The Federal Government has gifted $200,000 to Australia’s leading National Motor Museum to purchase an iconic classic car.
Built in 1928, the Chamberlain 8 “Australian Special” race car with its unique features and fascinating history, could soon be front and centre in the South Australian-based museum.
Encapsulating the interest of museum director Paul Rees, the museum has spent the last 18 months fundraising for the vehicle and now, with thanks to the National Cultural Heritage Account funding, is only a few thousand dollars away from its dream.
Previously receiving a $40,000 State Government grant, Paul told Starts at 60 classic car lovers from across Australia and the world are excited to see the vehicle finally in prime position.
“The whole kit and caboodle costs around $320,000 so this grant has got us almost to the finish line,” Paul said.
“There are many vehicles out there but this one really caught our attention, it is a fantastic example of Australian integrity.”
Built by Melbourne brothers and engineers Alan Hawker ‘Bob’ Chamberlain and Howard Francis ‘Bill’ Chamberlain, the classic car features what is known as a “revolutionary” engine.
Its four-wheel independent suspension and 8000 rpm engine made headlines across the world, boosting the brothers into the spotlight and changing the ways of Australia’s technological and motoring history.
“The Chamberlain brothers were larakins and created an engine that is completely crazy, it is nutso what they did,” Paul said.
With only a small amount of fundraising left to do, the National Motor Museum plans to have the Chamberlain 8 ready to launch in September in conjunction with the popular motoring event, the Bay to Birdwood.
“We always get people visiting the museum from across Australia and overseas but this will definitely spark some extra interest,” he said.
“The Chamberlain 8 would have been in the Bay to Birdwood back in the day so it’s the perfect time for it to have its debut.”