Horn from car on display at King Island Airport missing

King Island Council is appealing for community assistance after the horn from the island’s historic 1912 Vulcan motor car was discovered missing earlier this month.

The vehicle, one of the earliest ever brought to King Island – and believed to be among the first few cars to arrive on the island – was donated to Council by longtime island resident Fred Day. The agreement included ensuring the vehicle remained in good condition, was properly maintained, and could be made available for significant community events.

For the past several years, the Vulcan has been displayed at the King Island Airport as a small but popular attraction, protected behind see through safety barriers and enjoyed by visitors as a link to the island’s early motoring history.

Council confirmed that the vehicle had recently been removed for scheduled servicing and minor repairs before being returned to its display enclosure. It was only after the Vulcan was back in place that Mr Day noticed the horn was missing and raised the alarm.

A thorough search by Council staff over the past two weeks — including inside the cabin, beneath the bodywork and around the storage and maintenance areas — has not located the missing part.

The horn is a distinctive feature of the 112-year-old vehicle and forms part of its original character and heritage value. Its disappearance has caused concern among those who helped preserve the vehicle and those who regularly admire it at the airport.

Council is now asking anyone who may have seen the horn, handled the vehicle during recent months, or may have any knowledge of its whereabouts to come forward.

Information can be provided confidentially by contacting King Island Council on 03 6462 9000 or visiting the Council office.

The Vulcan remains on display at the airport, and Council says it is committed to restoring it to full presentation as soon as the missing horn is found.