1997 Australia's Classic Cars

Australia has embraced cars since the 1890s. Theses stamps shows four cards which have a special place amongst Australians. The design takes us back to the golden age of motoring where cars were more than just a means of transport.

The 1934 Ford Coupe Utility was the first ute, designed in Geelong by the Ford Design Group under Lewis Bandt. It was both a passenger vehicle and a light truck and went on sale for about £280. The stamp is set in a rural background; the story goes that it was designed at the behest of a farmer who wanted a vehicle which he could use on Sunday to take his wife to church and work during the week. She is in the background waving to her farmer husband as he’s about to drive off.

The 1948 GMH Holden 48–215 (also known as the FX) was the first car fully built in Australia and was sold for £733. It is shown against a classic 1950s scene —outside a milk bar with teenagers hanging out on the footpath.

Based off the Wolsey 1500, the Austin Lancer was introduced in 1958 by the British Motor Corporation sold for £1026. Here it’s being used for a Sunday drive — it’s owners, a family have parked it and are picnicking nearby. These were the days when people drove for fun.

The Chrysler Valiant R series marked an era when Australia looked to the States. It was an especially rare car as only 1,008 cars were assembled and were sold out within days. It is seen on the backdrop of a drive-in cinemas with a courting couple on a date.

Technical Details

Stamp design: Andrew Hopgood

Issue date: 27 February 1997

You may receive a stamp strip, loose stamps or self adhesive stamps depending on availability.