A chance comment at a display of private cars in Maffra’s main street 20 years ago steered a passionate group of people to create a unique rotating exhibition of historic vehicles and automobile memorabilia.
“Someone should open a museum to display the cars permanently,” they said, so they did.
It’s been a long and winding road, but on November 10, 2024, the Gippsland Vehicle Collection at the Maffra Shed will celebrate 20 years of transport-related exhibitions showcasing a diverse array of cars, motorbikes, trucks, trains, model vehicles and much more.
“Over the years we’ve displayed everything from farm vehicles to exotic classics, vintage, veteran and working vehicles. Motorcycles have always been part of the displays too. There have been quirky French cars, thoroughbred English cars, American classics, home-grown Australian vehicles and Japanese vehicles built to take on the world,” GVC’s display manager Chris Henry said.
“Added to this are a model vehicle display second to none and a special section dedicated to railways and train history throughout Gippsland. Another recent compliment to rail is a model train display – a dedication to one man’s lifetime research into building model railways, and the painstaking detail to build the best of dioramas.
“Our museum is unique and very different to other car museums, presenting rolling displays with a completely different theme every four months. This diversity has given a wide and varied insight into the vehicles, the popular culture of the time and how people have worked with and lived around the vehicles we know and love.
“The vehicles have always been the stars.There is an endless array of collectible and very desirable cars, trucks and motorcycles throughout Gippsland and Victoria. Some of these are the only ones known to survive, or are one of only a handful known to exist. These precious gems are lent to us by very protective owners, trusting us to look after their babies as they have a four-month holiday with us and an admiring public.
“But behind all our great vehicles and model displays are the people who make the whole thing run smoothly. We are totally volunteer run, from car cleaners to front counter staff and the committee of management. The museum is managed by volunteers from all walks of life with diverse interests and skills. Together we have seen it grow from humble beginnings to the amazing place it is today.
“We invite anyone with an interest in transport-related history to walk through 20 years’ worth of displays with us. You might be pleasantly surprised at the line-up of different and diverse vehicles selected to help celebrate our 20th anniversary.”
The Gippsland Vehicle Collection is located at 1A, Maffra-Sale Rd, Maffra. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm Friday to Monday. Open every day during the school holidays or by appointment for car clubs or group bookings.