08/07/2026
Every now and then I come across something that makes all the years of research worthwhile. These photos show a collection of original Motorola two-way radio equipment from the 1970s, including the mobile control heads, portable radio, dispatch speaker and what appears to be the original mounting location in the car.
On their own they're fascinating pieces of Australian communications history, but together they tell an even bigger story.
The last image is where it all comes together. It's an original National Archives of Australia document dated 16 December 1975 that refers to a "Proposal to install N.S.W. Police 2-way radio in G.G.'s Car." For those who have been following this restoration, you'll know my black P5 LTD is the Governor-General's former official car. To now have archival paperwork discussing the installation of a police radio in that very car is an incredible piece of provenance and another important chapter in its history.
This is exactly why I spend so much time chasing original documents, photographs and period-correct equipment. Every new discovery helps paint a clearer picture of how this car was actually used during one of the most significant periods in Australian history. Seeing the original paperwork alongside the actual style of Motorola equipment that would have been fitted really brings the story to life. There is still plenty more to uncover, but I thought you'd all appreciate seeing these pieces of the puzzle coming together.
Special thanks to Tony Fitzgerald from New South Wales Historic Police Museum for the assistance with the correct detail and photos 💙
