Adelaide That Was: Road Trip To The Murray in a 1927 Desoto (1960)

In 1960 four friends, just arrived from the UK, put in 10 pounds each to buy a 1927 Desoto. They then set out on a road trip from Elizabeth to Blanchetown, on the Murray River. Not everything went according to plan. But, after a 6 hour (mis)adventure, they finally reach the mighty Murray. This awesome footage kindly donated by Louise Mather and her brother Jim, who took this footage and was one of the four who chipped in 10 pounds. Follow the journey of Ten Pound Poms as they settle into Australian life one year after arriving. See their firsthand experiences. This footage provides a historical look at the Ten Pound Poms immigration program, documenting the realities of starting fresh in a new country. It captures the early days of these migrants as they navigate local roads, engage with the Australian landscape, and adjust to their new environment. For anyone interested in Australian immigration history or mid-century social documentation, this provides a clear window into that era. The video also highlights the role of industry for new arrivals, including a visit to the General Motors-Holden factory. Watching this footage helps viewers visualize the industrial employment opportunities that were central to the Ten Pound Poms experience during their first year in Australia. It serves as a personal record of the challenges and everyday sights encountered by those who migrated under this iconic program. Subscribe for regular historical documentary breakdowns, and comment below if you have family stories related to the Ten Pound Poms migration.