Palmer’s $100m Car Museum: Construction Begins

Did you know that Clive Palmer was a “Petrol Head”?

The Somerset region will be home to Australia’s biggest car museum, after the council approved a development application by controversial businessman Clive Palmer.

The former politician in June abandoned plans to build a huge vintage car and motorcycle museum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. However, Somerset Regional Council has approved the Museum for West Road, Patrick Estate, just south of Lake Wivenhoe.

The Patrick Estate Museum proposal includes 923 car display bays, 278 motorcycles, 10 short-term accommodation units, caretaker’s dwelling, food kiosk, cafe, gift shop and workshop.

That would make it Australia’s largest car museum, eclipsing the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, South Australia, which houses almost 300 cars.

I wonder if the construction of the Museum will happen quicker than his Titanic II?

(See video below)

Malcolm

Below: Posted on Clive Palmer’s ‘X’ account (30/06/25):

Clive Palmer to exhibit rare vehicles at Noosa Concours d’Elegance

Some of the world’s rarest and most storied automobiles will be on display when Clive Palmer returns to the Noosa Concours d’Elegance (Queensland, Australia) on Saturday 19 July 2025, with a selection of vehicles from his private collection.

Held along Noosa’s iconic Hastings Street, the annual motoring event has quickly established itself as a highlight of the Australian automotive calendar.

Now in its third year, the Concours is expected to draw thousands of car enthusiasts, collectors and curious onlookers eager to glimpse rare and historically significant vehicles spanning more than a century.

Mr Palmer, who won Best in Show at the 2024 event with his 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Special, will this year exhibit a new lineup of six exceptional vehicles, each with their own unique place in automotive history.

Among the centrepieces is a 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante, one of just three known examples built with Atalante coachwork. Featuring matching numbers throughout and an extensive restoration, it stands as one of the most significant pre-war Bugattis in existence.

Other highlights from Mr Palmer’s display include a 1935 BMW 315/1 Roadster, one of only 242 made, and fully restored at a cost exceeding $1 million and a 1911 Mercedes 50 HP Tourer, widely regarded as a rival to the famed Silver Ghost.

Mr Palmer will also exhibit a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine once owned by Hot Rod magazine founder Robert Petersen; a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 770 K Pullman Cabriolet, originally delivered to Iraq’s King Faisal and a 1905 Eugène Brillié 20/24 HP, believed to be the only surviving example of its kind in the world.

Mr Palmer said he was delighted to once again participate in the Noosa Concours, which he praised as one of Australia’s finest celebrations of motoring excellence.

“The Noosa Concours provides a rare opportunity to share these remarkable vehicles with the public in one of the most beautiful settings in the country,” Mr Palmer said.

“These cars are not only mechanical achievements – they are historical artefacts, each with a story that deserves to be remembered.” The Noosa Concours d’Elegance will run from morning until dusk on 19 July, with Hastings Street transformed into an open-air gallery of classic motoring. Live music, entertainment, and alfresco dining will round out what promises to be a memorable day for the region.

Clive Palmer

Update: Clive Wins Major Awards at car Show

See video below…