The 1967 Brabham Repco BT23A-1 V8 racing car will return to the track in Goulburn on Saturday: Photos: NMA.
Twelve of the nation’s most iconic motor vehicles can be seen in action in Goulburn on Saturday (17 August) when they take to Wakefield Park Raceway in a first for the National Museum of Australia.
A Chequered Past will feature the 1967 Brabham Repco BT23A-1 V8 racing car, built and raced by Sir Jack Brabham; the conserved 1948 Daimler DE 36hp landaulette used by Queen Elizabeth II during her historic Royal Tour of Australia in 1954; the 1964 Bentley S3 saloon assigned to Sir Robert Menzies in 1966; and the 1918 Australian Six prototype.
A hundred years of automotive history will be on display from 10 am until 3 pm when they do laps individually and in groups.
National Museum Director, Dr Mathew Trinca said the historic vehicle collection was an intrinsic part of the Australian story.
“This is the first time some of these cars have been on public display and it’s certainly the first time so many of our historic collection can be seen in one place,” Dr Trinca said.
“Even more thrilling is that all 12 vehicles will be in action and driven around the racetrack. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the fact that we maintain these vehicles in working order.”
The Australian Six 1918 designed and built by American Motors Corporation and FH Gordon and Co. It was a rare example of an early attempt to mass-produce cars in Australia.
Curator Laina Hall said the vehicles were collected, not as an example of type, but for the range of stories they tell about industry, adventure, advertising, technology, passion and Australia’s connections to the world.
Dean Chapman, operations manager of Wakefield Park Raceway, said the event was quite different to its usual program and was a wonderful opportunity to engage new spectators.
“The National Museum holds great objects in their collections and we are thrilled that they want to bring these vehicles to our venue in Goulburn,” Mr Chapman said. “There is already strong excitement among the local community about hosting this national event which will attract visitors from around the country.”
Car clubs are invited to take part in a “Show ‘n Shine” and members of the public are welcome to bring their own car treasures.
The Citroën 5CV ‘Type C’ tourer 1923 was the first car to be driven around Australia.
The vehicles on display and in action will be:
- 1918 Australian Six demonstration model
- 1923 5CV ‘Type C’ torpedo Citroen motor car, driven around Australia by Nevill Westwood
in 1925 - Sundowner Bean 14hp car, 1925, driven by Francis Birtles on his record-breaking journey
from London to Melbourne in 1927 - Model-T Ford truck, 1924–26, used to promote Aeroplane Jelly from 1978 to 1988
- 1926 Crossley Landaulette used for the Duke and Duchess of York 1927 Royal Tour of
Australia
Ford Model TT 1924–26 manufactured by Ford Motor Company, used to promote Aeroplane Jelly from 1978 to 1988.
- 1948 Daimler DE 36hp landaulette used by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1954 Royal Tour
of Australia - 1958 Ceremonial Land Rover ‘Special 88’, used on Vice Regal occasions in Queensland
during the 1960s and 1970s - Model 48/215 Holden sedan, 1949, delivered the day before these Holdens were released
for sale to the general public - An immaculately maintained black 1959 Wolseley 1500 saloon sedan
- 1964 Bentley ‘S’ Series 3 black saloon motor car used by Sir Robert Menzies
- Brabham BT23A-1 Repco V8, 1967, built and raced by Formula One legend, Jack Brabham
- Holden Calais 2017 V sedan and accessories – manufactured at the GM Holden factory in
Elizabeth, South Australia on 13 October 2017, a week prior to the plant’s closure on 20
October 2017
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