Colin Brenchley
Born 13th Feb 1936, COLIN BRENCHLEY grew up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where he assisted his father Colin Snr in running his businesses, including car businesses, taxis and hotels, including the sprawling Sylvania Hotel in Sydney’s south.
Colin Snr and Colin had a huge collection of Vintage and Veteran motorcycles from mid-1960, with his largest collection being in 1970-1980. Both attended the 1978 Australian International Veteran and Vintage Motor Rally from Sydney to the Gold Coast, Qld. Colin raced a selection of Classic bikes, but the main interest for them was Vintage bike rallies around Australia. Colin Snr and Colin attended many rallies every year, winning many trophies for their beautiful bikes. A highlight of the year was the Veteran and Historic Motor Cycle Club Bathurst Easter rally, which he attended with his entire family and many friends.
One of Col’s proudest memories was having ridden in a race at Mt Panorama in 1977 with Mike Hailwood in the same race. Colin’s son, Colin Jnr, raced 125cc and 350cc bikes from 1978-1979, when he was killed racing his 350cc Yamaha at Amaroo Park on 18th June 1979. After this tragedy, Both Colin Snr and Colin continued to enjoy their vintage bike collection and rallies. Colin Snr died on 27th January 1991. Colin continued to enjoy his smaller collection of bikes and his great friendships that continued at the Vintage Club rallies. Colin attended his last rally in November 2021, at Gunning. He died in St Vincent’s hospital 26th January 2022, of Fibrosis of the lungs, a condition he developed from the many years he spent passive smoking in the family hotels. Colin always had a big beaming smile and was ready to share a drink with friends. He is survived by his wife Caroline, daughter Lisa, son in law Stephen, and grand children Courtney, Kyle and Hayley Boulden.