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See what we have been up with our August 2026 edition of the Museum Musings.
Welcome to another edition of Museum Musings, number 74 on behalf of the Editor, Len Douglas, featuring the Motor Museums first Tourism Award, receiving the Tourism Excellence award at the Swan Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on the 25th of July. This is a significant recognition of the incredible work our volunteers and supporters of the Motor Museum do, in creating a world class and now, award winning destination for locals, interstaters and the world. Well done to all and looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The Museum would also like to thank Len Douglas for another wonderful edition of the Museum Musings – this is not a simple task and requires an enormous amount of time and effort to out together, not to mention a fair amount of diplomacy in cajoling those who have committed to contribute, to actually do so. Thank you Len, we appreciate your work.
To view the latest August edition in full of the Motor Museum of Western Australia’s “Museum Musings”, please visit our dedicated page, which includes back editions for your reading pleasure. Below are several excerpts from the August 2026 newsletter.
Swan Chamber of Commerce Business Award Winner of the Tourism Excellence Award
We were honoured on the evening of Saturday July 25 to take out the Tourism Excellence Award at the Swan Chamber of Commerce Business Awards presentation. The presentation was held at Sandalford Estate and was sponsored by the City of Swan. The category is hotly contested by well-known businesses, hospitality venues and tourism operators across the Swan Valley and City of Swan, recognising business and tourism innovation and excellence.
This was our first entry into the business awards and the first Tourism Excellence Award we have received.
A New Project for Volunteers – Restoration of a 1963 S Type Jaguar
We have been fortunate to receive a very generous donation of a 1963 S Type Jaguar that has been 90% restored, with the majority of parts needed to complete the restoration included. The initial restoration work undertaken by the owner of the car prior to the donation had been carried out to an exceptionally high standard.
A plan has been put in place for volunteers to complete the restoration with the Jaguar becoming a prime exhibit. Rather than the total restoration being undertaken in our workshop, some of the work will be carried out “in- view” in the Ricciardo Hall as a working exhibit.
Treat Dad this Father’s Day at the Motor Museum
On Sunday 6th September, celebrate Dad, Grandad or a special father figure with the best family day out at our Museum. From classic cars and collectables to fascinating motoring history, it’s a great way to spend Father’s Day together and enjoy an experience that appeals to every generation.
This year we are celebrating the “Dad’s who love”, so expect to see some different examples of what dad loves over the next few weeks.
For the perfect gift for Dad, Dynamic Pit Stop will be onsite on the day with a large range of automotive signs, and the Museum will have a great selection of scale model cars available to purchase. Tickets can be booked online with walk-ins welcome.
Donations Needed for Our Free Kids’ Car Library
We are currently seeking donations of small toy cars to support our popular Kids’ Car Library. This much-loved initiative has quickly become a favourite among our younger visitors, offering children the opportunity to swap a toy car. To ensure the experience remains accessible to all families, no swap is required; however, this has led to our collection running low. We are calling on our motor museum community to help keep the Car Library stocked and sustainable. If you have any pre-loved toy cars in good condition that are no longer needed, we would greatly appreciate your donation.
Museum Car in profile – 1923 Model 470 Stanley Steamer
The 1923 Stanley Steamer (on display in the Brockwell Hall) was known for its quiet operation, high torque, and unique external combustion engine, representing the final era of steam cars in the U.S. automotive industry. The Stanley Motor Carriage Company, founded by twins Francis and Freelan Stanley, operated from 1902 to 1924. By 1923 steam cars were becoming rare as internal combustion engines dominated the market, but the Stanley Steamer remained a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship. They were a key part of early automotive history. The Stanley Steamer we have on display would have been among one of the last of this type to be manufactured by the company. Learn more.
Want to read more?
To learn more about new vehicle displays, updates to the museum and a few stories from our volunteers, please visit our Museum Musings page.