You could be mistaken for thinking you’ve taken a step back in time when visiting long-time MTAQ member Buckland Auto Service.

The Nundah based service station and workshop has kept things quite the same since opening its doors way back in the 1930’s, with the business’s current set-up causing some customers to refer to it as Museum Motors.

Owned by husband and wife Bill and Marilyn Russell, both in their 70’s, Buckland Auto Service is equipped with some historic gems including a wheel balancer, tyre changer and a three-phase welder, while the sound of a cassette player with a working radio fills the ears of the customers.

There’s also no place to buy food or grocery items, unlike most service stations. A small fridge filled with drinks is on hand for thirsty travelers, however.

Even one of the latest purchases, a Gilbarco Salesmaker petrol pump installed in 1955/56 draws instant attention from passersby.

The 65-year-old fuel pump is overseen by Mrs Russell. A foreign piece of technology to most customers who stop by these days, the meter must be reset by turning a knob before the lever can be lifted to pump fuel.

“They [customers] go to serve themselves but I offer to do it because it’s an older pump,” said Mrs Russell.

She also offers to check the air in the tyres and the oil and water levels under the bonnet, a complete customer service experience.

“I don’t push myself on people and say you have to have this work done. I’ll let them know if the oil’s getting a bit dirty and the car is due for a service, but I don’t push them to come here.

“If there’s something wrong with the car I’ll call for Bill and we try to do the right thing by our customers.”

Mr Russell, meanwhile, occupies the workshop area, working on all types of cars, including those owned by motoring enthusiasts such as a 1918 Ford Model T, a 1920-21 Indian motorbike, a 1926 three-wheel Morgan and a 1951 Stinger.

For Mr Russell, Buckland Auto Service has been part of the family for almost as long as he can remember.

His father, Jack, worked there for many years before purchasing the business in the mid-1950’s.

“He got together with my uncle Frank Ward and they ran it. I worked around the pumps,” said Mr Russell. “I lived above the shop with my family from the time I was five until I married.

“Dad died in 1971 and I worked here with my uncle and mum Eileen. We took it over in 1983.”

Going into their 37^th year in charge of Buckland Auto Service, Mrs Russell says the pair has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“We’re a team and while we can do what we can do, we will,” said Mrs Russell.

Source: The Courier Mail (Subscription required) | Couple offers old-fashioned service at the pump

26 Feb 2020