The Achievements of Eddie Perkins
Eddie Perkins was an Australian motor car racer, best known for competing in Australian reliability trials.
Eddie Perkins
Edgar Bruce – known as Eddie – Perkins was born in 1920, the eldest of six children, growing up on the family farm “Mountain Pine” just outside Cowangie in the Victorian Mallee. He demonstrated an interest in all things mechanical from an early age, making several workable model airplanes as well as servicing numerous cars and motorcycles. However, his most memorable boyhood achievement was designing and successfully fitting a gas producer plant to the family tractor.
Perkins Brothers in their Rover 90 (1954) by unknownNational Motor Museum, Australia
Like his father before him, Perkins turned to farming after World War II; and with his wife Connie, brought up five children. But his heart was not in wheat or sheep.
Eddie and Lance Perkins (1956)National Motor Museum, Australia
He preferred fixing other people’s vehicles and developed a dealership in Australian-made Chamberlain tractors as well as Rovers, Land Rovers and Volkswagens from his farm shed. However, his real passion was for the Italian Lancia Lambda, an innovative sports car of the 20s and 30s, and he began designing and making racing cars.
Perkins Brothers Win (1956) by UnknownNational Motor Museum, Australia
He developed a ‘Perkins Special’, one of the first racing cars with a mid rear engine in Australia, comprised mostly Lancia Lambda components while a second version was based on the Volkswagen.
Eddie Perkins and Greg Cusack (1959) by unknownNational Motor Museum, Australia
Racing often took him away from home but his success meant manufacturers gave him enviable cars to race such as the Porsche 356 Carrera and the Holden Monaro.
The Awards
The National Motor Museum's collection features prizes that Eddie received over his career ranging from salt and pepper shakers to sashes.
1957 Ampol Trials mantle clockNational Motor Museum, Australia
The awards highlight the range of Perkins’ career both at home and overseas and his pioneering role in post-war motor racing in Australia. He participated in one of the oldest forms of motorsport – hill climbing – including the historic Victorian hill climbs of Mount Tarrengower, Rob Roy and Templestowe.
Patons Brakes TrophyNational Motor Museum, Australia
He competed at the then newly purpose-built racing circuits at Port Wakefield (SA) and Tarrawingie near Wangaratta (VIC); while in 1960 he also took part in the first Armstrong 500 on Phillip Island, the precursor of Bathurst.
Perkins not only competed in but won two of the Around Australia Reliability Trials considered to be this country’s most iconic post-war motoring events. This later led to his taking part in international races notably the 1959 Monte Carlo Rally and the first London to Sydney marathon of 1968.
Rob Roy Championship mugNational Motor Museum, Australia
This stunning collection of silverware is a representative example of the prizes won by 50s and 60s racing legend, Eddie Perkins. What is striking is the domestic nature of many of the trophies; perhaps fit for a genteel afternoon tea rather than summoning up memories of the fast-paced, adrenalin-filled world of motor sport.
All images are from the National Motor Museum Collection.
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