Car Enthusiast Seeks Answers

Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has spent 15 years researching a rare 1902 French-made car he owns. This car’s history brings him to the Burdekin region as he hunts for clues to establish the car’s identity.

“The English bought them here. They were the biggest buyers. All the early cars here in Australia were French mostly, and so they were a highly regarded product,” Graeme declares.

The car was produced between 1900 and 1910, during the French "window of glory" in the motoring world, and the company sold cars and parts to various manufacturers. Graeme is convinced the car is from 1902 but needs to establish it, which is a difficult task given it had five previous owners.

Through his detective work, and with help from historians and locals, he’s narrowed it down to the Burdekin region, where he believes the car started its journey. The car, one of about 10 surviving from its era, was likely assembled by French manufacturer, Prunel.

“Prunel, made these cars from 1900 to about 1910, during a time where the French auto industry was the biggest and best manufacturer of motor cars in the world,” Graeme says.

If it is from 1902 as Graeme believes, then the car is worth $150,000. The car's value is significantly higher if it is from 1902, as it can participate in the London to Brighton rally, which is a prestigious event for early vintage cars.

He has collected necessary parts and scours Trove, a digitised newspaper archive to search historical newspapers for clues but has struggled to find specific information to identify the exact manufacturer. While visiting the Burdekin, it’s his hope to uncover the car's history and name, which would legitimise its provenance within the car community.

Although Prunel is no longer an active car manufacturer, its contribution to the early French automotive industry is significant. The company’s history and legacy are preserved through its exhibits in museums and archives, providing a glimpse into the development of the French car industry in the early 20th century. It’s Graeme’s wish to help bring another to the world.

“I'm 74 now, and I've been interested in veteran cars since I was a teenager. If I knew exactly what it was, it would make life a lot easier,” Graeme says.

Graeme is hoping to find anyone who might have a photograph or information about the car or its previous owners. He plans to stay in the area for a week to research in the hopes to discover the car’s origins so that he can proudly publish his findings, but also reach a wider audience who share his love and enthusiasm of motoring history.

If you know of anyone that had a car like those in the photos, or a family that may have driven one back in the day within the greater Burdekin region, Graeme would love to hear from you. Any information would greatly assist Graeme achieve his dream of establishing its identity and solve the mystery.

Phone Graeme on 0455 041 994.

Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has come to theBurdekin to find answers about a rare car

An old picture depicting what the Prunel would have looked likein the early 1900s

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