Welcome to the AMHF Newsletter for May 2026.
Brabham Anniversary Tribute on YouTube
To mark Sir Jack Brabham’s (AO OBE) 100th birthday, the 60th anniversary of his third Drivers’ Championship and his first Constructors’ title, AMHF AV specialist Peter Tomlinson has produced a superb nine-minute tribute. Watch it via this link.
Recent visits
The AMHF welcomed Tim Wells, Membership Development Manager at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (NSW, ACT, WA). The AAAA represents a $58 billion industry employing around 300,000 people across 50,000 businesses.
Also visiting was the Morgan Owners Club, whose cars created an impressive display in front of the AMHF building.
Automotive magazine donations: help us fill the gaps
Our collections and library are built upon the generous donations of artefacts by motoring enthusiasts. We’re currently seeking Australian magazines – Speedway, Karting, Rally, Drag Racing, Hot Rod – and especially pre-1950 titles like The Australian Motorist, The Motor in Australia & Flying, and Motorlife Australia.
Think you can help? Get in touch via this link.
Automotive Heritage Economic Impact Survey (AHEIS): $9.9 billion!
The AMHF continues to release a series of media releases which drill down into the results of our ground-breaking Automotive Heritage Economic Impact Survey.
These releases are separate to this Newsletter and showcase the massive $9.9 billion enthusiasts inject into the Australian economy every year. Shamus Toomey, Co-Chair of the AMHF says that:
The AMHF is committed to highlighting the significant economic contribution enthusiasts make to the broader Australian economy, and will continue sharing these insights with motoring clubs, industry, stakeholders and policymakers.
You can read the full report at this link.
Curly Brydon: A Big Life
Richard Townley’s new book Curly Brydon chronicles the remarkable life of Adam Howie “Curly” Brydon (DFC and Bar) – WWII squadron leader, racing driver, car dealer, entrepreneur, newspaper executive and sailor.
Curly was Australia’s youngest WWII Squadron Leader, a famous racing driver, Sydney car dealer, entertainment promoter, established Diners Club Australia and a keen ocean sailor. He came second in the 1953 AGP at Albert Park in a car which Richard still owns. The photo below shows Richard signing his book for Geoff Piggott, our Chief Operating Officer. The book is now in the AMHF’s collection.
Richard kindly let the AMHF display his Patterson-Brydon MG Special at our exhibition booth at the 2024 Motors and Masterpieces event.
You can purchase the book at www.curlybrydon.com.au.
Becoming a Friend of the Foundation
You can support our ongoing work by becoming a Friend of the Foundation, through financial donations, volunteering and/or financial support.
Gifts to our Library over $2 are tax deductible. To donate please follow this link. To Volunteer please use this link to contact us. To find out more about becoming a financial supporter, please click on this link.
When the Green Flag Drops
Some of the AMHF team joined the Victorian Historic Racing Register to celebrate 100 years of Penrite Oil at the 2026 Phillip Island Penrite 100 Classic. One of the participants was Chief Operating Officer, Geoff Piggott who said:
It was a great weekend. The crowds were large and the racing great, which shows just how strong the heritage automotive scene is in Australia.
AMHF Archive Goes Digital
The AMHF’s new online archive database has been live since March, opening up a growing national collection to enthusiasts, historians, media, educators and researchers.
Launch content includes 4,500+ automotive books, with magazines, photos and video to follow. It’s searchable, scalable and built for all devices. The database can be accessed using this link.
Research Facilities
The AMHF is open for in-person research most Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm. Bookings are required. Alternatively, we have specialists who can undertake the research for you, for a modest time-based fee. Financial Supporters benefit from free research (time limited) and discounted fees. To discuss any research project and our fee structure, please contact us using this link.
A Special Car: Decca Major
AMHF volunteers John Murn and Dave Williamson have combined to reveal the history of John’s Australian built Decca Major in a two-part story on the AMHF website. Read part one using this link.
Race Programs on sale
The AMHF has received a generous donation of duplicate race programs, many from the Australian Grand Prix, so that we may sell them to fund our ongoing operations. Please use this link to see availability and prices, which includes postage.
The team at the Australian Motor Heritage Foundation
