REPORT - Brisbane Motor Museum opening
Words: Mark Buchanan
Photos: Mark Buchanan, Mark Jansen and Tymon Blizzard
After two years of hard work, the Brisbane Motor Museum had its grand opening on 16 June, bringing a much-needed destination for motoring enthusiasts to the Queensland capital.
In front of invited guests, automotive aficionados and members of Brisbane’s largest car and motorcycle clubs, Museum Director, Jackson Smith, provided a welcome speech, after which founder Colin Galley cut the ribbon for the first exhibit - “The Cars We Grew Up With”.
As a live jazz trio, headed by the Brisbane Jazz Club’s Mal Wood provided the tunes, visitors were captivated by the sights and sounds in the specially curated exhibition space at Banyo, approximately 30 mins from the Brisbane CBD.
Almost all the cars on display are from private, Queensland-based owners, but there’s much more to this space than just the cars. Mark Buchanan, curator of the museum, has incorporated gallery lighting, media screens and projections that offer a glimpse into the passion that these vehicle owners have for their pride and joy.
There’s also a gift shop, lounge and library on site, plus a café that can double as a function space, all themed to deliver old world automotive charm.
Highlights amongst the inaugural display vehicles include a ‘Blue Train’ Bentley, Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach LP400S, Alfa Romeo SZ, Pontiac GTO, Alpina BMW and Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, which may stretch the definition of “Cars We Grew Up With" a bit!
There is humbler fare on show, though, like a VW Beetle, FJ and FC Holdens, an MGA, MGB, Humber Super Snipe, Austin-Healey Sprite and Morris Eight.
Uncommon vehicles include a LaSalle sedan, Jensen CV8 and Fiat 850 Spider, but arguably the rarest car in the debut exhibit is a tourer from the short-lived Scottish marque, Galloway. Adding a local angle, the museum’s example wears a body by coachbuilders from the inner Brisbane suburb of Spring Hill.
The eclectic range of vehicles – including motorcycles – that make up The Cars We Grew Up With will remain on display until mid-September, when a new theme will be introduced. Themed displays will change every three months, ensuring visitors have ample opportunity to experience each display in this impressive museum, with fresh attractions added to keep them coming back.
See for Yourself
The Brisbane Motor Museum is located at 959 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, just off the Gateway Motorway and close to both the CBD and Brisbane Airport.
Open to the public from 10AM to 5PM Friday and Saturday and 8AM to 3PM Sunday, group bookings are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors and concession card holders and $12.50 for kids 12-16, with kids under 12 admitted free. Discounts of up to 20 per cent are available for group bookings.
Tickets can be purchased via the museum website, or onsite at the gift shop.
For more details, go to: brisbanemotormuseum.com.au
