 Tom
Finnigan’s days
Tom Finnigan who began Malvern Star Cycles,
started his business career following his win in the 1898 Austral Wheel Race.
The prize money (240 gold sovereigns) and the fame from this win
enabled him to set up his own bike shop in 58 Glenferrie Road in Malvern.
Tom built the business and began to manufacture bicycles he called
"Malvern Stars" . He specialised in touring and racing bikes.
Business grew as the popularity of cycling grew in Australia.
In the face
of strong competition from larger English and American firms local bike shops
such as Finnigan's prospered and multiplied. Finnigan was able to gain the
endorsement of Don Kirkham, then one of the best known cyclists in
Australia.
By 1920 Tom Finnigan had
established a solid business with a reputation for integrity and service.
Don Kirkham's racing success gave support to the sporting credentials of the
Malvern Star
machines. The six pointed star that Finnigan introduced has remained the symbol
of Malvern Star to this day.
Ó
Rolf Lunsmann, 2000
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