mmg.com.au

When it opened quietly to the public in December 2011, the Shepparton Motor Museum was in its infancy and had no guarantee of success.

But only a year after the grand opening was held, the not-for-profit community venture is firmly entrenched as part of the Greater Shepparton visitor experience.

The museum will hold a public celebration to mark its first birthday with a major Motor Show on Sunday, February 17, but yesterday was an occasion to thank the many individuals and businesses that have supported the project.

‘‘We’ve had fantastic support from enthusiasts who have loaned their cars, bikes and memorabilia to be put on display,’’ Shepparton Motor Museum chairman Peter Bicknell said.

‘‘Without their generosity we wouldn’t have been able to display the variety and quality of motoring history we have in our first year.’’

Mr Bicknell said the museum had won praise from visitors from the region and across the world.

‘‘We have also been blessed with both financial and in-kind support from many businesses and the get together today is our chance to say thank you, but also for them to see just how far we’ve progressed in a year,’’ he said.

The $5 entry fee for the public birthday celebration on February 17 includes access to the museum collection as well as an outdoor motor show featuring more than 150 cars and bikes.

Motor racing legend Jim Richards is the special guest for the birthday party, which will also feature the Shannon’s Super Rig.