THE Palmer Motorama Vintage Car Museum got off to a flying start on Saturday with hundreds of eager motoring enthusiasts pouring through the doors at Palmer Coolum Resort to experience the motoring romance of yesteryear.

The museum’s first day of opening was a resounding success with nostalgic car buffs giving a thumbs-up to not only the range of cars on display, but the authenticity and outstanding condition of each spectacular specimen.

Manager of Palmer Motorama, Craig Gunnis, said feedback from excited car lovers exceeded expectations, prompting an expansion of the museum’s opening hours.

“It was a terrific first day for the museum and gave us a clear message that there is a huge amount of interest in vintage cars; they’re timeless. As a result we’ve decided to broaden the opening hours to 10.00am – 7.00pm daily,” Mr Gunnis said.

“This will allow guests and visitors to take their time and also have a relaxing meal at some of the resort’s great restaurants. They can choose from a wide variety of dining options at the Village Square or head over to the Palmer Grill and enjoy some outstanding food while taking in the spectacular view of the golf course and Jeff the T-Rex.

“On Saturday we saw hundreds of happy faces and some of the cars were bringing back great motoring memories for some of the older members of the community.

“These vehicles are so rare and you would be hard pressed to find a venue that houses as many first-class vintage cars as this one.

“Apart from the early 1900s cars that are often seen as the ‘classic’ vintage cars, we have many that are rare, or even unique, in terms of what they were used for or who owned them. For example, we have an open-top Landcruiser that was used by the Queen when she visited Australia in the seventies as well as Lord Mountbatten’s 1929 Rolls Royce.

“We also have some of the original Holdens which of course are steeped in Australian motoring history. As well as the cars we have several other motoring exhibits including an original penny farthing bicycle. There’s something for everyone here,” he said.

While construction of its permanent home within the resort is completed, Palmer Motorama will be housed in the Pavilion and will be open for the next two weeks only, 10.00am – 7.00pm daily.