King of the Mountain: Brock 50 Years

Overview

Peter Geoffrey Brock (1945–2006) is a legend of Australian motorsport. His name is synonymous with success at Bathurst racing events held at Mount Panorama, hence the often-used monikers “King of the Mountain” and “Peter Perfect”.

The Bathurst 1000 is considered Australia’s greatest touring car endurance race. Brock conquered the Bathurst racing event a record nine times, between 1972 and 1987, and the Bathurst 1000 trophy now carries his name.

This year, 2022, is the 50th anniversary of Brock’s inaugural Bathurst triumph, and this stamp issue commemorates Brock’s illustrious record in this event.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 3 October 2022
Issue withdrawal date: 30 April 2023
Denomination: $1.10 x 5
Stamp design: SE Products
Product design: SE Products
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phos
Paper: self-adhesive: Tullis Russell Red Phos PSA
Printer: EGO
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 37.5 x 26
Minisheet size (mm): 170 x 80
Perforations: 13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layout: Module of 50
FDI Postmark: Bathurst NSW 2785
FDI withdrawal date: 31 October 2022

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 1972 LJ Torana

In 1972, Brock recorded his first Bathurst victory, in the Hardie-Ferodo 500. Brock drove solo in the iconic Holden Torana LJ GTR XU-1. At the time, the Torana was in the early phases of its evolution, establishing itself as the new, dominant “muscle car” of the circuit and taking over from the classic Vauxhall Viva – the car model from which the Torana was derived. Despite intense wet weather conditions throughout the race, Brock showcased his composure, defeating Ford’s Allan Moffat in the Falcon GT-HO, and announced himself as an emerging talent in the world of Australian motorsport.

$1.10 1979 LX Torana

“The Great Race” of 1979 is often regarded as the most dominant Bathurst display of all time. In this race, Brock and Jim Richards overpowered the field to claim a six-lap victory over second placed Peter Janson and Larry Perkins. It was not just the extent of their victory that was most impressive but also their control of the race from start to finish, qualifying in pole position and leading for the entire race.

$1.10 1980 VC Commodore

In 1980, the Holden Dealer Team introduced the Commodore VC to the racing circuit, a machine specifically built to excel in endurance racing. Brock and Richards surged to a one-lap victory, their third consecutive Bathurst triumph and Brock’s fifth, breaking the record for the most wins in the history of race.

$1.10 1984 VK Commodore

After only a short pause from Bathurst glory, Brock was again atop the podium at the 1982 James Hardie 1000, this time alongside new team-mate Larry Perkins. Brock and Perkins eventually went on to capture yet another Bathurst triple victory between the years of 1982 and 1984, again in a Commodore.

$1.10 1987 VL Commodore

Brock appeared virtually unstoppable at Bathurst, when again he secured victory in the 1987 James Hardie 1000, driving the Holden Commodore VL SS Group A – his ninth and final Bathurst triumph. In wet conditions, alongside Peter McLeod and David Parsons, Brock led the team to victory after qualifying back in 20th position.

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