On behalf of everyone at the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation (AMHF), I would like to extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Visitors to AMFH
Throughout 2025 we welcomed visitors to our home base at Sydney Motorsport Park. Among them were international motoring journalist Mel Nichols, John Connolly (automotive columnist for The Weekend Australian), Marc McInnes (retired General Motors-Holden NSW media relations manager), former lap timer and race driver Marisha Kelly, motorcycle racer and journalist Jim Scaysbrook OAM, Chris McGee of McGee Cams fame, WA Council of Motor Clubs President and Jaguar book author Terry McGrath, retired Repco-Brabham engine builder and dyno tester Mike Gasking, Dr Hugh McDermott, the NSW State Member of Parliament for Prospect and our local MP, Ian Bone (Secretary, Australasian Motor Museums Association) and Dr Daljeet Singh of Singapore. Dr Singh is an avid motoring and racing enthusiast, a frequent visitor and supporter of the AMHF’s ethos.
Donations received
We are deeply grateful for the many donations received during 2025, which included automotive books, magazines, race programs, photographs and artefacts, all of which have enhanced our collection.
The National Transport Museum donated a significant number of Volvo-related items, along with Australian motoring magazines. The Regan family donated BMC-Leyland Australia items that were collected by the late Kevin Regan. Donations of magazines, framed pictures, speedway and race programs were made by relatives of the late Phillip Coffey. With the assistance of Brian Darby, digitised speedway and road racing photographs taken by Des Lawrence have been donated by his widow, Rita.
Monetary donations, both large and small, were also gratefully received. As a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status, donations valued over $2 can be tax deductible and are all appreciated.
Honouring Kel Carruthers
One of the highlights of 2025 was the naming our motorcycle publications collection to honour Kel Carruthers, the 1969 250cc World Champion. Organised by our motorcycle specialist, Phil Whitton, Kel said that he “would be proud to have my name associated with this project. As a collector of books, being involved in a motorcycle library is kinda neat.”
Audio/Visual Collection Expansion
The expansion of our audio/visual collection continues, led by our A/V expert Peter Tomlinson. The collection comprises photographs, slides, DVDs, video tapes, film and digital media dating from 1928 to the present. Most of these materials have been digitised. Totalling over 6,000 hours of viewing time, the collection is likely the largest archive of Australia’s moving visual motoring history. If you wish to donate automotive-related photos, slides, films, videos, DVDs or digital media, please contact Peter via our Contact Us form.
Promotion and Events
Significant behind-the scenes-work has gone into the re-vitalisation of our Instagram and Facebook communication channels, and our website now boasts a new article almost every week.
The AMHF maintained a strong presence at the 2025 Shannons CMC Sydney Classic event in August, signing up new supporters. We also participated in the Spring Fair and Wheels & Caffeine events at Sydney Motorsport Park.
To further publicise the AMHF, volunteers were interviewed by AMHF supporter Stephen Wells for his “Motoring Weekly” podcast. Each of the eleven episodes focused on a different aspect of the collection including the archives of Graham Howard, Brian Lear and Herbert Thompson (the first person to successfully build and drive a self-propelled automobile in Australia).
The AMHF was featured in Old Bike Australasia and Australian Muscle Car magazines. The Shannons Club website showcased never-before-seen colour images from our Graham Howard collection. Click on this link for the Shannons Club website.
Automotive Heritage Economic Impact Survey
Our landmark Automotive Heritage Economic Impact Survey, released in 2024, also featured on Stephen Wells’ podcasts. The study revealed that Australia’s motoring enthusiasts contribute an impressive $9.9 billion directly to the Australian economy each year. During 2026, we will be providing more detailed information through a series of media releases which car clubs and industry stakeholders are welcome to use. Both the executive summary and the full report are available on our website: www.motorheritage.org.au.
Race Results
The collection and sales of race results continue to be a success, thanks to the dedication of AMHF volunteer Rod Chivas. If you’re searching for information about a race meeting or a specific race, we may have what you need. Please contact Rod at results [at] motorheritage.org.au.
Searchable Database Launch
Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited that we will soon launch the searchable database of our archive. Starting with books, this database will make information available online to motoring enthusiasts and the public generally. More updates on this development will follow soon.
Special Thanks
The AMHF depends entirely on the ongoing support of our donors, ambassadors, volunteers, directors and stakeholders, and we especially value our strategic partnership with the Australian Racing Drivers Club.
We are immensely grateful for the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, who meet at the AMHF every Wednesday and whenever needed. The AMHF could not operate without these volunteers who share a passion for all things automotive. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team and contributing to media content creation, archive management, event and promotion development, client research, stakeholder engagement and special projects, please contact our Chief Operating Officer, Geoff Piggott, at geoff.piggott [at] motorheritage.org.au.
So again we wish you, your family and friends a safe and happy holiday season and a great New Year.
