PREVIEW - Purvis Eureka 50th Anniversary event

One of the most successful Aussie kit cars – the Purvis Eureka – turns 50 this year, and the Purvis Eureka Car Club of Australia are using their annual Eureka Nationals to celebrate the 50th birthday of the “car for the individual”.

Scheduled for 1- 4 November, the 2024 Eureka Nationals will, fittingly, be held in Ballarat, home of the famous Eureka rebellion of 1854. It was that event that inspired Allan Purvis, creator of the Eureka, to name his car – a car that rebelled against what filled Australian roads 50 years ago.

Purvis’s creation, based heavily on the ADD Nova kit car from the UK, debuted at the Melbourne Motor Show in 1974. Built on a VW Beetle platform and using a low-slung fibreglass body, Eurekas were offered in kit form for enthusiasts to build themselves, or as complete, turn-key cars.

Powered by VW flat four engines initially, later Eurekas would feature Ford inline fours, Subaru flat fours and even Mazda rotaries. Local modifications included a higher roof for improved interior space, an enlarged instrument display, revised lighting and a targa roof option.

From 1974 to 1991, Purvis Cars built a total of 683 Eurekas across kit and turn-key form – a remarkable output for a niche vehicle and easily the most successful kit car in Australia to come from a single manufacturer.

For the 50th Anniversary Eureka Nationals, the Purvis Eureka Car Club of Australia are expecting around 20 cars to attend. And in a special treat for owners and enthusiasts, Allan Purvis will be in attendance, too. 

Along with drive days, club-specific activities and a special dinner for registered entrants, the itinerary for this year’s Eureka Nationals includes several display days where the public can check out these distinctive cars up close.

Display days will be held on the following days/times, with free public entry:

Friday, 1 November – 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Display in the Eureka Precinct (Eureka Street, Ballarat).

Saturday, 2 November - 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Display at Lake Wendouree western shore (near Ballarat Botanical Gardens).

Sunday, 3 November - 10.00am to 11:30am. Display at Daylesford Markets (East Street carpark). 

NOTE: For PLI reasons, display days are limited to Purvis Eureka vehicles only.

Purvis Eureka owners who aren’t already registered for the 2024 Nationals are encouraged to sign-up (all elements are affordably priced) and make this 50th Birthday event the biggest Nationals ever.

For more details on the 1 – 4 November Purvis Eureka Nationals, contact the Purvis Eureka Car Club of Australia via Facebook HERE.