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It will be auctioned as a fundraiser later this year but, more than that, it is the focus for the Auto Horizon Foundation.
It is being used to create a portal for careers in the motor industry, putting into practice the innovation goals set out in Steve Bracks’ review of the motor industry in 2008.
“It’s about showcasing Australian innovation and promoting the automotive industry and careers in the industry,” says FR1 main man Brian Tanti.
”It’s a combination of helping youngsters in choosing careers in automotive, and also in exposing them to what’s out there. There are very few opportunities to do that in an engaging way.”
Backers and partners in the Auto Horizon Foundation include actor Eric Bana and the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
Tanti’s dream is to create a hands-on teaching facility at Batman TAFE’s Automotive Centre of Excellence at Docklands (the centre is home to the FR1 workshop). It’s a goal which runs back to his own children and the youngsters coming through the Fox Collection car museum, where Tanti is curator.
“A long time ago I built an Edwardian half-scale Rolls-Royce for my daughters. The idea was just to build them something to run around in,” he says.
“We then developed the experience into an education program for kids.
“It was something we offered here at the museum as part of an ongoing education program, with children assembling the cars on a mini production line.
“I noticed through running tours at the museum that school kids knew very little about the work being done and the disciplines involved.
“It was important that whatever we did had some practical connection, an emotive link, to youth.”
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