A MUCH-loved Morris Minor has been part of one Victorian family's life for more than half a century. COLIN TAYLOR reports

Live music from Melbourne's Boroondarra Symphonic Band, olive oil tastings, an artist's studio and a crowd of 350 people aren't found in your normal Victorian rural garage.

But this was no ordinary day or average car enthusiast's shed.

Those were the special touches adding extra colour and style to the official opening last week of the Morris Minor Garage at Harcourt, in central Victoria.

Members of about 20 car clubs turned out to support the event.

The garage is the brainchild of Melbourne graphic designer Richard McKellar, 45, born of his family's long-time affection for the Morris Minor.

Modelled on a 1920s art deco design, it is home to 15 Morris Minors and other historical vehicles dating back to 1926.

The collection is flanked by heritage advertising memorabilia and dealer signs, mostly bought at the big Bendigo and Ballarat swap meets, online from the UK or at community markets.

Richard, a member of five Morris groups both in Australia and the UK, said last week the collection had its roots in a purchase by his father, Bill, now 72, back in the 1950s.

"My dad purchased this 1955 Morris Minor Series II in 1956, from Allan Capp's used car yard in Wangaratta," Richard said.

"The car was loved and always kept scrupulously clean - even the engine bay was detailed and a chrome rocker cover fitted.

"It was often receiving valve grinds and all kinds of unnecessary mechanical attention.

"At the time, there were not many cars on the road and the Minor was considered quite sporty with its convertible hood."

Richard said that, as the family grew, the Minor was sold in 1969 to make way for a larger 1964 EH Holden.

"When I turned 18, I found the Minor again," he said.

"It was still registered, but in a sad state of repair and living in a rusty shed with a dirt floor.

"The owner, a nurse at the local hospital, agreed to sell me the car and I bought it for $1000, which was all I had."

After a crash in 1985 - "Mum and I were involved in an accident, run off the road by some hoons" - Richard and Bill decided to restore the car to original condition.

Just two years later, it won a trophy at the 1987 Morris Minor national rally in Adelaide.

"We couldn't believe it," Richard said, "but that's how the whole thing started."

"The car has been restored for 25 years and driven huge distances, but it still looks as good as the day it was finished.

"It has now been passed on to my first daughter, Madeline, who's 16 and looking forward to driving on the road."

The garage is also home to Windrush Park Olive Oil and the art studio and garden of Richard's mother, Claire McKellar.

It is open to community groups and car clubs by appointment.

  • For more details, phone Richard on 0409 351 508