Gears of Time: Celebrating Ford Broadmeadows’ Legacy

Broadmeadows Museum Ford Exhibition Last_Falcon_2016

In 1956, Ford Australia made a bold move that would shape the future of automotive manufacturing in the country. The company purchased 400 acres of land in Broadmeadows, Victoria, with a visionary goal: to build an all-Australian car. Just three years later, in 1959, a state-of-the-art assembly plant was completed—spanning an impressive 17 acres under one roof.

By 1960, the first locally produced Ford Falcon rolled off the line, boasting over 90% Australian content. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in Australian industry. The Broadmeadows facility quickly earned its place in history as the largest single-roof car assembly plant in the Southern Hemisphere and a proud symbol of national engineering and manufacturing excellence.

Designed and constructed entirely by Australian engineers, architects, and tradespeople, the plant produced a wide range of vehicles—from passenger cars to commercial vans. Over the years, the site evolved into one of the most integrated automotive hubs in the country. It expanded to include a National Parts Depot in 1963 and a multi-storey Head Office in 1964, further cementing its role in Australia’s industrial landscape.

Although the Assembly Plant officially closed in 2016, Ford’s legacy in Broadmeadows lives on.

Honouring the Past: Gears of Time Exhibition

The Broadmeadows Historical Society, in partnership with the Broadmeadows Museum, is proud to present Gears of Time: Ford Broadmeadows Through the Years—an exhibition that chronicles the rich history of the Assembly Plant and the community that built it. The exhibition features stories from former employees, historical artifacts, and highlights such as Lot 6 and racing legend Alan Moffat.

To celebrate the opening, a special Car Show will be held in conjunction with the exhibition on the weekend of October 4 & 5, with both events running from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, history buff, or local resident, this is a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of Ford Broadmeadows and the people who helped drive Australia’s automotive industry forward.

Ford Car Show and Exhibition, Broadmeadows Museum

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