Smaller Exhibits

  • Display case with diecast model cars, mostly racing cars including rally and sports cars, arranged on multiple shelves. The background features racing posters and photographs.

    Hall of Muscle - Diecast Display

    The collection in this cabinet is comprised of models by Classic Carlectables, Biante, Trax and Scalectrix, showcasing Australian muscle cars from the glory days of the 1960s and 1970s until the present day.

  • A vintage motorcycle helmet with a star and black laces, placed next to an informational display about racing gear used by John McCormack in the 1970s, with a picture of a red and white Formula racing car.

    John McCormack racing gear

    The helmet, goggles and race shoes displayed were used by John McCormack throughout the 1970s driving the Elfin 600, MR5, MR6 and the Charger.

    The heavy gravel rash was sustained driving the open wheeler Elfin race cars. John cut the visor down so that he could tilt his head slightly to avoid the rocks when the car in front hit gravel.

  • A framed poster featuring a 1971 Ford Falcon XD GTHO Phase III racing car driven by Allan Moffat, with detailed illustrations and race information.

    Peter Hughes Limited Prints

    ALL AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN OUR GIFT SHOP

    Each individually numbered and signed print is created using the very best in quality and precision. Premium offset printing is employed, on beautiful semi gloss card producing stunning colors and depth with every item. The very best in Australian Motorsport Art prints.

    UNFRAMED $64.95 ea

    FRAMED $89.95 ea

Night view of a car dealership with various classic and sports cars inside, illuminated by bright lights, with a Holden Motors sign and logo outside.

This Holden Dealer sign was donated to the museum by motors holden upon closure of all Holden dealerships in 2021.

HOLDEN AUSTRALIA 1948 - 2017

Sign for Holden Motors at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, featuring a silver lion logo atop a red circle.

1936 Harley-Davidson

Presented in original unrestored condition, this Harley Davidson has been with the same owner for the past fifty-five years.Its first owner operated Patman & McDonald, Launceston's only Harley Davidson dealer at the time. As shown in the poster, this motorcycle (with sidecar attached) was clocked on 2 Mile Beach at 92.7 mph. in 1939. In 1930, the 74-cubic-inch (1,210 cc) VL flathead replaced the old JD Big Twin. The VL had a single downtube frame and total loss oiling, culminating in an 80-cubic-inch (1,300 cc) version (VLH) in 1935. In 1937, that engine was redesigned to include a recirculating lubrication system, and designated the model U, and it went into the same frame and running gear configuration as the model E Knucklehead, which had originated in 1936.

An antique motorcycle with a sidecar on display in a museum, accompanied by a vintage printed advertisement and a framed informational plaque.
An old motorcycle with a speedometer, rusty handlebars, a beige leather glove, and a black horn, all covered in dust and showing signs of age and wear.
Close-up image of an old, rusty engine with visible cylinders, wires, and mechanical parts, showing signs of dirt and corrosion.
A rusty vintage motorcycle with a sidecar, displayed in a museum with other antique vehicles in the background.

Austin J40 Pedal Car

Austin pedal cars were made in England by Austin Motor Company Ltd. Available models were the Junior Forty (J40) and the Pathfinder. The J40 was based on the 1948 A40, while the Pathfinder was based on an Austin Seven racing car of the late 1930s. Sales brochures boasted the manufacture of the pedal cars in a specially constructed factory in South Wales, being built by disabled Welsh miners that were unable to find work. The factory was opened on the 5th of July 1949, dubbed the Austin Junior Car Factory. It was paid for by government funds, being run on a not-for-profit basis and purely to employ the disabled coal miners. The J40 was a toy of excellent quality and probably the best pedal car on the market, featuring working headlights and horn, detachable wheels, opening bonnet and boot and a chrome hood ornament! They sold new for 27 pounds. The car on display was restored by Barry Nation.

Close-up of a vintage red pedal car with a white steering wheel, dashboard with labeled gauges, and black leather seat, displayed in a showroom among other bicycles.
Front view of a vintage red toy car with a chrome grille, round headlights, and a black license plate with white characters "JR 1219." A blue toy car is partially visible in the background.
A miniature red vintage-style car with black seats and shiny silver accents, displayed in a museum setting.

Launceston Streetscapes

A black-and-white photograph of a vintage city street with old buildings, streetcars, and pedestrians.
Historical black and white photo of a busy street scene with people, cars, street cars, and shops. A large sign advertises Duncer Boot Pa. The buildings are tall with ornate architecture, and there are overhead wires for streetcars.
Black and white photo of a vintage automobile dealership named Beasley's Garage with cars displayed in front and signs advertising Dunlop Motor Tyres.

Michelin Rubber Man Pump

A common sight in garages in the early 1930s, these small air compressors were revolutionary when introduced in the mid 1920s, having made the hand pump obsolete. This is the now famous Michelin Rubber Man pump made at Luchard, Paris in 1926.

The Porsche Collection

This incredible collection was kindly donated by the late Jock McLean.

A display case filled with detailed miniature race car models, including various brands and designs, showcased on black platforms and arranged in an organized manner.
Display case filled with miniature race cars, including Porsche, Ferrari, and other brands, arranged on multiple glass shelves. There are informational signs and a framed picture of a red racing car.
A display case filled with various model cars, including racing cars, sports cars, and collectible cars, arranged on multiple shelves.

Matchbox Model Wall

This collection of Matchbox Model of Yesteryear has been bequeathed to the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania Foundation by the Late Kenneth Howard.

Display case with multiple shelves holding vintage model toy vehicles, including trucks, cars, and trains, with yellow and blue boxes showing the packaging.
Display case filled with miniature toy emergency vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and rescue vehicles, arranged on multiple transparent shelves.
Display case filled with various miniature diecast cars arranged on clear shelves.