New National Holden Motor Museum - Coffs Harbour: Classic Restos - Series 57

Fletch travels to Coffs Harbour, famous for the Big Banana, to explore an exciting new attraction: the National Holden Motor Museum. This opening comes shortly after the recent closure of the Echuca Museum. The former local Holden Dealer, Geoff King, has acquired the naming rights and several iconic vehicles from the Echuca Museum, most notably a 48 215 Holden sedan, which now proudly features in the Coffs Harbour museum.

The new museum is uniquely housed in a repurposed underground bunker, initially constructed in 1943 as part of a civil aviation authority’s communication centre during World War II. Following extensive renovations and refurbishments, the facility now provides an impressive venue for car enthusiasts, promising to rival the Big Banana with its comprehensive offerings. The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour and a dedicated team of motoring enthusiast volunteers played a pivotal role in establishing this new facility. The bunker also hosts a Cartoon Museum, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

One of the museum curators, Bob, guides Fletch through the new facility and the newly opened exhibits, showcasing some remarkable cars now on display, including Australia’s first car—the historic 48 215 Holden sedan. The collection boasts various vehicles, such as an HR Police Car, a 1968 186 Kingswood sedan, an EH Sedan, and a host of Utes, VS, FB, and HT Models. The museum also features brand-new vehicles that have never been registered and many in original condition, including standout examples like a flawless HD Premier sedan. Visitors can also find a range of Barinas, Geminis, Camiras, and Commodores in every shape and size, right up to the luxury Statesman.

This National Holden Motor Museum is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, and for those planning a road trip, it should added as an essential stopover in Coffs Harbour.