Photo credit: The Gilbert Motor Museum
Much like Bruce Wayne transforms into Batman, Gilbert’s Motor Museum in Strathalbyn will soon be transforming into a full-blown Batcave — Wham! Pow! Smack! The museum is lucky enough to be hosting a replica Batmobile from the original TV series, kindly on loan for the next six months.
Assistant Manager Grant Chandler tells us the six-metre-long beauty will be on display in front of a television playing box sets of the iconic 1966–1968 series — Holy smokes! it’s nostalgia at its finest.
“The detail in the car is amazing – you honestly have to see it to believe it. Where it’s displayed in the museum means that you turn a corner and are immediately hit by its ‘wow’ factor,” he said.
“Even when we were loading the car into the museum, everyone who walked or drove past found themselves stopping to take photos or simply admire it.”
The car is the only replica in South Australia and was assembled from a kit by its devoted owner Jay from Hackham, who has spent eight years building it.
“It will never be done,” Grant tells us. “The owner is always adding more gadgetry to it, like the Batman Glue and Batman Fly Spray. He’s not even that much of a Batman fan – he’s a Batmobile fan.”
“He watched the TV series mainly for the car, saying it was always his dream to own one. It’s a great achievement that he now does.”
The Batmobile will be joining Gilbert’s Motor Museum’s already impressive collection of vintage cars and memorabilia, including a selection of racing vehicles from Rowley Park Speedway, curated by the South Australian Vintage Speedcar Association.
Gilbert’s Motor Museum is a community gem in Strathalbyn and a haven for motor-heads and history lovers alike. The museum is a volunteer-run initiative led by the Strathalbyn Tourism Association, showcasing the rich motoring history of the charming town.
The building itself is historic, having been owned by the Gilbert family since the 1900s. It was once home to Gilbert Motors, which produced Treblig bicycles and motorcycles, sold home appliances, and dealt in Buick and Holden vehicles until its closure in 2018.
“The car will be with us until the end of October, so people will have the chance to pop in and see it over the school holidays. We’ll have plenty of information available about the replica, as well as details on the original five cars that were made and used for the series – all on display in our library.”
Earlier this year, Gilbert’s Motor Museum reached the milestone of 30,000 visitors passing through its doors, and they’re hoping the addition of an exhibit like the Batmobile will only accelerate their growing success.
What: Gilbert’s Motor Museum
Cost: $10 admission, $8 concession and free for accompanied children under 16! Group discounts of 20 people or more available at $8 per person with prior booking.
When: Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm
Where: 34-36 High St, Strathalbyn
For more information, visit their website here or their facebook page here.
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