National Motor Museum in Birdwood reopens to the public for small tours

The National Motor Museum in Birdwood will reopen its doors to the public from Wednesday – after COVID-19 forced the establishment to remain shut for almost three months.

Curator of the National Motor Museum at Birdwood Matthew Lombard with a Hartnett Pacific 1950/51 which was restored during the COVID-19 lockdown. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake)

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It’ll be a race to the starting line for local car enthusiasts when the National Motor Museum in Birdwood reopens its doors just in time for the June long weekend.

The museum, which has been closed since March 23 due to COVID-19 restrictions, will welcome back visitors from Wednesday – albeit under strict guidelines set by the State Government.

With only 20 people allowed in one room at a time, director Paul Rees said curators would run three two-hour sessions on weekdays and five on weekends, providing a unique experience to visitors.

Paul Rees, Museum Director of the National Motor Museum & SA Maritime Museum is excited about reopening exhibitions to visitors.

“We had to shut our doors the nine days over Christmas and New Year because of the fire and thought that was a big deal. Then March came and COVID hit,” Mr Rees said.

“So we’ve been shut for a long time and ready to welcome back visitors.

“While we can only open the museum to a limited number of people at a time, I believe that’s an experience in itself … as visitors will have more time to listen and ask questions, which will create a more intimate and bespoke experience of the museum.

“We’ll essentially be offering tours from tomorrow, instead of having people just walk in and out.”

The 1936 Leyland Badger truck used by Tom Kruse on his famous Outback mail runs. Picture: History Trust of SA

Mr Reed said the museum was home to 340 vehicles, including well over 120 motorbikes.

Among the prized possessions is a Bugatti Veyron – one of the world’s fastest cars with an estimated worth of $1.8 million.

“We also have our icons of Australian motoring, which is a pre-World War II-focused intimate exhibition, which includes the like of the Tom Kruse truck and the story of Tom Kruse the Outback mailman.

“There’s also the Talbot vehicle which in 1904 went from Adelaide to Darwin when there were no roads around.

“And the Chamberlain 8 – the only custom racing cay wholly designed and built in Australia.”

To book your museum session, call 8568 4000 or email [e-mail].