Australian Motorlife Museum

Tucked away on the New South Wales south coast is a museum that has grown from humble beginnings as the Illawarra Motor Museum in 1992 to now fill several large buildings spread over 4,000 square metres, with an eclectic assortment of motorcycles, cars, trucks and memorabilia.

The Illawarra area has a rich history in the motoring field, and in motorcycling terms has produced more than its share of champions, Wayne Garner (a patron of the museum) and Troy Corser to name just a couple. Fittingly, there is a dedicated exhibition of bikes and memorabilia from the Gardner family, although it is sealed off behind glass panels. As well as the motor vehicles, there are extensive displays of things like petrol pumps, workshop equipment, gramophones, typewriters and telephones that provide a fascinating snapshot of the 20th century. The NMRA has an exhibition to

itself, with service vehicles like the ubiquitous Morris J Van and sidecars. I was pleased to see the museum had obtained one of the two surviving Spencer motorcycles (this one owned for many years by Paul Reed) which were made in Brisbane between 1903 and 1910. Another Australian-made motorcycle (with Underwood sidecar) is the Victor, built in Melbourne in 1914 by Edward Bowen. This is the only survivor of the five built, and is fitted with a 1000cc V-twin JAP engine.

Local identity Clem Daniel was a prolific engineer and sponsor of leading riders like Bob Brown and Len Atlee. Clem travelled with Brown in Europe and was impressed with the East German MZ racers, so on his return he built his own version, which is on display and affectionately known as the ‘Bacon Slicer’. There are also several of the late Kevin Cass’ racing and road bikes on display.

Although not specifically motorcycling-oriented, the collection of the late Paul Butler is well worth seeing. Following Mr Butler’s death in 1991, Motorlife fought an 18-year battle, which was only resolved in the NSW Supreme Court, to become the custodians of the Butler collection, which includes many British cars and motorcycles. The museum is staffed by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of volunteers who are keen to answer questions and guide visitors around the halls.

The Australian Motorlife Museum is located at 94 Darkes Road, Kembla Grange, Integral Energy Recreation Park, Wollongong NSW. Open from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Entry: $17.50 per adult, Concession $15.00, Children 6-16 $6.00. Rates available for large groups. For further information Phone: (02) 4261 4100, Email: motorlife1@bigpond.com.au or visit... www.australianmotorlifemuseum.com

A Douglas ‘patrol bike’ forms part of the NRMA exhibition.

LEFT Four-cylinder Henderson restored by Kevin Cass. ABOVE Triumph Tigress, a short-lived dalliance in scooters by the British company.

Melbourne-made Victor, with sidecar made by Underwood Bros, in perfectly preserved condition. It is the only survivor, and possibly the last of five made between 1908 and 1914.

ABOVE The Wayne Gardner display, featuring bikes raced by Wayne’s sons Remy and Luca, plus a large collection of memorabilia from Wayne’s career. RIGHT The Spencer, built in Brisbane in 1906 and purchased by the museum in 2014. Many of the patterns and castings used to make the bike are displayed with it. BELOW The Douglas ridden around Australia in 1993 by Kevin Cass to recreate the similar journey made in 1924 by Arthur Grady, also on a Douglas.

1954 Series C Vincent Black Shadow with unpainted engine and polished fork blades, engine number F10AB/1B/10197. This KTT Mk8 Velocette, engine number 1015, was delivered new in 1949 to agents Cottmans of Launceston in February 1949, and raced in Tasmania by Dave Powell. The 125cc CSD, built by Clem Daniel and ridden very successfully by Len Atlee, Geoff Sim and Kevin Cass.