Gilbert’s Motor Museum in Strathalbyn reached an exceptionally proud milestone recently, welcoming its 30,000th visitor through the doors. The museum was born out of a love for all things automotive, a tremendous donation, and a respect for the legacy the Gilbert family left behind.
The world-class motor museum exhibits a massive range of new and old merchandise, along with an impressive collection of historic and classic cars. It is an absolutely fascinating visit and has become a magnificent addition to the Strathalbyn community.
The space, as ambassador Tom Gilbert of the Gilbert family puts it, has been transformed from a humble, long-standing, and locally cherished motor garage into “a magnificent ode to Australian and international motoring history.”
On 19 March, visitor Ashley, alongside his partner Shelley, was recognised as the 30,000th guest to walk through the museum’s doors. The pair were swiftly presented with a motor-themed gift pack by Chairman of Gilbert’s Motor Museum, Paul McLoughlan, to celebrate the milestone.
Paul McLoughlan shakes hands with 30,000th visitor Ashley, alongside his partner Shelley.
For 117 years, Gilbert’s Motor Garage served the Strathalbyn community, operated across four generations of the Gilbert family.
The final custodians, brothers Rob and Grant, continued the legacy into its second century before the site began its transformation into a museum in 2018.
Museum ambassador and son of Rob, Tom Gilbert, said, “One of my father’s last wishes was to donate the premises of Gilberts for it to become a museum.”
And that was exactly what happened. In October 2023, Rob Gilbert, owner of Gilbert’s Motor Garage and long-time motoring enthusiast, passed away. But it wasn’t before getting to see his last wish come true when the museum was established.
“Since the museum opened,” Tom said, “it’s gone from strength to strength. But it wouldn’t be possible without the exceptional and super knowledgeable volunteers.”
When you visit, you’ll be able to relive the glory days and share fascinating stories with the passionate volunteers who help bring the collection of motoring history to life.
On recording 30,000 visitors, Tom said, “I’m just so thrilled for the team and so proud of the volunteers.”
Another man who has made the museum such a vibrant and fascinating space is its official patron Glen Dix OAM. The motorsport legend, and former flag-waver at Adelaide’s Formula One Grand Prix, has made a lasting contribution to Gilbert’s Motor Museum. Glen has donated a huge collection of memorabilia now displayed throughout the museum and the Glen Dix OAM Library.
If you’re coming from Adelaide, Gilbert’s Motor Museum makes a delightful day trip. An hour’s drive southeast of the city, the town is known for its charming heritage buildings, wide streets, antique shops, and picturesque gardens.
High Street, home to Gilbert’s, is lined with locally owned cafés and pubs, perfect for a cruisy weekend day trip.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum is run by volunteers and backed by the Strathalbyn Tourism Association. It continues to showcase the region’s connection to motoring history.
With each visit, you get to dive into the stories that have shaped Strathalbyn and Australian motoring history, all while chatting with the friendly locals who help bring it all to life.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum
Where: 34 High St Strathalbyn
When: Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
Facebook: @GilbertsMotorMuseum
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