Our Brisbane History

Automobile Club Established

The shiny fast and exciting world of motoring was introduced into Queensland by Brisbane businessman James Trackson. In 1902 he was the proud owner of a steam-drive car and in 1905 he imported a 5 hp De Dion car from France which was capable of the unbelievable speed of 20 miles per hour.

Following Trackson's lead, wealthy Brisbane professional men took to the new motor cars with great relish and were soon organising social outings and utilising their cars for business purposes. A group of these enthusiasts established the Automobile Club of Queensland in 1905.

The club had 19 foundation members of whom nine were doctors. There was only one female member, Dr Lillian Cooper. In the first week of its existence the club held a run around Brisbane and the makes of cars involved included two Dc Dions, three Oldsmobiles, a Darracq and Crestmobile.

Some of the earliest activities of the Automobile Club included erecting the first 100 road direction signs in Queenslad and agitating for improvement in the quality of roads. At this time, most of the paved streets in the central city area were laid with wooden blocks which were extremely treacherous in wet weather. Beyond the central city area streets were little more than dirt tracks. In 1907, the Automobile Club organised a run from Brisbane to Cleveland. The winter of this race was an 8 hp De Dion with a recorded average speed of 3 mph. This was in par a reflection of the state of the roads.

The appearance of the motor car was greeted by some with antagonism and confusion. Some sections of the community saw cars as toys for the wealthy which created havoc in the streets. The arrival of the car made it necessary to develop road rules. In 1905, the Traffic Act was proclaimed but it only applied in specific built-up areas. Outside these areas local councils established their own by-laws which could be different in each region. In Brisbane, the City Council attempted to impose special fees on motorists but this move was defeated.

The interest in cars quickly spread and by 1913, 4,862 motor vehicles were registered. The motor trade had also grown and by 1920 a number of dealers and second-hand traders were in operation. Cavill's Motor Mart of Queen Street was offering late model Ford Tourers for prices from £130 to £215. A new Studebaker cost £650

The new enthusiasm for driving was immediately matched by the development of special new fashions for the motorist. In 1921, Finney and Isles in Queen Street was offering a smart navy serge coat frock with square neck panel front, wide hip pieces and fancy belt ideal for motoring-price £7/17/6.