In my travels around the world, I’ve spotted a few cool cars like the Bugatti Veyron, and felt the wrath of the Worst Drivers In The World.
In other motoring based experiences, I’ve loved/hated going around the Arc De Triomph in Paris which was totally insane, and come across the amazing transformation of Samoan Road rules where they swapped the side of the road they drive on literally over night!
But on a trip along the Newell Highway, I managed to spot some Funny Cars which I’ve never seen before. And it made me think I’d like to do a road trip in some of them!
Some Funny Cars
First of all can spot this unusual car at the National Transport Museum in Inverell, which is a detour off the Newell Highway.
It’s a 1906 Daytona motor buggy, and apparently, it’s the only one of it’s kind left in the world in this condition. It was made in Chicago, but it’s ended up on the other side of the world. This buggy was only made from 1906 to 1909 so this is right at the dawn of the motor vehicle age, so it’s a pretty important part of history.
But the most unusual thing about this car – was that it was based around a piano box body!
Looks like they had to improvise in the old days and I’m guessing the piano box was big enough to hold a couple of passengers. It looks like this thing wasn’t built for comfort though – there’s virtually no suspension and the wheels look like they were stolen from a horse carriage!
Another weird looking car at the National Transport Museum is the German Messerschmidt KR 200 Cabrio Limosine, made in 1963. After the end of World War 2, Messerschmidt weren’t allowed to manufacture aircraft, so they turned to making cars for a while – and weird ones at that!
This thing looks like a scooter with a cabin, and unbelievably holds two people.
This thing has 4 forward gears and 4 reverse gears too! But you could only go in reverse only if you started the car in reverse!
Anyway, for a small country town, this museum is quite impressive based on the number and variety of cars, motorcycles, and anything else that can be used to transport yourself from Point A to Point B. You might even come up with some ideas on how to travel in the most bizarre cars around on your next road trip!
Anyway, Inverell is a pretty town and worth having a look around, especially if you’re into wine and food and the nature walks that are around.
Check it out if you’re ever on the Newell Highway!