Old Bike Australasia – July 21, 2019

44 :OLD BIKE AUSTRALASIA

itself, with service vehicles like the ubiquitous
Morris J Van and sidecars. I was pleased to see the
museum had obtained one of the two surviving
Spencer motorcycles (this one owned for many
years by Paul Reed) which were made in Brisbane
between 1903 and 1910. Another Australian-made
motorcycle (with Underwood sidecar) is the Victor,
built in Melbourne in 1914 by Edward Bowen. This is
the only survivor of the five built, and is fitted with
a 1000cc V-twin JAP engine.

seeing. Following Mr Butler’s death in 1991,

Motorlife fought an 18-year battle, which was only

resolved in the NSW Supreme Court, to become the

custodians of the Butler collection, which includes

many British cars and motorcycles.

The museum is staffed by an enthusiastic and

knowledgeable group of volunteers who are keen

to answer questions and guide visitors around the

halls. 

The Australian Motorlife Museum is located at 94 Darkes

Road, Kembla Grange, Integral Energy Recreation Park,

Wollongong NSW. Open from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed

Mondays and public holidays. Entry: $17.50 per adult,

Concession $15.00, Children 6-16 $6.00. Rates available

for large groups. For further information Phone: (02)

4261 4100, Email: [email protected] or visit...

http://www.australianmotorlifemuseum.com

AUSTRALIAN MOTORLIFE MUSEUM

Local identity Clem Daniel was a prolific engineer

and sponsor of leading riders like Bob Brown and

Len Atlee. Clem travelled with Brown in Europe and

was impressed with the East German MZ racers, so

on his return he built his own version, which is on

display and affectionately known as the ‘Bacon

Slicer’. There are also several of the late Kevin Cass’

racing and road bikes on display.

Although not specifically motorcycling-oriented,

the collection of the late Paul Butler is well worth

Melbourne-made Victor, with sidecar made

by Underwood Bros, in perfectly preserved

condition. It is the only survivor, and possibly

the last of five made between 1908 and 1914.

ABOVE The Wayne Gardner display, featuring bikes

raced by Wayne’s sons Remy and Luca, plus a large

collection of memorabilia from Wayne’s career.

RIGHT The Spencer, built in Brisbane in 1906 and

purchased by the museum in 2014. Many of the patterns

and castings used to make the bike are displayed with it.

BELOW The Douglas ridden around Australia in 1993

by Kevin Cass to recreate the similar journey made

in 1924 by Arthur Grady, also on a Douglas.