CRC Speedshow and artist Don Packwood auction legends' paintings for charity

Three of the 17 New Zealand Legends of Speed being honoured at this year’s CRC Speedshow have been painted by renowned motorsport artist Don Packwood with the unique oil paintings being auctioned and the profits donated to charity.

CRC Speedshow’s Ross Prevette has been delighted to work with an artist of Don Packwood’s calibre to create this special opportunity for motorsport fans to own a signed painting while helping raise funds for charity.

“Don was one of the first of many people to embrace the concept of New Zealand Legends of Speed,” says Prevette. “It’s very generous of him to have created these one-off paintings which recognise the achievements of Bruce McLaren, Burt Munro and Rod Millen.

“It’s also fantastic to have the painting personally signed to add to their uniqueness. The artwork ‘Bruce McLaren at Watkins Glen’ will be signed by Jan McLaren, Bruce’s sister and chief executive of the Bruce McLaren Trust, ‘Burt Munro at Bonneville’ will be signed by John Munro, Burt’s son; and ‘Rod Millen at Pikes Peak’ will be signed by Rod himself.”

Packwood is a highly respected painter, specialising in oils of motorsport subjects, and is currently the resident motorsport artist of the International Art Centre in Parnell, Auckland, the Champion Brock Experience in Queensland, Australia, and now CRC Speedshow. Painting full-time, he mostly works on private commissions for automotive enthusiasts and collectors, and exhibits at many events internationally and around New Zealand. Packwood has also been commissioned by motor industry and other organisations such as the Bruce McLaren Trust and Karting New Zealand. Further information about Don Packwood can be found at www.donpackwood.co.nz.

Appealing to motorsport fans and collectors of New Zealand art alike, the three paintings are currently being auctioned via TradeMe with the net profits being split equally and donated to the Child Cancer Foundation and the Starship Foundation.

The three paintings will be on display at the 20 to 21 July running of CRC Speedshow at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, with the online auctions scheduled to end on 25 July.

Bruce McLaren in the mighty McLaren Can-Am car racing at Watkins Glen
Dimensions: 760mm x 500mm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=614013850

Burt Munro on the world’s fastest Indian on the Bonneville Salt Flats
Dimensions: 920mm x 400mm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=614014249

Rod Millen in his record-setting Toyota Celica at the famous Pikes Peak hill climb
Dimensions: 830mm x 605mm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=614014813