Spotlight on Australian Motoring Museums: Classic Restos - Series 57

As Fletch cruises through the streets in his 1981 CM Chrysler Regal to pick up some milk, he finds himself fondly reminiscing about the remarkable Australian motoring museums he has visited over the years. Although Australia may not have an abundance of them, Fletch truly enjoys supporting the ones that are here.

Fletch reflects on some past episodes of Classic Restos and a recent visit to the National Holden Motor Museum in Coffs Harbour, whose naming rights were transferred over from the Echuca Museum when it closed its doors. This museum showcases a collection dedicated to Australia’s automotive heritage, highlighting the rich history of Holden vehicles.

Fletch has filmed several times at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, South Australia, and remembers one year when the iconic Australian concept car Efijy, inspired by the Australian-built 1953 Holden FJ, was featured. During his visit, he had the opportunity to call Richard Ferlazzo, the head of General Motors' Design Studio, who played a pivotal role in the Efijy’s creation, and discuss the innovative design and its significance in automotive history. 

Another memory is the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the FC Holden, where he had the opportunity to speak with Richard Ferlazzo once more. They discussed the cultural significance of these classic vehicles, with Ferlazzo expressing admiration for the car owners he affectionately referred to as ‘Historians,’ who dedicate themselves to preserving Australian motoring history for future generations.

Then there’s the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) in Shepparton, Victoria. This sprawling 10,000-square-foot facility showcases an array of cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, and other machinery. The museum is a testament to the local Shepparton transport businesses that continue to support it, making it a world-class destination for automotive enthusiasts. Fletch recommends that visitors allocate plenty of time to explore everything it has to offer.

Another noteworthy stop is the Depot Museum in Deniliquin, New South Wales. Owned by Neville, this museum features an impressive collection of vehicles from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, along with an array of memorabilia. Neville shared that the collection represents cherished memories of the transport industry's pioneers. One standout piece is Rosie, a 1948 Bedford School Bus from his family’s business—the oldest continually registered school bus.

Finally, Fletch recalls the hidden gem of the Temora Ambulance and Tractor Museum, located in the Riverina district. This museum boasts around 56 tractors, including a meticulously restored Jelbart tractor from 1915. Most of the vehicles are in working condition. The display also features ambulances, fire services, and other emergency vehicles, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in agricultural and emergency transport history.

You may have visited some of these museums, but they are constantly evolving and are always worth a return trip.