ABOUT THE BRITTEN MUSEUM

JOHN BRITTEN

John Britten’s life was short, but his impact was immense. In just 45 years, this remarkable New Zealander reimagined what was possible in engineering, design, and innovation.

The Britten Museum exists to honour his genius — a man whose vision, creativity, and determination turned ideas from a Christchurch garage into machines that amazed the world. Like Leonardo da Vinci, to whom he is often compared, John saw the world differently — a gift of imagination shaped by his dyslexia and his refusal to accept limitations.

From his modest garage in Merivale, Christchurch, surrounded by a small team of equally passionate friends, John re-imagined what a motorcycle could be. The result was the Britten V1000 - a hand-built machine that not only reshaped the look of modern motorcycles but redefined the very limits of engineering possibility.

The Britten V1000 went on to win world championships and Grand Prix events for decades and continues to be revered by enthusiasts around the globe. It stands as both a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a symbol of Kiwi ingenuity - proof that world-changing innovation can come from anywhere.

This museum is our tribute to that legacy. It honours the craftsmanship, brilliance, and relentless spirit of John Britten - a visionary who showed the world what determination, hard work, and imagination can achieve. Through interactive exhibits, storytelling, and education, we aim to inspire future generations of innovators, dreamers, and makers to follow in his footsteps.

John Britten was, and will always remain, a Kiwi legend whose legacy continues to shape the way we think, create, and believe in what’s possible.

We acknowledge, and are forever grateful, to Kirsteen (Britten) and John’s family for the loan of the machines and the sharing of their story. Without their generosity and their willingness this museum would not be possible.