Holden fans, meet Geoff—who built his own speedster in '56 with scrap and skill
Built in a Bootshed: The Untold Stories Driving Strathalbyn’s Best Kept Museum
We’ve all heard of Holden, but have you met the bloke who built his car from scratch in a corrugated iron bootshed back in 1956? A visit to Gilbert’s Motor Museum started with polished bonnets — and ended in jaw-dropping yarns that you’d never expect to hear unless you leaned in close and asked.
"The engine had more heart than half the drivers he raced against," one volunteer laughed as he dusted the gleaming blue bonnet of a 1924 Fiat.
Gilbert’s isn’t about roped-off relics—it’s a shed full of soul, tinkered together by history lovers, grease-stained champions, and locals who remember when a ute meant freedom and a wrench could fix nearly anything.
The Curveball That Hooked Us
We went in just wanting to see some classic cars. You know, walk around, nod appreciatively, maybe snap a few photos for the grandkids.
But then—there’s Geoff. Grey beard, steady hands, eyes that remember too much. He stands beside a low-slung, cherry-red speedster like it’s one of his own kids. And in a way, it is.
“Built that one in ‘56. No kit. No plans. Just a crate of parts and a mate’s old welder.”
It’s not a one-off story. It’s the tone of the whole place.
Proof That It’s More Than Metal
This isn’t pretend nostalgia. You’ll find:
- A Glen Dix tribute hailed by motorsport clubs around the country
- Speedcars from Rowley Park that gripped dirt like lifelines
- A rotating display of Aussie classics: Holdens, Fords, even the odd robust Valiant
But more than that, it’s what you hear in between:
- War stories from the spanner turners
- Jokes traded over lubricant stains and old photos
- Passion, passed down like an oil-stained toolkit
A Different Kind of Museum
Most collections stay quiet behind glass. Gilbert’s? It talks back. Volunteers actually want to chat. They’ll tell you what makes a red motor different from a blue one. Or how Rowley Park had the rowdiest pits this side of the Murray. You might even meet someone who sold his car for a deposit on a house — and now visits it like an old flame, every Sunday at noon.
There’s no velvet rope here keeping you out of the story. Just open bonnets and open conversations.
What Makes This Spot Hit Different
You wouldn’t expect it when you turn off High Street. The front’s as unassuming as any old local garage.
But then—
You catch a glimpse of something bright orange, or a boot with chrome breathing new life, or a poster from 1978, sun-faded but still grinning.
You take four steps in the door, and suddenly you’re part of the motoring story.
Match It to Your Own Memories
Maybe your old man had a ute just like the one on display. Or maybe you taught your apprentice to rebuild a carburettor with similar parts. There’s a kind of homespun pride in these machines—more heart than horsepower at times, and all the better for it.
“We don’t just preserve cars. We preserve the people who loved them,” said Darren, one of the regular volunteers.
It’s history, yes. But it’s also family, friendship, and quiet afternoons where wheels whisper stories louder than words.
The Kind of Place That Stays With You
You don’t need to be a revhead to feel something here. You just need to give a damn about the kind of hands-on grit that built Australia, one gasket at a time.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum is more than vintage cars—it's a shrine to ingenuity, loyalty, and the beautiful, stubborn art of figuring things out as you go. Ask enough questions, and you might just leave with a story of your own.
And one day, someone might walk past your garage—and ask what you built in it.
Cheers for reading,
—Candeece
I blog about Strathalbyn and the surrounding area and my mission is to highlight all the small businesses, organisations and events that make our region great. Please reach out if you would like to be involved with guest blogging.
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