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Remembering Peter Brock “The King of the Mountain”
September marks the anniversary of the passing of one of Australia’s most iconic motorsport legends, Peter Brock. Known to all as the “King of the Mountain”, Brock’s name is synonymous with Australian motorsport history, including nine Bathurst 1000 victories, countless touring car wins, and a reputation that transcended the racetrack.
For many, Brock was more than just a champion driver; he was a symbol of passion, resilience, and the uniquely Australian love affair with Holden and the glory of Mount Panorama. His driving style, sportsmanship, and connection with fans made him a national hero whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
At the Motor Museum of Western Australia, we are proud to honour Peter Brock’s memory through the display of vehicles that celebrate and preserve his story.
1978 Holden Torana A9X Hatchback (Clone)
This clone A9X hatchback was built to commemorate the late Peter Brock who, with co-driver Jim Richards, drove his Torana to victory in the 1978 Bathurst 1000 kilometre race at Mount Panorama. This win was the third of Brock’s eventual nine Bathurst triumphs, a record that would cement his title as the King of the Mountain.
Against the mighty Ford Falcons, the smaller and lighter Toranas proved far more nimble and much quicker on the demanding Mount Panorama circuit. The A9X was a formidable machine in its own right, equipped with a 5.0 litre V8 engine, 4-speed transmission, and a heavy-duty 10-bolt differential with rear disc brakes.
More than just a car, it symbolised Holden’s determination and Brock’s brilliance behind the wheel.
Want to hear how this vehicle sounds? Check out our “Sounds of the Museum” series on Instagram or Facebook.
1972 Replica Peter Brock and Colin Bond GTR XU-1
Over a two-year period, both of these Toranas were faithfully restored and rebuilt by Trevor Peters to the race-prepared specifications of the vehicles raced by Colin Bond and Peter Brock in the famed Bathurst 500. Their story is inseparable from Holden’s battle to overcome Ford’s dominance at Mount Panorama.
After Ford’s mighty Falcon GT-HOs had claimed victory in 1970 and 1971, Holden Team Manager Harry Firth developed the Torana GTR XU-1 as a nimble, powerful contender. The slogan “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was as true as ever, and Holden needed a car that could claim back the mountain. Enter the Holden LJ Torana (1972), with Colin Bond’s car 24C HDT and Brock’s car 28C HDT set to challenge Ford’s supremacy at Bathurst.
The stage was set for history to be made.
1972 Replica Peter Brock and Colin Bond GTR XU-1 LJ (Part 2)
In the 1972 Hardie Ferodo Bathurst 500, torrential rain drenched the mountain right from the start. On only the second lap, disaster struck when Colin Bond, driving car 24C, aquaplaned across the track and rolled down an embankment. That left a young Peter Brock to tackle the race solo in car 28C against a field of V8s.
After six gruelling hours and 130 laps in treacherous conditions, Brock crossed the line to claim his first Bathurst victory and the beginning of the “Peter Perfect” legend. This triumph not only ended Ford’s dominance but marked the first of Brock’s five Bathurst wins in a Torana.
The GTR XU-1 proved itself both on the road and on the track, thanks to its exceptional power-to-weight ratio as a six-cylinder competing against heavier V8s. In total, Holden built 81,813 LJ Toranas, a car with a name derived from the Aboriginal word meaning “to fly”, fitting for the vehicle that helped Brock’s career take off.
Formula 2 Birrana Zampatti Open Wheeler Raced by Peter Brock
While Peter Brock is legendary for his touring car career, he also had a brief but notable stint in open-wheel racing during 1973.
The Birrana 272 (chassis 272-002) is an Australian-built Formula 2 car powered by a Ford engine. Peter Brock entered the 1973 Australian Formula 2 Championship with the car, run as a “father and son” operation with his father, Geoff Brock. He finished 8th in the overall championship standings, with his best individual result a 2nd place at Oran Park.
After Brock returned to touring cars, the Birrana passed through several hands before being acquired by Perth-based racing enthusiast Bernie Zampatti. Bernie remained the car’s owner for decades, keeping it as a significant piece of Australian motorsport history. The Zampatti family were active in the Australian historic racing and hill climb scene.
Ross Zampatti had a career spanning many decades in motor sport and was notably active in Australian Formula Pacific and Formula Brabham. He competed in various rounds of the New Zealand Formula Championships including races at Wanneroo Park and Sandown Park, and also participated in major endurance events such as the Nürburgring 24 Hour in Germany.
When Ross passed away, we were fortunate to have the Formula 2 Birrana pass to the Motor Museum on permanent loan, and it is now a prime exhibit.
Learn more > https://www.motormuseumwa.com.au/display/formula-2-birrana-zampatti/
20th Anniversary of Peter Brock’s Passing
This September also marks the 20th anniversary of Peter Brock’s death. Two decades on, his influence on Australian motorsport, car culture, and fan engagement remains as strong as ever. From his early Torana battles to his later V8 Supercars years, Brock helped shape the way Australians celebrate racing heroes and their machines.
As we mark this milestone, we invite you to reflect on his extraordinary career and the incredible impact he made on generations of drivers, teams, and fans all over the world.
Peter Brock Memorabilia
Alongside these vehicles, the Motor Museum of Western Australia holds a range of Peter Brock–related memorabilia that helps tell the wider story of his career and connection with fans.
Highlights include:
- Signed Peter Brock poster
Signed by Peter Brock at Forrest Chase Mall, Perth WA, on 8th September 2006, just before his death. Donated by Gerry Corbett in March 2022.
- Team Brock and Holden Racing Team pit scooters (2002–2004)
Two scooters used by the pit crews of Team Brock and Holden Racing Team during the 2002–2004 seasons. Sponsored by Biante and donated by Bev Margetts of Biante fame.
- Car bonnet from the Round Australia 1995 Mobil 1 Trial (CC-CRE)
A bonnet from a car that competed in the 1995 Mobil 1 Round Australia Trial, part of the later era of Brock’s involvement in endurance and endurance-style events.
- Scale model collection
Many variations of vehicles that Peter Brock drove throughout his career are represented in our scale model collection, offering a compact but comprehensive overview of his diverse racing history.
These items complement our larger vehicles and help visitors connect with the human side of Brock’s story, from the racetrack to the meet-and-greets that made him so beloved.
As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to visit the Motor Museum of Western Australia and stand alongside these cars that capture the spirit of a true Australian icon. Peter Brock’s presence lives on, not just in the record books, but in the roar of the engines, the spirit of competition, and the admiration of fans everywhere.