Historical information

Len Lukey was a Victorian Racing Car Driver in the 1950s & 1960s and established his Car Exhaust Muffler business in his backyard in Highett c 1970.
In 1964 he purchased the site and then developed and operated the Phillip Island Car Racing Track until his death 1978. He designed the Lukey Racing Car Museum and Gardens at that site.
The 1959 Australian Drivers Championship was a CAMS sanctioned motor racing title for drivers of Formula Libre cars. The championship winner was awarded the 1959 CAMS Gold Star. The series was won by Victorian racer Len Lukey driving his Cooper T45 Climax and in the opening round of the series his own much modified Cooper T23 which was known as the Lukey-Bristol. Lukey was one of only a few drivers who attempted to complete the gruelling twelve race schedule, the longest in ADC history. Lukey finished just two points ahead of his season long rival, Alec Mildren from the ACT [1] (Cooper-Climax). Stan Jones, the father of F1 World Champion Alan Jones, was third in the championship, using four different cars over the course of the series. Race victories were shared around with Mildren taking three wins. Lukey, Jones and Bill Patterson each took two wins, with single victories going to Jack Brabham, Bib Stillwell and New Zealand Maserati 250F racer Ross Jensen. Jack Brabham later became F1 World Champion 3 times.

Physical description

A steel bottle opener with engraved advertising for Lukey Mufflers Pty Ltd Highett

Inscriptions & markings

Along Shaft : LUKEY MUFFLERS / HIGHETT VICTORIA / XL 3641