VALE – Bryan ‘Thommo’ Thomson

Australian Sports Sedan and racing star from the 70s and 80s, Bryan Thomson has died.

Thomson, a former Shepparton car and truck dealer, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was a much-loved and long-time figure around the sport – most famous for driving several high-powered Sports Sedans, including the unmistakable ‘Volksrolet’ VW-Chevrolet powered Sports Sedan, and latter the ferocious twin-turbo Mercedes-Chev.

He was also a veteran of eight Bathurst 1000 starts, between 1964 and 1990, with a best result of ninth in 1975 sharing an L34 Torana; and was crowned 1985 Australian GT Champion.

Thomson had a deep passion for racing in a career that spanned almost 50 years.

His first car race and win was in an Austin Healey BN1 at Barjarg dirt circuit and within five years he was taking on Mount Panorama at the Great Race.

By the end of the 60s he was taking on the best in Europe, including Jim Clark and Graham Hill, racing a Ford Mustang in both the UK and Australia.

In 1967 he was the leading Privateer in the British Saloon Car Championship and also had a crack  at the Spa 24 Hour.

Come the 70s ’Thommo’ had returned to Australia and drove a red 396 Chev Camaro.

He then switched to a Torana and claimed a further 18 wins before 1974 when he campaigned the famous VW Chevrolet.

Across the 1974 and 1975 seasons he finished runner up in the $100,000 Sports Sedan Series at Calder.

The 1975 edition was particularly close – he led Bob Jane all the way until the final race when a quad valve engine issue saw the VW erupt in smoke. The disabled car smoked its way to complete the final lap of the race, but Jane won the race and the series …  

But more success was to come in the 80s when he drove the famous Mercedes 450 SLC Twin Turbo to ‘Australian GT’ championship glory in 1986.

Bryan Thomson racing the ‘Volksrolet’ – the fan favourite VW-Chevrolet powered Sports Sedan at Sandown with Bob Jane in his HQ Monaro hot on his heals, this was a common theme in the seventies. Image: Auto Action Archives

Later that decade he was unstoppable in a Supra (ex Chevrolet Monza) Turbo, claiming a three-peat of Sports Sedans successes from 1987-1989.

Thomson also took part in events such as Targa Tasmania, Nations Cup, Historic Formula 5000 and more during the later years.

AUTO ACTION sends its condolences to Thomson’s wife Loel and family following the sad news.

(More on the life of Bryan Thomson in next week’s digital Auto Action …)

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