The National Holden Motor Museum finds permanent home

Rich Fowler•11 August, 2024

Visitors to the scenic NSW north Coast city of Coffs Harbour now have a reason to visit other than a milkshake at the Big Banana, following the reopening of the iconic Bunker Gallery which now includes National Holden Motor Museum exhibits.

The National Holden Motor Museum will be a new permanent feature of the Bunker Gallery which reopened in mid-August with its popular National Cartoon Gallery now sharing space with the major motoring exhibition.

The National Holden Motor Museum exhibits include 25 rare cars alongside a range of information, displays and artifacts from the motoring icon’s 120-year history in Australia.

Organisers claim the display of Holden cars alongside cartoons creates a unique visitor experience that is the first of its kind in the world.

Local businessman Geoff King donated the display of 25 rare Holdens and memorabilia which he sourced from the now closed Echuca National Holden Motor Museum in Victoria.

“Holden is one of Australia’s most iconic brands, and this exhibition will give a home to another major slice of our national identity and history,” said Geoff.

“The cars, including a Peter Brock Bathurst-winning No. 5 Commodore tribute, the Holden 48-215 (FX), the first model to be built in Australia, and a collection of rare motoring memorabilia all deserve to be on show and what better place than the historic Bunker Gallery.”

The National Cartoon Gallery will also reopen with its latest exhibition, Politically Speaking taking a humorous look at Australian politics.

The collection of 165 cartoons from the gallery archives represent significant events over the past decade, with no politician or political story safe from scrutiny.

“While we all have different views on politics and politicians, cartoons provide a humorous look at the issues of the time and reflect people's opinions and attitudes toward historical events,” said Bunker Gallery Vice President, Margaret Cameron.

The Bunker Gallery featuring the National Cartoon Gallery and the National Holden Motor Museum opens to the public on Saturday 10 August from 9am.

For more information visit nationalcartoongallery.com.au

Rich Fowler

Writer

"If it moves and makes a noise, count me in. That pretty much sums up my lifelong passion for motoring and motorsport history. Rich has worked in various roles in the digital and motoring media world, starting his career at Autosport and also working at Auto Action, Motor, and as the founder and publisher of Motorsport Retro.

Most recently, Rich successfully launched Collecting Cars in the Australian market, growing the brand from 0 to $150 million in sales in just 3 years."

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