Australian drivers who owned or worked in car sales businesses
#51
Posted 16 April 2011 - 03:04
Throughout the late 1950's, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s & most of the 00s Bill Patterson Motors had premises in Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood. Where literally thousands of cars would have been sold. Since about 2007 the owners (not Bill Patterson) of the Patterson Cheney Group packed up and moved the Holden franchise to Canterbury Rd, Vermont. Leaving the Ringwood operation empty and as the years quickly tick by, sat rather unloved after the premise's sale.
Given this scenario, a couple of months ago I was driving past and I had a camera in the car, so decided to grab a few snaps before it was all too late. Two weeks ago, it was all too late... demolished.
Upon my return journey I was able to study a little harder, having had to stop at the traffic lights. And what should the banner on the fence be spruiking. Yet another McDonald's is being built on the site and you were welcome to join them to share the site with your suitable business. Progress...
Stephen
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#52
Posted 16 April 2011 - 11:02
I don't think it's been mentioned thus far, but Ian Mountain was a travelling rep for the Peugeot distributors. This is why he had all new Peugeot components in his Special.
#53
Posted 16 April 2011 - 14:51
Not John McDonalds?
I don't think it's been mentioned thus far, but Ian Mountain was a travelling rep for the Peugeot distributors. This is why he had all new Peugeot components in his Special.
2 more for the list:- Jack Jeffrey, VW dealer in Rose Bay, Sydney; mainly pre-war driver, built the Studebaker Special
Len Searle, don't remember who he worked for, drove at Bathurst, late '60s/early '70s
#54
Posted 17 September 2011 - 11:17
In my days selling motoring literature I used to come across 1950s and 60s car handbooks with Superior Cars stamped in them.
Can anyone enlighten on Superior Cars ownership and any business relationship between Miller and Jones?
Rob Saward
Edited by austmcreg, 17 September 2011 - 11:18.
#55
Posted 20 September 2011 - 02:14
#56
Posted 20 September 2011 - 03:26
Not at all, as far as I'm aware.How involved with vehicles sales at McLeod Ford was John Goss?
#57
Posted 20 September 2011 - 09:39
#58
Posted 20 September 2011 - 10:59
as does Vince Harmer....Volvo racer
#59
Posted 20 September 2011 - 13:36
How involved with vehicles sales at McLeod Ford was John Goss?
Worked in the performance car division, and sales as well, according to the Max McLeod article in Australian Muscle Car magazine #56 .
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#60
Posted 22 September 2011 - 10:58
had read that, but wasn't sure how much credence it deserved.Worked in the performance car division, and sales as well, according to the Max McLeod article in Australian Muscle Car magazine #56 .
And add Dick Johnson (workshop) to Ray's extensive list too...
#61
Posted 22 September 2011 - 13:40
I suspect it was more about walking around showing his face and being Gossie, than actually doing anything, hence my previous post...had read that, but wasn't sure how much credence it deserved....
#62
Posted 22 September 2011 - 22:52
Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
The Clearihans sell cars in Canberra
as does Vince Harmer....Volvo racer
If we're including Canberrans... apart from Greg Cusack and Alec Mildren...
There was an Auto Electrician up the road from Clearihan's place who raced an Elfin 622 (I think) FF. And Ray Gulson, didn't he sell Alfas? And the Everlast king, Bill O'Brien - no relation of course - who had so many runs at Bathurst, has he been mentioned?
Fred Geissler, too? His Holden dealership in Goulburn still exists.
#63
Posted 24 September 2011 - 21:12
#64
Posted 25 September 2011 - 10:56
In the Illawarra we have Peter McLeod, Mazda & Citrone, Allen & Ray Burrows, assorted cars & BMC, Ron Thorpe who had a car wrecking yard at Figtree & after cleaning up his wrecking yard he created Ron Thorps Bargin Barn, Car Sales.
Damn! Ron was at Figtree? where my Uncle lived and I visited a zillion times
#65
Posted 25 September 2011 - 19:03
The cars were entered in his business name.
Did Barry Singleton get a mention yet? Maybe I've named him, anyway, he was a country Ford dealer in Queensland, later sold Chryslers and Mitsubishis as I recall.
Hoot Gibson had a workshop in Benalla, I don't think he's been mentioned. As well as various cinemas, one of which was turned into a disco of course.
#66
Posted 26 September 2011 - 03:31
I think Alan Jones had an interest in a Alfa/Maserati dealership on the Gold Coast in the late 80's, but the memory is hazy.
And i recall that John Bowe sells (sold?) volvos (or some-such random marque) in Tasmania.
#67
Posted 26 September 2011 - 05:23
Damon Beck was the Valiant/Chrysler dealer in Katoomba in the very early 70s.
Doug Macarthur sold TVs and furniture in the time he was was seriously racing. He got into the car yard after his Formula Pacific days but before his historic racing days.
Edited by Catalina Park, 26 September 2011 - 05:31.
#68
Posted 26 September 2011 - 07:39
John's family (father Brian) were part of Bowe-Sheehan Motors, Mazda dealers at Devonport, though I dont know if John ever had an active role there. He is on record as having worked for the Devonport Holden dealer Motors P/L as one of his first jobs.And i recall that John Bowe sells (sold?) volvos (or some-such random marque) in Tasmania.
#69
Posted 26 September 2011 - 07:55
#70
Posted 27 September 2011 - 01:34
He did - Murphy Johnston at Brookvale. They were Alfa, Audi and Subaru dealersGerry Murphy. I think he sold Alfa Romeos.
#71
Posted 27 September 2011 - 03:29
#72
Posted 27 September 2011 - 10:07
And again in the sixteenth post, but this time with the correct spelling. You have added the information about the Alfas, that wasn't mentioned before. The name is Bryan Thomson, by the way.
Do you know if Murray Wright actually raced? I know he entered an Alfa at Bathurst a couple of times, but I'm sure it was for others to drive.
#73
Posted 27 September 2011 - 12:04
Ray Long (Ray Long Motors; 2nd hand car sales & mechanical repairs) - former NSW early Holden racer and 9 times Tas Rally Champion
Lin Gigney (Lin Gigney Automotive; servo proprietor, automotive workshop & distributor of lots of good gear) - multiple Tas Rally Champion
Edited by GeoffR, 27 September 2011 - 12:04.
#74
Posted 27 September 2011 - 12:26
He was actually mentioned in the third reply... almost a year ago...
And again in the sixteenth post, but this time with the correct spelling. You have added the information about the Alfas, that wasn't mentioned before. The name is Bryan Thomson, by the way.
Do you know if Murray Wright actually raced? I know he entered an Alfa at Bathurst a couple of times, but I'm sure it was for others to drive.
Hi Ray. Sorry about the spelling,but I was only a state school boy. Murray Wright did race a couple of Ford Prefect specials in the 50's but did not keep it up, instead turning to the families timber business until he ventured into the motor industry. Starting with Kenneth Wright (no relation) the Borgward agents,then starting out with his own MW Motors selling Alfa and Skoda cars. Murray entered Bathurst twice, firstly 1967 with a 1600GTV with the late Paul Hawkins,and Sid Fisher, Sid was the work shop manager at MW. In 1968 Murray joined with Alec Mildren to jointly run a 1750 GTV for Chivas and Bartlett. Murray also bought a GTA1600 and this car was used to break some long distance records at Sandown Park driven by Sid Fisher and Frank Porter,with myself as relief driver. This same car was also driven by Alan Hamilton at some open meetings. The car was sold to a young chap who was going to race it, but unfortunatly the garage it was stored in, burnt to the ground. I hope this fills in some gaps for you, Cheers Ron.
#75
Posted 27 September 2011 - 23:01
#76
Posted 27 September 2011 - 23:31
Ron worked in Malcolm Motors' workshop and has since had his own business in Ballina for years....and Ron Gillard?
Also reminds me - John Prisk had a tie-up with Malcolm Motors, as did of course John Malcolm (prop) and the late Keith Fisher, and Mick Martin was also in the same group but he ran the Shell? at Randwick - Was it the Varsity Auto Centre?
Others to come to mind include Dave Clement(s) who had his own wholesale business, Brian Porter worked for Mason Motors, and later on for me, Greg Toepfer had/has Narrabeen Wrecking, John Giddings - Giddings Nissan in Bowral, Tom Naillard worked for Monaco Motors and also for me, and then had his own workshop. Wonder what's happened to Tom?
Edited by seldo, 27 September 2011 - 23:42.
#77
Posted 28 September 2011 - 00:33
Lance Lowe told me that Murray was Kenneth's son. And he was working there.
I remember Alan Hamilton driving that GTA, quite a loss!
#78
Posted 28 September 2011 - 00:47
#79
Posted 28 September 2011 - 08:52
Bill Obrien was and still is? batteries and parts. Not used cars.If we're including Canberrans... apart from Greg Cusack and Alec Mildren...
There was an Auto Electrician up the road from Clearihan's place who raced an Elfin 622 (I think) FF. And Ray Gulson, didn't he sell Alfas? And the Everlast king, Bill O'Brien - no relation of course - who had so many runs at Bathurst, has he been mentioned?
Fred Geissler, too? His Holden dealership in Goulburn still exists.
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#80
Posted 28 September 2011 - 10:01
This is not getting through to some people and names are being offered through association with car dealers."Car Sales" is the key, and we are still doubling up on some names.
Twelve months down the track and this still applies, so it appears that one must have to have the intelligence of a 'used car salesman' to comprehend the thread's topic.
#81
Posted 28 September 2011 - 10:13
Probably since the watering down of the thread on its re-emergence.
And Lee, I think I said that of Bill O'Brien... Everlast was parts and batteries.
#82
Posted 27 June 2012 - 23:27
Just thinking of some names that qualify under this heading as touched on in another topic, I thought I may come up with about 12 or 15 names.
Here's a list of 36 with 4 more I'm not 100% sure on and I've probably missed some very obvious names .
Ian Geoghegan
Leo Geoghegan
Alec Mildren
Bib Stillwell
Greg Cusack
Bob Jane
Denis Geary
Charlie Smith
Arnold Glass
Jack Brabham
Brian Muir
Ron Hodgson
Max Stewart
Stan Jones
Brian Foley
David McKay
Alton Boddenberg
Damon Beck
Peter Williamson
Ken Lindsay
Dennis Cribben
Kevin Burton
Geoff Leeds
Bob Beasley
Robbie Muir
Des West
Monty South
Gary Rogers
Ray Lintott
Doug Macarthur
John Prisk
Bill Bryden
Robin Hood
Ron Ward
And the not sures
Malcolm Mason
Paul Bolton
Noel Riley
John Harvey.
Whom have I missed that is eligible to join this honorable list? (Backyarders don't count )
Chris Clearihan
#83
Posted 28 June 2012 - 01:36
Yeah, go back through the thread and there is a lot more names mentioned.Chris Clearihan
#84
Posted 28 June 2012 - 03:59
#85
Posted 28 June 2012 - 04:24
That would lead to Brad and Kim, surely they worked for their father at some time...
Can Seldo put all this in alphabetical order again?
#86
Posted 21 November 2012 - 03:55
Barry Nixon-Smith sold GMH products on the Gold Coast - now sell pre-loved cars - is a Race Secretary these days in Qld.
#87
Posted 22 November 2012 - 02:20
Sorry - I missed this whilst I was away.Phil Jones hasn't been mentioned, has he?
That would lead to Brad and Kim, surely they worked for their father at some time...
Can Seldo put all this in alphabetical order again?
There you go:
Bob Beasley
Kevin Bartlett
Damon Beck
Alton Boddenberg
Jack Brabham
Bill Bryden
Kevin Burton
Chris Clearihan
Dennis Cribben
Greg Cusack
Jim (Tex) Downie
Brian Foley
Denis Geary
Ian Geoghegan
Leo Geoghegan
Arnold Glass
Ray Gulson
Alan Hamilton
John Harvey
Ron Hodgson
Robin Hood
Bob Jane
Bill Jane
Phil Jones
Brad Jones
Kim Jones
Stan Jones
Frank Kleinig (Snr)
Geoff Leeds
Ken Lindsay
Ray Lintott
Doug Macarthur
Malcolm Mason
David McKay
Alec Mildren
Brian Muir
Robbie Muir
John Prisk
Dean Rainsford
Gary Rogers
David Seldon
Barry Nixon-Smith
Charlie Smith
Monty South
Max Stewart
Bib Stillwell
Des West
Ron Ward
Peter Williamson
And the not sures
Paul Bolton
Noel Riley
.
Edited by seldo, 16 December 2012 - 01:07.
#88
Posted 22 November 2012 - 02:27
#89
Posted 22 November 2012 - 05:12
And a LOT of others mentioned on this thread.also Alan Jones.
#90
Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:18
#91
Posted 29 November 2012 - 14:30
And putting them in alphabetical order and dropping out the blokes who were in other occupations in the motor trade other than to do with car sales. Most of the list is, however, based on previous posts and there may be some I've missed or not dealt with properly.
I have also added a lot of names I've come across, though I have had to put a query against some and there's a little list at the bottom of 'uncertainties' and an unknown location. I have listed Brian Maguire under Victoria because I think he may have come from there.
Any changes needed, please advise and I will edit this post.
NSW
Barry Allen
Barry Arentz
John Barraclough
Bob Beasley
Damon Beck
Sandra Bennett
Alton Boddenberg
Jack Brabham
Max Brunninghausen ?
Ken Bryan
Bill Bryden
Curly Brydon
John Bourke
Bill Buckle
Kevin Burton
Gary Campbell
Doug Clark
Bill Cooke
Denis Cooke
Gary Cooke
Peter Cray
Dennis Cribben
John Crouch
John Cummins
Rod Dale
John Duggan
Boyd Edkins
Brian Foley
Bob Forbes
Harry Gapps
Fred Geissler
Tom Geoghegan
Ian Geoghegan
Leo Geoghegan
John Giddings
Arnold Glass
Barry Gurdon
John Harvey
Steve Harvey
Ron Haylen
Chris Heyer
Gary Hodge
Ron Hodgson
Patrick Hogan
Don Holland
Robin Hood
Jack Jeffery
Brad Jones
Kim Jones
Phil Jones
Kurt Keller
Carl Kennedy
Geoff Leeds
Ken Lindsay
Eric Lane
Ray Lintott
Gerry Lister
Ray Long
Doug Macarthur
David McKay
Peter McLeod
Ryan McLeod ?
Lakis Manticas
Ron Marshall
John Martin
Malcolm Mason
Ken Mathews
Frank Matich
Trevor Meehan ?
Andrew Miedecke
Alec Mildren
Robert Muir
Brian Muir
Tony Mulvihill
Gerry Murphy
Bert Needham
Fred Otten
Peter Owen
John Prisk
Baron Revelman
Noel Riley
Bob Salter
Paul Samuels
Norm Saville
Len Searle
David Seldon
Barry Sharp
Bill Slattery
Bob Skelton
Charlie Smith
John Smith
Monty South
Gordon Stewart
Max Stewart
Alex Strachan
Laurie Stewart
Richard Stiegler
Graham Storah
Ron Thorp
Arthur Treloar
Bob Tweedie
Ron Worboys
Ken Wiggins
Ron Ward
Des West
Peter Williamson
Dick Willis
Brad Wright?
Bob Young ?
VIC
Owen Bailey
Norm Beechey
Tony Beninca
Tim Briglia (Trevor)
Alan Caelli ?
Pat Crea
Harry Firth
Syd Fisher ?
David Fogg
Rusty French
Clive Green
Neil Gullifer
Clarrie Head
Graham Hunt
Reg Hunt
Bill Jane
Bob Jane
Stan Jones
Kevin Kennedy ?
Brian Maguire
John Mann
Peter Manton
Clive Millis
Ian Mountain
Les Murphy
Jack Nougher
David O’Keefe
Bill Patterson
Ron Phillips
Norm Putt
John Raeburn
Bill Reynolds
Garry Rogers
Rob Rowland
John Roxburgh ?
Ron Simmonds
Jim (James) Smith
Reg Smith
Bib Stillwell
Michael Stillwell
Alan Taylor
Bryan Thomson
Paul Trevethan
David Turnbull
Cec Warren
Doug Whiteford
Murray Wright
TAS
Lyn Archer
Ross Ambrose
Robin Bessant
Brian Bowe
John Bowe
Barry Charlton
Gene Cook
Greg Crick
Ross Farmer
Donald Gorringe
Bruce Gowans
David Lewis
Alan Ling
John Pooley
QLD
Tony Basile
Joe Camilleri
John French
Denis Geary
Mike Gore
Gregg Hansford
Bruce Lynton
Barry Nixon-Smith
Clive Nolan
Barry Singleton
Brian Tebble
Grahame Ward
WA
Sydney Anderson
Eric Armstrong
Jack Ayres
Aub Victor Badger
Alf Barbagallo
Rod Donovan
Clem Dwyer
Jim Harwood
Don Hall
Wally Higgs
John Hughes
Ron Lindau
John Luscombe
Cyril Poole
Ron Posselt
Brian Rhodes
Gordon Stephenson
George Wakelin
SA
Graham Boulter
John Cook
John H Ellers
Noel Hurd
David Jarrett
Graham Jarrett
Grant Jarrett
Derek Jolly
Neil Corey
Mike Finnis
Jono Finnis
Stan Keen
Lee Nicolle
Eldred Norman
James Rosenberg ?
Clem Smith
Brenton Smith
Bernie Stack
ACT
Chris Clearihan
Greg Cusack
Ray Gulson
Vince Harmer
Other:
Neil West
Not sure:
Phil Alexander
Mark Betar
Keith McCulloch
Graham Blanch
Jeff Rogers
Paul Bolton
John Rushford
Edited by Ray Bell, 13 December 2012 - 12:47.
#92
Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:36
And James Rosenberg is a LVD, he does sell commercials and the car trade ins too at times. I used to buy or consign some from him.
#93
Posted 29 November 2012 - 21:31
Note that I also eliminated rally drivers who didn't race...
I'm also sure there are more.
Edited by Ray Bell, 30 November 2012 - 06:22.
#94
Posted 30 November 2012 - 03:14
There was 2 or 3 Commodore Cup competitors in the trade as well as Saloon car competitors too. That just in SA.
#95
Posted 07 December 2012 - 12:11
#96
Posted 07 December 2012 - 21:45
Lance Dixon raced historics.
Chris Smith raced historics.
#97
Posted 13 December 2012 - 12:51
Originally posted by Lee Nicolle
Glimpsing through that it looks fairly good. I am sure there are more. One omission I saw was Beric Lynton, I believe he runs the family business now.
And James Rosenberg is a LVD, he does sell commercials and the car trade ins too at times. I used to buy or consign some from him.
Two questions... which state for Beric Lynton?
And does (or did) James Rosenberg race?
Similarly, Lola, did Jeff Dutton race? I will get around to adding the others in.
Lee, can you please confine your mentions to people who raced in road racing?
#98
Posted 13 December 2012 - 13:06
Ray,Jeff did lap dash/sprints in quality high powered cars,raced not sure,shall ask.Two questions... which state for Beric Lynton?
And does (or did) James Rosenberg race?
Similarly, Lola, did Jeff Dutton race? I will get around to adding the others in.
Lee, can you please confine your mentions to people who raced in road racing?
#99
Posted 14 December 2012 - 02:40
I've had a go at separating them to a state by state listing...
Any changes needed, please advise and I will edit this post.
TAS
Lyn Archer
Ross Ambrose
Robin Bessant
Brian Bowe
John Bowe
Barry Charlton
Gene Cook
Greg Crick
Ross Farmer
Donald Gorringe
Bruce Gowans
David Lewis
Alan Ling
John Pooley
Add Bob Wright (several different used car businesses amongst others), Lex Sternberg (BMC dealer in early 1960s and used cars at Burnie), David Sternberg (known as Daffy - worked in family business), Max Stephens (Palm Grove Motors and Max Stephens Motors), Dave Powell Jnr (used cars initially and later, after he stopped racing, SSangYong dealer), John Walker (used car business in Launceston), Chris Tapping (was salesman for Lyn Archer then later his own used car business), Tony Jory. Sure to be others.
Maybe I missed something in earlier posts, but which car sales business was Ross Farmer involved in? Barry Charlton ditto.
Rob Saward
Edited by austmcreg, 14 December 2012 - 02:40.
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#100
Posted 14 December 2012 - 03:16
James raced for about 20 years in Sports Sedans. A FJ, followed by an XU1 which was replaced by a the ex Bernie Stack GpC Commodore which in turn was replaced by an LH Torana with a 355 Holden and then last was the VL which used the engine from the Torana. That was up until about 95. So yes I guess he raced just a bit!! Here in SA and occasionally in Victoria too as well as one trip to Bathurst.Apart from his ownership of the Tim Slade car, he has ran a Champoinship winning F3. And sponsored a speedway Super sedan and currently a Sprintcar. Which he reckons are cheap racing!Two questions... which state for Beric Lynton?
And does (or did) James Rosenberg race?
Similarly, Lola, did Jeff Dutton race? I will get around to adding the others in.
Lee, can you please confine your mentions to people who raced in road racing?
As for speedway drivers, WTF they are racing drivers too. And many have done both, even when CAMS thought they owned the drivers. There is a few on here!
And at least one owns a circuit race track! And another owns two super speedways
Edited by Lee Nicolle, 14 December 2012 - 03:22.