THE ORIGINAL OLLIES'
A family passion, and cars that matter
In 1955, Albert and Edith Oliver left Yorkshire, England and made the long journey to Canberra. They opened a Caltex Service Station on Yass Road, Queanbeyan NSW, the very first business in what is now the eastern industrial area of the town.
Their three boys, Phillip, Ian and Allen, grew up surrounded by cars, customers and the smell of petrol. Tinkering with engines from very young ages, they each developed a lifelong passion for everything on wheels.
CONTINUING THE PASSION
Built For Enjoyment
In time, the boys found a way to combine their love of old cars with something bigger than themselves. The three brothers decided to support charities like Variety, the Children's Charity, raising funds by 'Bush Bashing' classic and unlikely vehicles through rural and outback towns across Australia.
The drives were a thrill in their own right, but the real reward was the joy on the spectators' faces and the difference the money made to children doing it tough. That spirit of motoring with a purpose is still at the heart of Ollies' Garage today.
AND THE COLLECTING BEGAN
Sharing the passion, fully obsessed.
The Trigger.
In 2004, Ian Oliver stepped back from a lifetime of work. But for someone who'd grown up surrounded by engines, petrol and the smell of a working garage, slowing down was never really on the cards.
The Pursuit.
What started as a hobby became a serious collection. From around 2014, the collecting began in earnest. Private sales, estate finds, cars with provenance and patina — each one chosen for a reason. A hobby became a pursuit, and then a business became something closer to a calling.
The Solution.
The collection had to be shared. So it opened to the public as a basement showroom, a climate-controlled, dust-free environment built for the cars and a modest entry fee to match. What began at home as a private passion became a business, and a place worth visiting.
FOR SHOW AND FOR CHARITY
The collection needed to be shown,
And so, Ollies’ Garage commenced in Fyshwick.
With the collection still growing, there is a long-held desire to share these cars with the public..
Ian and Tina Oliver opened a dedicated showroom in Fyshwick, supporting local charities and local motorsport events
OUR CHARITIES AND PARTNERS
Charities & community support close to our hearts.
With the collection still growing, and a long-held desire to share these cars with fellow enthusiasts and support causes close to home, Ian and Tina Oliver opened a dedicated showroom in Fyshwick. And so, Ollies' Garage was created.
In collaboration with our business partners, we co-sponsor Bates Motorsports, Callaghan Racing, and the MTA Apprenticeship awards program. This is one of the few other activities we have enjoyed supporting.
BOOK YOUR SATURDAY MORNING
Spend time with cars that lived.
Curious to know more? Planning a group visit, club outing or private function? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line and we'll be in touch shortly.