Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Obviously keen to be undertaking promotional activities with their new Goggomobil dealership, Finlay Brothers were involved in an event in which they provided cars, and chauffeured a group of Japanese actresses in full kimono attire around Melbourne in 1959. The day included picking the actresses up from the Essendon Airport, driving them to the Tivoli Theatre in Bourke Street, and then on to their hotel.1
The following photographs were taken by a Finlay Brothers’ employee who worked as a salesman in the firm’s showroom. He remembers that the cars for the event were sourced from the company’s dealership stock, demonstration cars, and also some privately owned Goggomobils that had been recently purchased from Finlay Brothers. Several Finlay Brothers employees were involved – many as drivers – including the company’s General Sales Manager, several sales staff and a workshop mechanic.2
Following arrival and some time for photographs, the Japanese actresses were to be seated in the cars for departure to the city. Boarding a Goggomobil Dart - a vehicle with no doors - must have been quite a feat in full kimono dress.
Once all were ready, the vehicles proceeded to the Tivoli Theatre, with both the General Sales Manager and Senior Salesman, shown here driving the red Goggomobil Darts. A total of about twelve vehicles were involved in the day.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
Photograph by John Boucher. Courtesy of Howard Knox.
References:
1.John Boucher, personal communication, February 6, 2013.
2.Ibid |