The Redhead
Redhead is one of the most dramatic and distinctive exhibits in the Southward collection - a record-breaking powerboat with a story as bold as her engine.
Owned and driven by Sir Len Southward, Redhead was powered by a 1450hp Allison V12 aircraft engine. Built for speed and spectacle, she became one of the most recognisable racing boats in New Zealand and a defining part of Len Southward’s early engineering and sporting legacy.
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On 22 February 1953, Redhead made powerboating history at Evans Bay, Wellington, when she became the first boat in Australasia to travel at more than 100mph on water. Bad weather had prevented earlier record attempts, and even on the day, Redhead’s first run fell just short at 98.227mph. After a propeller change, Len Southward returned to the water and broke through the 100mph barrier, setting a new Australasian water speed record.
Throughout the 1950s, Redhead was a dominant force in Australasian powerboat racing. Len Southward and Redhead became one of the most successful partnerships in New Zealand powerboat racing history, winning the prestigious Masport Cup multiple times, including victories in 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. Her combination of aircraft-engine power, engineering skill, and Len Southward’s determination made her one of the most feared and celebrated boats of her era.
In 1956, Australian boat Fleetwing briefly took the Australasian water speed record with a speed of 103mph. Just one week later, Len Southward reclaimed the title in Redhead with a run of 109.29mph off Port England, Auckland.
Redhead’s racing career came to a dramatic end at Picton in 1959 while competing in the Masport Cup. Racing against Mystic Miss, Redhead was pushing ahead when a buckled propeller shaft tore a hole in her hull. In front of an estimated crowd of 9,000 spectators, the champion boat sank.
Today, Redhead is displayed at Southward Car Museum as she was when she was lifted from the water - not restored to a polished racing finish, but preserved as part of her remarkable story. She remains a powerful reminder of speed, ambition, engineering, and one of the most exciting chapters in New Zealand powerboating history. To find Redhead at the museum: from within the shop, take the door to the left, head straight down towards the bay windows, turn right and she's directly in front of you
