QANTAS EMPIRE AIRWAYS LTD, 1934 HANGAR DARWIN

BY RICHARD STOCKWELL

We recently spent some time in the Northern Territory on holiday and amongst other spectacular sights and warm weather, we enjoyed about 4 days in Darwin. I had never been, but Helen had worked there in the late 80’s – some things had changed, some hadn’t.

In an attempt to avoid the foreshore tourist development, we spent a lot of time at the botanic gardens and other locations learning again about the history of Cyclone Tracy and the near re-building of Darwin that was subsequently required. I read of the Northern Territory Automotive Enthusiasts Club, domiciled in the Qantas 1934 hangar and figured it was worth a visit.

I was rewarded even before entering the Hangar with a Sahara Gold Metallic P38 Range Rover parked outside. I know! This colour was limited to early and pre-production Range Rovers that came to Australia in an attempt to steal away the strong support for the Classic. It succeeded for a while, but this could be refuted now on the basis of lagging P38 prices compared to the Classic. Six-figure prices are being asked for restored, early 2-door versions.

The automotive museum was overwhelming. Fortunately, a couple of the Automotive Enthusiasts Club members were available to chaperone us through the displays. I had never seen anything so comprehensive and feel that I was doing it no justice by wandering around for only an hour or so. There were some spectacular restorations, namely the AEC truck with the solid tyres and the effort that went into displays was exceptional. There were some vehicles there on loan (e.g. the Riley) and a collection of motorbikes, military vehicles and a truck door display, all collected from throughout the NT by a previous curator.

The building itself has plenty of history. Now stranded in suburbia it is adjacent to Ross Smith Avenue, a particularly straight and flat stretch of tarmac, probably good enough for a runway. It was bombed in WWII and still bears the scars of anti-tank ammunition.

Go take a look!