Last updated July 2026
E Hayes and Sons in Invercargill houses the original 1920 Indian Scout modified by Burt Munro, the New Zealand speed record holder who achieved 184.087 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. The hardware store maintains a free public display of his motorcycle alongside a private collection of around 100 classic motorcycles, cars and machinery. Visitors can view the bike that starred in the 2005 film The World’s Fastest Indian and learn about Munro’s self-taught engineering from his Invercargill workshop. The annual Burt Munro Challenge motorcycle event continues to celebrate his story each February. The collection remains open during normal shop hours with no entry fee required.
Practical Information
| Location | E Hayes and Sons, Invercargill |
| Address | 168 Dee Street, Invercargill |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Normal shop hours (check ehayes.co.nz for current times) |
| Collection size | Approximately 100 classic motorcycles, cars and machinery |
| Key exhibit | Original 1920 Indian Scout (Munro Special) |
| Accessibility | Ground floor store access |
About E Hayes and Sons Motorworks Collection
E Hayes and Sons, a long-established Invercargill hardware store, became the permanent home of Burt Munro’s 1920 Indian Scout in 1977 when the racer sold the machine to the Hayes family for public display. The Motorworks Collection opened to visitors in 2014 and features the authentic record-breaking motorcycle along with other vehicles from the family collection.
Munro was born Herbert James Munro on 25 March 1899 at Edendale, 30 km east of Invercargill, and developed his passion for speed through farm life and early exposure to motorcycles. He modified the Indian Scout over decades in his local garage, increasing engine capacity from 600 cc to nearly 1,000 cc and achieving the 184.087 mph world record in the under-1,000 cc streamliner class at Bonneville on 26 August 1967.
The displays include handmade engine parts, film props from The World’s Fastest Indian, and additional Munro machines such as a modified 1936 Velocette. The collection educates visitors on Munro’s resourcefulness using scrap materials and his testing on Oreti Beach near Invercargill before travelling to the United States.
The Burt Munro Challenge
The Burt Munro Challenge is an annual motorcycle event held in Invercargill that honours Munro’s legacy through hill climbs, beach racing on Oreti Beach, drag racing, sprints and street events. Organised by the Invercargill Motorcycle Club since 2006, the multi-day festival attracts riders from across New Zealand and overseas and typically takes place in February.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the display as a highlight of any Invercargill stop, noting the authentic bike and the chance to see it up close in a working store setting. Many appreciate the free access and the mix of historic motorcycles with everyday shop items.
Enthusiasts often mention the collection’s scale and the stories behind Munro’s modifications, with some returning during the Burt Munro Challenge week to combine the visit with local riding events.
Where to Learn More
E Hayes and Sons official page: Details on the Munro Special and the Motorworks Collection.
Burt Munro Wikipedia: Verified biography, records and references to primary sources.
Burt Munro Challenge official site: Current event dates and programme information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Burt Munro born and where?
Burt Munro was born Herbert James Munro on 25 March 1899 at Edendale, near Invercargill.
What record did Burt Munro set at Bonneville?
He set an official world land speed record of 184.087 mph on 26 August 1967 in the under-1,000 cc streamliner class.
Is the original Indian Scout still in Invercargill?
Yes, the authentic 1920 Indian Scout is on permanent free display at E Hayes and Sons.
When is the Burt Munro Challenge held?
The event runs annually in February, with the next edition scheduled for 10–14 February 2027.
Is there an entry fee to see the collection?
No, viewing the Motorworks Collection is free during normal shop hours.
Did Burt Munro appear in a film?
The 2005 film The World’s Fastest Indian is based on his life, and the collection includes related props.
When did Burt Munro die?
He died on 6 January 1978 in Invercargill at the age of 78.
Where can visitors test similar beach racing conditions?
Oreti Beach near Invercargill was Munro’s local testing ground and remains part of the Burt Munro Challenge programme.
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