Written by Joel Sugars & Lucas Campbell
Photos: Gilbert’s Motor Museum
Nestled in the charming town of Strathalbyn, Gilbert’s Motor Museum has long been a haven for motoring enthusiasts. This captivating museum, housed in a heritage-listed building with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, has long been bolstered by a passion for motoring.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum, formerly Gilbert’s Motor Garage, has handed over ownership to the Strathalbyn Tourism Association after more than a century of service to its community.
The museum will bring delight to the faces of visitors, with its impressive collection of motoring memorabilia amassed by patron Glen Dix, and honouring the Gilbert family.
Gilbert’s Motor Garage was a pillar of the Strathalbyn community through 117 years of operation and four generations of dedicated service. In 2018, the family finally closed their doors as a garage, but opened brand new doors as a historic motor museum backed by local passion and pride.
In October 2023, fourth-generation Gilbert’s Motor Garage owner, motoring enthusiast and beloved family member, Rob Gilbert passed away.
Tom Gilbert, Rob’s son, spoke at the monumental handover, addressing the new owners, Strathalbyn Tourism Association. “One of dad’s last wishes was that [Gilbert’s Motor Museum] be transferred in a harmonious fashion to you folk. Based on your commitment and dedication to the task, we’ve all been blown away by the passion with which you’ve all taken on this place,” said Tom Gilbert.
Tom Gilbert says the community engagement and dedication were the lifeblood of this flourishing garage and museum.
“By them doing such an amazing job, it gave him comfort,” Tom says. “It’s a perfect salute to our family business and it gives us a lot of pride that they will continue it in our name in perpetuity.”
The concept for a new museum was generated by the Strathalbyn Tourism Association as yet another reason for visitors to make their way into town. Volunteers within the community spearheaded the operation, looking to continue the legacy of the generational garage. They partnered with the family to transition the business from a beloved local shop to a Strathalbyn icon.
“We are thrilled to witness this property continue to delight car enthusiasts nationwide, and honour the rich history of over a century of trading at this site can provide,” the Gilbert family said via social media.
The museum’s official patron, Glen Dix, matches the Gilbert family’s passion for motorsport, and over his illustrious career has collected an impressive selection of memorabilia. Souvenirs, iconic newspaper clippings, tickets, Glen has it all – and it’s all on show at Gilbert’s Motor Museum.
Dix has experienced a fabulous career in racing, including having the Glen Dix Hairpin Stand named after him in 1995, during Adelaide’s iconic Grand Prix era. Dix says he makes the trip from his home in Victor Harbor to Strathalbyn around twice a week to volunteer his expertise and help out with events, and he loves every moment of it.
The family-run business has been operating since 1901 and has provided wonderful service to car enthusiasts across South Australia. Steven Gilbert started Gilbert’s Motor Garage manufacturing and selling Treblig (Gilbert backwards) bicycles and motorcycles, home appliances, motor vehicles, and farm machinery. The business provided repairs and bodywork. The reason behind the restructure was that trading in High Street had become commercially unviable.
The exhibition opened with gorgeous vintage memorabilia and vehicles. The legacy of famous Strathalbyn motorcycle racer Kenny Blake is immortalised inside the museum with some of his racing motorbikes on display. The museum has plenty of one-of-a-kind gems carrying the spirit of Strathalbyn’s motor racing history in them.
(1928 Buick Roadster in the care of the Gilbert’s)
Tom and his family continue to operate Adelaide Hills Toyota, fulfilling the generational tradition.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum and its volunteers will celebrate the Adelaide Rally this weekend, 9th and 10th November, as 300 rally cars race through Strathalbyn.
Pop into Gilbert’s Motor Museum from Wednesday to Sunday while you visit one of the state’s most beautiful towns.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum
WHEN: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: 34-36 High St, Strathalbyn SA 5255
For more information, visit the Gilbert’s Motor Museum website.
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