Shepparton Museum of Vehicle Evolution: Classic Restos - Series 54

Fletch has returned from his tour of the USA and travelled to Shepparton in Victoria to visit the MOVE Museum, formerly known as the Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles. The museum has undergone a massive transformation over recent years with the help of the local community. It has now been relaunched as the Museum of Vehicle Evolution or MOVE for short.

MOVE is an impressive museum that spans over 10,000 square meters and comprises a collection of cars, bikes, trucks, and buses. The museum also houses several local private collections, including the Furphy Museum, The Dick Clayton Audio Visual and Telecommunications Collection, the Garth ‘Bulldog” Wallace Harley Davidson Collection, and the Kenworth Dealer Truck Pavilion. It is one of the most comprehensive museums in Australia, featuring contemporary and interactive displays.

The Furphy collection is a fascinating display that showcases the company's history dating back to the 1880s. Furphy proudly produced water tanks for both World Wars, and interestingly, the term ‘Furphy’ originated from the stories and exaggerations of soldiers gathering around the Furphy water tank to get their water ration. The term is still used today.

Most of the cars on display are on loan to the museum, and therefore, the collection changes frequently. This provides an excellent reason to visit MOVE more than once as there is always something new to see. The Kenworth Dealer Pavilion is one of the new additions to the museum and has been well-supported by Kenworth and local transport companies. It offers insight into our road transport history, particularly in the Goulburn Valley region. Local transport companies have also restored some early vehicles in their fleet and put them on display. Some of these magnificently presented vehicles include a 1964 K125 Kenworth from Monty's Transport, a 1986 W Model Kenworth from Hicks, a K125 from Phillips Transport, a restored R200 International from Keating's Transport, a Mack Superliner from Cootes Transport, and a 1980 White Road Boss from the Kafatis family.

The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria has also supported the museum, with help from Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, and other local businesses. They have put together an impressive historical collection of buses.

The MOVE Museum has become a showpiece tourism destination for Shepparton and Victoria and is well worth a visit.