Chamberlain 8: An Australian Race Icon

The only custom racing car wholly designed and built in Australia.

By National Motor Museum, Australia

1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

Chamberlain 8

The Chamberlain 8 is an Australian Special race car built by brothers Bob and Bill Chamberlain.

1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

Born in the early 1900s in Melbourne into a family that owned three successful engineering companies, Bob and Bill grew up was one of motor cars during an era of great technical achievements. Both brothers joined the family business in their twenties as qualified engineers.

Chamberlain 8 Technical DrawingNational Motor Museum, Australia

The first version of the Chamberlain 8 was constructed by Bob and his friend Eric Price in 1929. The original Chamberlain featured a chassis and body designed and built by the pair with an Indian Daytona motorcycle engine.

1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

From 1930 the Chamberlain competed in numerous races, including the Australian Grand Prix in 1931, 1932 and 1933, attracting widespread recognition for its speed and ingenuity.

1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

1928 Chamberlain 8 race car 1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

Engine: Chamberlain (two-stroke, four-cylinder, eight-piston supercharged)
Maximum speed: 112 mph (180.2 km/h)
Capacity: 1078 cc

Spark Plug Box Spark Plug BoxNational Motor Museum, Australia

1928 Chamberlain 8 race carNational Motor Museum, Australia

Credits: Story

All photographs from the National Motor Museum.

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