Shannons is putting its weight behind Australia's newest and most exciting motor museums in eastern Victoria.
The Gippsland Vehicle Collection in rural Maffra with its population of just over 4,000 opened its doors just 18 months ago and within 12 months had received a $100,000 anonymous donation.
It is now attracting over 1,000 visitors a month to view its changing displays of interesting vehicles and memorabilia.
Shannons will specifically assist the museum with the promotion of its major themed exhibitions, which rotate every four months, commencing with 'American Motor Vehicles', which runs from August 1 to November 30.
Other planned displays over the next 18 months include Japanese vehicles from December 2008 until March 2009, Hot Rods, Race Cars and Drag Boats (April-July 2009) and Continental Vehicles (August-November 2008).
The Gippsland Vehicle Collection appropriately is housed in a large building with an impressive open-spanned roof structure that dates back to 1941.
The motor museum was established following the visit to Maffra of three annual Grand Prix Rallies in the early 2000s. These visits enthused members of Maffra's already-strong car and motorcycle clubs, who together found enough local vehicles to put on a large street display for each Rally visit and these formed the embryo of the current Gippsland Vehicle Collection.
The first donation to the museum was the 5.5 tonne, belt-driven printing 'Double-Royal' press originally used to print the local 'Maffra Spectator' newspaper.
Most vehicles on display are on loan from private owners, however several vehicles have been donated, the oldest being a 1923 British 'Vulcan' 50 cwt truck with solid rubber wheels.
A growing memorabilia collection now forms a significant part of the GVC display and includes many old flag, signs and memorabilia from past RedeX and Repco Reliability Trials.
A period 'Service Station, has been constructed in the museum from the contents of the oldest house in Maffra and now contains an ever- growing collection of old tools and garage equipment, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Victorian Business Development Manager, Richard Sanders, said Shannons were proud to support the GVC and it's commitment to motoring enthusiasts in regional Victoria.
"The fit with Shannons is perfect," he said. "It allows us to share the passion with enthusiasts of all makes and models and is in line with our policy of supporting enthusiasts in regional areas around Australia with their vehicle and specialised Home and Contents insurance needs."
For further information contact:
Richard Sanders, Business Development Manager, Shannons (03) 8543 2203 or Richard_Sanders@shannons.com.au
Peter Quennell, Gippsland Vehicle collection 0412 387 102 or peterquennell@wideband.net.au
For media information and publication quality pictures, Michael Browning (03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324 328 / michael@browning.com.au
