nostalgia for bygone motoring eras.

Sadly Sir Len passed away on February 19th 2004, at the splendid age of 98, but his legacy remains for all of us to enjoy.