Finch Powerhouse

02/10/2025

10/09/2025

Prelude to the Century

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Powerhouse in Woodside, we’re on the lookout for memories, photos, and stories from its past. Whether you’re a local from the Adelaide Hills or have ties from further afield, we’d love to hear from you!

Originally built in 1925, the Powerhouse has lived many lives — as a power station, council chambers, fire station, and currently, home to the Finch Powerhouse.

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Let’s celebrate a century of history together — and uncover more of the Powerhouse’s story, one memory at a time.


The historic photos seen in this post are:
• A photo of the site of the Powerhouse before it’s construction (credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5207992495899397&set=gm.1016522072235999&idorvanity=927900341098173, State Library of South Australia, B 35255/13),
• A photo taken around the opening of the Powerhouse (credit: State Library of South Australia, B 57896)
• Laying of the foundation of the Powerhouse (credit: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87510818)
• View inside and outside of the Powerhouse at opening (credit: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165707694)

05/09/2025

Prelude to the Century: Restoring a Firefighting Icon at Finch Powerhouse

All the way from South Hedland WA to the Adelaide Hills — over 4000km! — this 1971 Bedford Fire Truck has arrived at the Finch Powerhouse for a new lease on life. 🔧✨

Sent by the South Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, the Bedford is here for a mechanical and cosmetic restoration so it can shine once again at community events.

This isn’t the first time a fire truck has rolled into the Powerhouse. In fact, the site itself has a fitting past — it was once home to the Woodside Country Fire Service station during the 1940s. More recently, another fire truck restoration project made its way through the workshop. 🔥

Find out more about here: https://finchrestorations.com.au/news-media/news/classic-south-hedland-bedford-fire-truck-arrives-at-the-finch-powerhouse

1940s Woodside CFS photo credit - State Library of South Australia, B 58029

15/08/2024

🚗✨ Discover the craftsmanship of Finch Powerhouse's interior trim work! 🌟

Explore the "before" and "after" photos to see the subtle transformation. From worn-out and dated to sleek and stylish, our team brought this stunning 2006 Lotus Elise to life with a more modern and luxurious touch.

Experience the ultimate blend of comfort and aesthetics with our motor trimming services. Ready to upgrade your ride? Contact us today!

05/08/2024

Electrifying!!

In 2022, the Bay to Birdwood welcomed Electric Converted Vehicles for the first time. In these past two years, we've seen some brilliant feats of engineering, like this converted 1970 Land Rover 109 Series 2a entered by Matthew Hooper.

If you own an EV Conversion and want to enter into this years EV Awards, visit our website here: https://baytobirdwood.history.sa.gov.au/ev-conversion-category/

12/07/2024

🚗✨ Bringing Classics Back to Life! ✨🚗

At the Finch Powerhouse, we just had the pleasure of servicing this iconic 1972 Datsun 240Z!

From the moment it rolled into our shop, we knew we were in for a treat. Our team poured their heart and soul into ensuring this classic beauty runs as smooth as it looks. 🛠️🔧

Got a classic that needs some expert care? The Finch Powerhouse is here to solve your vintage and classic motoring needs! 🌟

12/07/2024

Swipe to see the magic of the Finch Powerhouse carburettor restoration process! ✨🚗 These Stromberg carburettors went from beat-up relics to show-stopping beauties.

Before ➡️ After

From neglected to perfected, we brought these gems back to life with a meticulous restoration process. Now they're ready to roar once again! 🔧💪

10/07/2024

The 2024 Variety Moto Run awaits! Join the ultimate mid-week getaway, where every twist and turn brings a new flavour of excitement!
Indulge in luxurious accommodation, regional culinary delights, and breathtaking experiences in South Australia's wine regions. Leave your everyday life behind and embrace the Hills to the Valley with us!

For more information or to register visit https://savarietymotorun.com.au/
Platinum Sponsor: Tim Adams Wines / Mr. Mick Cellar Door and Kitchen

17/11/2023

10/11/2023

Another exhilarating vehicle has been in at the Finch Powerhouse for some mechanical repairs - an impressive Shelby Cobra Replica.

This vehicle has a Jaguar independent rear suspension that was emitting some offensive noises that our client wanted us eliminate. Very quickly dealt with by Joe and our client was soon back on the road and able to enjoy his drive again.

22/09/2023

"The new shape of power for the '70s…and like all fine pieces of precision machinery, Capri GT/V6 is designed, built and equipped to handle the muscle” was how the official Ford brochure described the Capri 3000GT.

After a long period of dormancy, we had the pleasure of recommissioning this classic in our Finch Powerhouse workshop.

Joe commenced with a comprehensive safety inspection and a compression test to ensure the integrity of the engine. The gearbox required rebuilding.

Attention was then directed to the fuel lines. Alongside this, the vehicle received a new speedometer cable and underwent intricate electrical wiring work. A state-of-the-art GPS tracking system was discreetly installed without compromising the vehicle's classic aesthetic.

The cooling system was repaired and upgraded. The mechanical work was accompanied by the refurbishment of the steering wheel and installation of new rear vision mirrors which were both 'tuned' to suit the driver. A tune-up ensured the Capri is now running as planned.

Now over 50-years-old in the 2020s, this timeless classic is a tribute to past greatness with the owner enjoying the drive again and comforts of the upgrades.

29/07/2023

This glorious 1933 Dodge Tourer has been captured magnificantly by professional photographer Andy Rasheed in the black-walled Finch Studio. For its owner in Victoria, the 1933 Dodge has just had completed a multi-year, ground-up restoration by the skilled artisans at Finch Restorations.