Nelson Classic Car Museum
| File:WOW-Museum1.jpg The museum complex in 2006, when the car collection was displayed with the World of WearableArt museum. | |
Location within New Zealand | |
| Established | 2001 (as WOW and Classic Cars Museum) 2020 (rebranded as Classic Car Museum) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°17′54″S 173°14′22″E / 41.298318°S 173.239517°ECoordinates: 41°17′54″S 173°14′22″E / 41.298318°S 173.239517°E Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. |
| Type | Automobile museum |
| Collection size | Over 150 vehicles |
| Website | nelsonclassiccarmuseum |
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The Nelson Classic Car Museum is an automobile museum located in Nelson, New Zealand. The museum displays more than 150 cars in excellent condition, representing over a century of motoring history.[1] The museum is located at 1 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson.[2]
History
World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum
The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum opened at Annesbrook in 2001.[3] The combined facility showcased award-winning wearable art alongside a substantial classic car collection, creating a unique dual attraction for visitors to the Nelson region.
Due to a company restructure during the COVID-19 lock down The World of Wearable Art exhibition is no longer on display at this Museum.[4] The wearable art exhibit closed permanently in May 2020 due to pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the venue reopened as the Nelson Classic Car Museum, focusing exclusively on its automotive collection.[5]
Site history
The museum occupies a site with significant industrial heritage. The land was purchased by the Government in the late 1950s to build a cotton mill. The mill was never completed and the project was canned, it cost £280,000. The land and mill buildings were sold to Standard Triumph New Zealand in July 1964 for £75,000.[6]
Triumph 2000, Triumph Herald and Leyland vans were assembled and the first vehicle rolled off the Nelson production line in November 1965.[6] On 21 August 1998 the factory closed after 33 years, and 190 workers were made redundant.[6]
Collection
The museum is one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. From the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars.[4]
The collection spans various eras and manufacturers, including:
- Early veteran and vintage automobiles from the early 20th century
- American classics from the 1950s and 1960s, including multiple Cadillac models
- European sports and luxury cars from manufacturers such as Jaguar and Ferrari
- Locally significant vehicles, including cars assembled at the Nelson plant
Each gleaming vehicle is a masterpiece, set against artfully crafted building façades that reflect iconic local architecture.[7]
Facilities
The Museum also includes a Cafe renowned for its tasty healthy treats and the Museum store is full of NZ art and jewellery designs.[4] Nelson has always been a hub for designers and makers. The museum shop features a selection of funky ceramics, eye-catching jewellery, beautiful prints, fascinating books and oh so many more mementos and collectables.[1]
The museum also features:
- The Little Engine Eatery, an on-site café serving food and beverages
- A museum shop specializing in New Zealand-made arts and crafts
- Conference and event facilities, including a Board Room
Visitor information
The museum is open every day 10am - 4pm (except Christmas Day).[4] Free onsite parking is available. Campers and motorhomes are accommodated. Cycle parking is provided.[2]
Located between Nelson city and Nelson Airport, the Museum is ideal for both local and national gatherings, with the whole of the Nelson/Tasman region at its doorstep.[1]
Reception
Classic American Magazine dubbed it "New Zealand's coolest car collection".[7] The museum has received positive reviews from visitors, with reviewers praising both the quality and presentation of the vehicle collection.
See also
- Southward Car Museum
- World of Wearable Art
- Nelson, New Zealand
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Nelson Classic Car Museum". Nelson Classic Car Museum. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Nelson Classic Car Museum". Nelson Tasman. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ "WOW: World of Wearable Art". Te Ara o Ngā Wāhine. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Nelson Classic Car Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go". Tripadvisor. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ "Classic Cars Museum: Discover the Fusion of Fashion and Motoring". Explore Nelson. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Classic Cars - World of WearableArt & Classics Cars Museum, Nelson". The Curious Kiwi. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Nelson Classic Car Museum". Tourism New Zealand. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
External links
This article "Nelson Classic Car Museum" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Nelson Classic Car Museum. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
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