The Big Pineapple to become a motor racing museum

Iconic Queensland tourism attraction the Big Pineapple has been sold to a  family who will turn it into a Mecca for Australian motor sports enthusiasts.

The Bowden family, of Buderim, will showcase their collection of Australian motor racing history within the existing buildings, retaining the Big Pineapple which has been the dominant feature for almost four decades.

Patriarch David, a share trade adviser who buys and sells historic race cars as well as running a car care products division which carries the family name, has built up Australia’s finest collection of vehicles.

It includes cars raced by Allan Moffat and Dick Johnson.

The collection includes Moffat’s famous bright red Coca-Cola 302 Trans-Am Mustang, first raced in 1969, and the vehicle Johnson was driving when he hit a rock in the 1980 Bathurst race, sparking a wave of public support which saw donations of $70,000 flow in to get him back on track.

David’s sons, Chris and Dan, will refurbish the Big Pineapple’s tired facilities before reopening.

As many as 40 cars from the family’s collection would be on display at any one time.