Historic RACQ Rambler vehicle celebrates 120 years at MotorFest 2024
One of Queensland’s most historically significant cars will join the line-up of old and new vehicles on display at Motorfest 2024.
A vintage car that featured in RACQ’s first ever run from Brisbane to Sandgate in 1905, only to later be dismantled and its parts used to run a farm milking machine, will be among the prized exhibits on display at MotorFest 2024.
The red Rambler Model G Roadster was built by the Thomas B. Jeffery Motor Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin, US, in 1904 and RACQ is celebrating its 120-year anniversary at MotorFest this year.
It is one of Queensland’s most historically significant vehicles. It was first purchased by Brisbane medical practitioner and RACQ foundation member Dr Charles Marks in 1905 and later claimed to be the first motor vehicle to climb the city’s steep Edward Street hill.
The Rambler is powered by a tiny seven-horsepower single-cylinder gasoline engine motor with a design that more closely resembles the horse-dawn carriages from which it evolved than a modern motor vehicle.
The Rambler was retired to Dr Marks’ Samford property following its replacement by another vehicle in 1913, where it fell into disrepair with parts scattered about the farm and the engine repurposed to run a milking machine.
Rediscovered in 1957 by veteran car enthusiast Arthur Partington, the Rambler’s remains were sold to Wal Anderson for restoration on the basis Mr Partington had first option to repurchase the completed vehicle.
After a decade of restoration, the Rambler returned to Queensland roads in 1969 and took part in an international veteran car rally from Sydney to Melbourne the following year.
In 1980 it was involved in a 75th anniversary reenactment of the Club’s inaugural run through Brisbane city streets and in 1986 it was shipped to the UK to participate in that year’s London to Brighton run.
In 1990 the Rambler reemerged to participate in RACQ’s 90th anniversary Motoring of Yesteryear celebrations, after which it was sold and the Club lost track of its whereabouts.
A phone call from the Federal Government’s National Heritage Committee in May 2000 alerted RACQ to the fact the rare and historically significant vehicle had been purchased by a British-based collector who was planning to export it.
Recognising the historical significance of what would likely have been among the last such vehicles in Australia, and one of only a few remaining in the world, RACQ negotiated to purchase this link with its foundation and later included it as a centrepiece of the Club’s 2005 centenary celebrations.
These days the fully registered and roadworthy Model G Rambler is the centrepiece of RACQ’s historic fleet, many of which will be displayed alongside the Rambler at Motorfest 2024 on 16 June.
MotorFest visitors will be able to view the historical vehicle fleet alongside a large collection of other models including the Ford Mustang, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary and is the event’s feature marque.
More than 80 Mustangs spanning six decades of the car’s storied history will be on display, including examples of the first-generation model launched Stateside in April 1964, through to the current seventh-generation Mustang.
RACQ Events Manager Tamara Van Der Walt said the event on 16 June would have 10 different EVs available for patrons to drive at the Bowen Hills site.
“This is an exciting new addition to MotorFest and marks the evolution of our popular Future Zone which showcases the latest in sustainable transport options and emerging technologies,” Ms Van Der Walt said.
“Patrons will be able to learn more about EVs from experts on site and experience the difference between driving a battery-powered vehicle and one with a traditional internal-combustion engine.”
The Future Zone will include electric vehicle displays from brands including Polestar, Kia, Renault, Subaru, MG, BYD, GWM, BMW and Mini, with more brands expected to be announced.
Visitors can also test-ride a range of different e-bikes and e-scooters.
MotorFest 2024 will also include displays from various Queensland automobile clubs including BMW Queensland, the Vintage Car Club of Queensland and the Queensland branch of the Veteran Car Club Australia.
The various Motorfest award winners will be announced on the day along with the prestigious Judges’ Choice winner, selected from the category winners.
This year’s categories are American, Asian, Australian, British, Electric, European, Motorcycle/Scooter, Veteran and Vintage and Modified.
Go to racq.com/motorfest to register to exhibit your vehicle.
MotorFest 2024 at a glance
- Venue: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
- Date: Sunday 16 June
- Time: 10am–3pm
- Entry: $2 with kids under three free. All gate takings will be contributed to the RACQ Foundation.
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