- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Motorcycle Museum To Experience New Lease of Life
While it sometimes feels as if nothing ever changes on the Wild Coast except the weather and the tides, some development is not only necessary but genuinely welcome. That’s why so many in the area—including Kei Mouth Tourism—are excited about this latest piece of local news.
From Sidecars To Pink Planes: The Spirit Of Morganville
For years, locals and visitors alike have had a love affair with Billy Nel’s quirky motorcycle museum. From its ancient sidecars and vast collection of over 650 motorbikes to its reputation as a local landmark (especially for those who still remember the days of the famous “pink” aeroplane), it’s been a place that sparks both nostalgia and curiosity, not to mention endless fascination for petrol heads and die-hard motorbike fanatics who could happily spend hours poring over every nut and bolt.
Not only have we loved the museum itself, but we’ve also cherished the character and distinction it has brought to the area. While it may never have been a global attraction in the strictest sense, it has certainly drawn attention from far and wide—and continues to do so.
How A Quirky Landmark Arrived On The Wild Coast
After all, it’s never been purely about the bikes, but about what inspired Billy Nel to create such a collection, complete with boats, aeroplanes, prams, and pretty much anything else with wheels and an engine.
Of course, the Convair 880 has been the crown jewel of the museum since its arrival nearly 20 years ago. One of only three such jets remaining in the world—one tucked away in an army compound and the other, more famous model, housed at Graceland in Memphis—it’s a piece of aviation history that few would expect to stumble across in Kei Mouth.
If memory serves, Nel bought the plane from the then Ciskei government who, after acquiring it, quickly realised they couldn’t afford to keep it in the air and left it languishing on the airstrip for years.
It may have been something of a bargain at the time, but Nel’s relentless determination (and perhaps stubborn streak) has probably meant he invested far more in restoring and maintaining it than he ever did on the initial purchase.
Over the years, the sight of that enormous aircraft looming over the horizon became as much a talking point as the bikes themselves. For some, it was a symbol of Nel’s eccentric passion; for others, it was simply part of the Kei Mouth landscape, a landmark that drew curious travellers off the beaten track.
Revving Up Creativity: The Museum’s Exciting New Chapter
So, from that perspective, news that the museum is set to change might feel bittersweet for many, but thankfully, this is a cloud with a very bright silver lining. For one thing, the transition will be gradual, and rather than disappearing altogether, the museum’s spirit is set to evolve—giving rise to several exciting new ventures rising like phoenixes from its ashes.
The first phase of the museum’s transformation comes in the form of an exciting art collaboration between several community-focused organisations, led by Ubunto Plus, who is spearheading the initiative. This opening chapter aims to showcase and empower local artists while also raising funds to support the next stage of the museum’s evolution.
The Ubunto Plus Art Project will begin by carefully photographing the museum’s top 100 motorbikes against a simple white backdrop. These will include celebrated machines like the six-cylinder Honda CBX1000, super bikes like the Kawasaki ZX7, and authentic classics like the Arial 500.
These images will then be shared with local artists, inviting them to reimagine each bike within a background of their own choosing—bringing fresh stories, local perspectives, and a new layer of creativity to these much-loved machines.
Once the artworks are complete, they will be auctioned, providing income for the artists while also raising funds to support the museum’s ongoing development.
Gearing Up For the Future: Jobs, Skills, and Community
In that sense, change is definitely on the horizon. Alongside a tea garden and nursery, the new owners plan to establish a Skills Development Centre—something many in the community will agree is long overdue.
The centre will offer training in all things motorcycle-related, from panel beating and auto mechanics to spray painting and auto electrics. Its goal is to create jobs while restoring and replicating old bikes, both for the museum and for private clients.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a classic bike, this could be your chance—either by acquiring one of the artist’s paintings or, in time, by commissioning a replica built by our newly skilled local talent.
That’s not the only way you can get involved, though. For starters, when the museum reopens, which I’ve been assured should be within the next month or so, go along and celebrate the bikes while they’re still here and soak up the stories, quirks, and character that have made this place such a spiritual as well as physical landmark.
Past and Further: Join the Journey
Another facet of the museum’s development involves a documentary series that will build on the original footage shot when Billy Nel first moved his collection to Morganville. The next instalment will follow the bikes as they make their journey from Kei Mouth to their new home in George, where they’ll be displayed in a purpose-built space designed to showcase each item at its best.
If you’re a keen biker yourself, maybe you can contribute to the Past and Further documentary series, sharing your motorcycle knowledge and stories with the biking community. All bike clubs are invited to join the filming and you can also donate to the project or provide sponsorship in the form of a video ad.
Conclusion
The Morganville Motorcycle Museum has always been more than just a collection of machines—it’s been a story of passion, eccentricity, and community. While its next chapter means saying goodbye to a familiar landmark, it is also opening the door to much-needed opportunities: for artists, for young people eager to learn new skills, and for bikers who want to keep the legacy alive.
Change may feel bittersweet, but it’s clear that Billy Nel’s vision isn’t fading—it’s simply shifting gears. The roar of engines will continue, but they’ll be accompanied by welders, panel beaters, and young apprentices learning the skills to build both bikes and a brighter future.
If you want to join in this exciting journey, please contact:
Superemedia: WhatsApp: 081 894 5777 or Email: superemedia@gmail.com
Abraham Enzo van Vuuren (Manager Morganville): WhatsApp: 071 303 4007
Make it more than a pit stop
Stay the weekend and feel the Wild Coast roar to life.
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