FIRTH’S SHOP FACES DEMOLITION

Harry Firth’s shop faces demolition – Photo: Garry Clarke

The workshop integral to the many Ford and Holden motorsport successes in the 1960s and 1970s is under threat of demolition.

By BRUCE NEWTON

Situated at 33-35 Queens Avenue Hawthorn, the site was the headquarters of legendary racer and team owner Harry Firth and was later taken over by renowned engine builder Ian Tate.

Firth was running the Ford Australia factory team when he bought the site in the early 1960s, but was relieved of those duties at the end of the 1968 season.

He was quickly signed up to run the Holden Dealer Team and headquartered it in the same Hawthorn building until 1978, when John Sheppard took over and it moved to North Melbourne.

It was at Queens Avenue that Peter Brock got his start in professional motor racing. But many other famous Australian motor racing drivers, engineers and mechanics have been associated with the site.

The building’s origin was said to be as a Cobb & Co station in the 19th century.

A six story commercial development, plus two storey basement, has been proposed for the site. The estimated cost of the work has been put at $7 million.

There are no historical overlays for the building, which means no elements of the original design such as the façade needs to be retained.

Any objections to the development have to be lodged by March 25, with a decision due within a couple of months.

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