With ill health forcing Tom and Heather to step away from some commitments, the Nelson venue is closing – but the epically good news is the collection will not only remain intact, it will remain in NZ. Invercargill must be on the must-go list for all motorcyclists.
Read on for the details… and smack ‘like’!
Iconic Nelson motorbike collection to move to Invercargill
Jocelyn and Scott O’Donnell, Directors of Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill have much pleasure in announcing the purchase of the Tom and Heather Sturgess owned New Zealand Classic Motorcycle collection (NZCM) in Nelson. The Sturgess collection is considered to be a world class attraction of close to 300 motorcycles and motorcycle focused art. The collection ranges from a 1902 Peugeot motorcycle to a 21st Century Simms Corbin Custom and includes brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Matchless, Rudge as well as little known brands such as the Schwinn and Zundapp.
Details are still being finalised. However, the collection will be housed within the Invercargill CBD and not at Transport World. It is expected the new attraction will open to the public in late 2016 on a permanent basis.
Scott O’Donnell from Transport World says “we are very pleased to be bringing this collection to Invercargill and believe it is a perfect complement to our existing Transport World experience and, Invercargill, given its strong links to motorbikes. The region is now home to three of the best wheeled attractions in the country Transport World, E Hayes & Sons and now the New Zealand Classic Motorcycle collection (NZCM) and we hope that this will encourage more people to visit Southland. We look forward to honouring Tom and Heather and the collection’s Nelson roots whilst also adding our own unique Transport World touches”.
The New Zealand Classic Motorcycle collection was previously owned by Tom and Heather Sturgess and housed in Nelson since December 2014. It closed to the public in April 2016, as sadly Tom’s health has not been the best, and he made the decision to simplify his life by reviewing his assets in both New Zealand and the United States. Offshore offers had been received, but it was Tom’s wish that the collection remain in New Zealand and the move to Invercargill was the best outcome for the country. Tom says “I am sure Invercargill will receive as much enjoyment and make as many new friends as we have”.
Photo: Sharee McBeth
