Survivor - The Rare Spares Story - A story about passionate car enthusiasts who began sourcing spare parts to keep their classic cars on the road!

The history of the Rare Spares brand is long and colourful. It is a story about passionate car enthusiasts who began sourcing spare parts to keep their classic cars on the road, and how, nearly 50 years on it is the same desire to keep classic cars alive that drives the business today.

In our newly completed video documentary, we felt it appropriate to pay tribute to the guys who steered the company from its early days as a cottage industry in the fledgling restoration market, to what it is today, the foremost restoration component supplier in Australasia.

Follow the journey from the very beginning, hearing stories from those who were there from the start. Listen to Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame member John Bowe talk about how important some of these components have been to keeping his racing cars on the track. Learn how innovation and technology have helped change the way Rare Spares provides product to customers.

More than just a part in a project, we at Rare Spares and RSP Automotive and Industrial are very proud of our achievements and hope you enjoy the accompanying presentation recounting our journey: Survivor – The Rare Spares Story.

About Us

Rare Spares began life in 1974, supplying new and refurbished parts for 48-FJ Holdens. The business started in a residential basement in one of Melbourne’s leafy suburbs and then quickly moved to a small factory in Reservoir. The business expanded rapidly and before long, larger premises were required.

The Company moved to Brunswick where it started a vigorous manufacturing program, both locally and abroad, and by 1986 Rare Spares had added Ford parts to its range. In addition, an Australasia wide distributor network was established to sell and market the ever increasing product range. Also in 1986, the Company started its diversification program with the marketing of its products to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) companies, and the development of an industrial rubber product range.

In 1990, Rare Spares took one of what would be many huge steps, with the building of its modern and spacious new warehouse and head office facility at Campbellfield, situated in Melbourne’s far northern suburbs. This gave the Company much needed space to rapidly expand its range as well as finally being able to operate in a new and efficient office complex.

Furthermore, in April 1997, RSP Automotive & Industrial Pty Ltd were early achievers of the automotive 'ISO9001' quality management system certification program. 1998 was a big year for Rare Spares as the Company commenced its own metal pressing business after the successful acquisition of a Newcastle based business. The new metal pressing facility was set up in separate premises and became immediately successful.

With business booming in the early stages of the 2000’s Rare Spares continued to grow, space, again, became a problem. At the start of 2006, the Company continued its expansion with the purchase of a large secondary modern warehouse in Campbellfield, to house products for the Company’s ever-emerging OEM and Moulded Rubber Products business.

Also heralding in 2006 was the move to an overall company name and brand that recognised the diversity of the company whilst harnessing the synergies between each division. In mid 2006, RSP Automotive & Industrial Pty Ltd was launched with a new logo and identity that unmistakably represents every aspect of the business; Automotive OEM, Clips & Fasteners, Information Technology, Metal Pressing, Moulded Rubber Products, Hose Products and the Rare Spares branded automotive aftermarket parts and accessories.

our directors