Canterbury Museum Ivan Mauger exhibit

**HenryDorsetCase** · 6th September 2007, 10:48

This will be worth a look:

check www.canterburymuseum.com

Originally Posted by canterburymuseum site

Speedway King: The Ivan Mauger Story
From 7 September, Transport Gallery
Motorcycle speedway champion Ivan Mauger is regarded as one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport. This exhibition showcases a selection of memorabilia from throughout Ivan’s career, including his World Speedway Trophy and three motorcycles, one of which is the famed “Triple Crown Special” gold-plated Jawa 500 speedway bike.

as we know speedway solos is a sport for real hard bastards. And these guys (Moore, Mauger, Briggs) took it to the world and won it all.

**T.W.R** · 6th September 2007, 12:21

There was an advert in the ChCh press in the up coming events and there supposed to be an evening where Ivan will actually be talking about his experiences etc. Cost was $5 per head

**janno** · 6th September 2007, 12:30

Poohs. Wrong island.

**laRIKin** · 6th September 2007, 18:51

SDU and I could very well turn up to have a look and bring back some memories.

PS:
Regoing SDU bike so are up for a ride, if she is not at work.

**Zukin** · 6th September 2007, 18:54

Wicked!!!
I hope it still there when we head down to the Burt Munro Rally at the end of November!!

What a trip it is turning out to be

**Zukin** · 7th September 2007, 09:30

I just the sent the museum an email asking how long it will be there for

They replied "It should be here for a year!!"

So we will definitely call in on the way down to the Burt Munro Rally

**RentaTriumph** · 9th September 2007, 20:57

I went along to the museam today and low and behold the man himself was there (Ivan Mauger) He answered questions and explained various things about the bikes and photo's on display and it was a very good morning. I have attached a photo of the Triple Crown Special which was gold plated inside and out in 1970 by Ray Bockelman director of Orange County Metal processing when Ivan Mauger won a third World title in a row. The cost of gold plating the bike back then in 1970 was US$500.000 dollars, the bike is now insured for US$2.5 million. Wonder if this is the Worlds most expensive bike?.
At the back of the bike is the Sunday Mirror Trophy given to Ivan Mauger when he won his 5th World title. At the end of his career he had won 6 World titles came runner up 3 times and third placed once. Of course there are also all the long track, and teams World titles he won. He still holds the World record for the long track speed limit which he set at Alexander park Auckland.

**JimO** · 9th September 2007, 21:13

the man is a hero, NZ needs more like him

**Sparky Bills** · 9th September 2007, 21:17

I saw that bike a year or 2 ago at the World Long Track Champs at New Plymouth.
An amazing looking machine!

Good on that man!

**Skyryder** · 11th September 2007, 12:21

This man should have received a knighthood for his achievements. Will definatley go and have a look.

**kerfufflez** · 13th September 2007, 23:22

Just a link that I found about a recent ceremony giving him (and others) the keys to Christchurch (whatever that involves?);

http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/driveta...oured-at-last/

**Steam** · 2nd February 2008, 12:03

Wow I just went to see this at the Canterbury Museum, and WOW!

A gold-plated bike! genuinely all parts gold-plated, inside and out, apart from the bits that can't be for mechanichal reasons.

It looking just incredible.

Why did nobody tell me this guy existed! What a bloody legend!
He won so much, did so much, what a bloke.

If you are passing through Chch, GO SEE IT!

It's free.

**SDU** · 2nd February 2008, 14:56

Originally Posted by Steam

Wow I just went to see this at the Canterbury Museum, and WOW!

A gold-plated bike! genuinely all parts gold-plated, inside and out, apart from the bits that can't be for mechanichal reasons.

It looking just incredible.

Why did nobody tell me this guy existed! What a bloody legend!
He won so much, did so much, what a bloke.

If you are passing through Chch, GO SEE IT!

It's free.

Shoosh don't let the cat out of the bag, the transport section will be crowded- we locals like to visit without the crush.LOL
Good on you to get to see it.
He & others as mentioned earlier in the thread, have earned their place in history. It is well worth seeing.
Every now & then these boys get together a exhibit with other local riders & hold a fund raiser in Phillipstown school hall, (which is full off old & new machines- including the current world title holder) gold coin entry & these legends are hanging out together & are happy to talk about their machines. Keep watching the local papers.

**pete376403** · 2nd February 2008, 23:32

Does the exhibit give the story behind the plating?
Apparently ivan had been riding in America after his second world title and he was sponsored by a plating company who chromed a bike for him. Someone said, more or less in jest, that if he won a third title they would gold plate the bike. After he did win it, the plating company got hold of the bike without Ivan knowing and did the job on it. The paint job is by Molly,( who was also responsible for the Yahama yellow, black and white design)
Ivan was then presented with the bike when he returned to America.

**Steam** · 3rd February 2008, 08:59

Originally Posted by pete376403

Does the exhibit give the story behind the plating?

Yes, just as you told it above. It's a great story, I wonder if the gold-plater was pissed off that he promised that.
As well as the Gold bike there are two other bikes there, one is his factory Jawa, and the other is the bike that still holds the speedway world speed record.