Classic cars and motoring greats got the green light yesterday for the first day of the George Begg Festival.
It was also an opportunity for the public to see some of Kiwi motorsport’s greatest drivers — such as Greg Murphy, Paul Radisich and David Oxton — and be transported to the Begg’s era.
"All these cars are from my era — so the ’60s — and was when all those cars were raced.
Taking its cue from the 1960s and 1970s, the event was a homage to the Drummond race car builder and a celebration of classic cars.
Event marketing and communications adviser Alana Dixon said the festival was not only about classic racing.
Invercargill residents Mary and Adrian Robertson check out the Lycoming Special open-cockpit racing sports car, which is an exhibit at the George Begg Festival. PHOTOS: LUISA GIRAO
"We really wanted to create this event as a bit of a homage to George Begg.
"He is a Southlander who back in the 1960s and 1970s built 18 racing cars that took on some of the biggest names on motorsport."
Invercargill resident and race car enthusiast Adrian Robertson took his wife Mary to check out the classic cars on the first day of the event.
Motorsport great and former Begg driver David Oxton (left) raced Lindsay O'Donnell's car — a classic George Begg model at the demo Formula Libre race on the first day of the festival.
"I remember all of them racing here [at Teretonga Park] and it is great to see them again."
Mr Robertson is a car collector — he has six in his garage.
