Gilbert’s Motor Museum has paid tribute to the life and “fascinations” of a renowned Strathalbyn businessman in its latest Holden-themed display. 

The late Andrew Soar was a well-known builder and community-minded person, who played a major role in establishing the Strathalbyn Woodshed. 

Behind-the-scenes, he was also an avid collector of classic motor vehicles and garage memorabilia, including an extensive and rare collection of Golden Fleece items, which dated back to his family’s ownership of the Golden Fleece Service Station in Berri in the late 1950s. 

Mr Soar sadly passed in January 2021, but his memory lives on through the motor museum’s new Holden display, thanks to the generosity of his late wife Janice.

“The museum approached Janice in late 2021 when (volunteers) were looking for an early model Holden to include in their display as part of the museum’s tribute to the old Gilbert Motors’ Holden dealership,” Museum volunteer, Grant Chandler, said.

“Janice (originally) offered Andrew’s light blue 1956 FJ Holden sedan, but it was later decided the museum would create a space to display Andrew’s other vehicles – the dark blue 1953 FX Holden ute and blue 1964 XM Ford sedan – and some of his Golden Fleece collection, so they could be seen and appreciated by the broader Strathalbyn community.

“Gilbert’s Motor Museum is delighted to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Andrew Soar by displaying his fine collection, and is happy to talk with any other collectors of interesting cars or memorabilia about potentially having their items on display too.”

The vehicles and Golden Fleece collection will be displayed until the end of the year.