Car badges have been part of the tradition of motoring clubs since they began as a way of identifying members. Today they are collector's items and many enthusiasts use them as a way to dress up their cars. Selected RACQ Badges and other historical items are available to purchase through the RACQ Online Shop.
1911 Membership Badge
RACQ produced its first car badge for members in 1911 following acceptance as an Associate Club of the UK's Royal Automobile Club. make by Elkington & Co, England, it was comprised of a blue Maltese Cross with a central crown, based on the Queensland state badge. The words "The Automobile Club of Queensland" surrounded both the badge and the Maltese Cross.
1922 Light Blue Maltese Cross
The first Royal badge made by Stokes & Sons of Melbourne had been in circulation for little more than a year when the club awarded the manufacturing contract to Angus & Coote of Sydney. The Angus & Coote badge was similar in all respects to the previous one except for the colour of the Maltese Cross in the central emblem, which became light blue.
1925 Dark Blue Maltese Cross
In 1925, following the Light Blue Maltese Cross, the club reverted to the traditional dark blue Maltese Cross. The reasons for this change are unknown.
1947 Maltese Cross
From 1925-1947, advances in technology meant that badges were able to be produced locally and gave way to a cast brass badge. The new model was just as distinctive as the the old and proved more robust for the road conditions. This cast brass badge remained unchanged for 23 years until 1947, when a new badge was commissioned. The new version departed from the traditional Royal Automobile Club Associate inscription around its perimeter in favour of Royal Automobile Club of Queensland.
1951 King's Crown
RACQ adopted a new corporate logo in 1950 and this was relected in the first significantly different car badge in the club's history. The lozenge shaped badge featured the letters RAC in the centre, surmounted by a crown and with the letters 'Qld" stamped at the bottom. This new style was adopted by RACA, RACV, RACWA and RACT, with all five organisations issuing badges surmounted by a King's crown, as George VI was the reigning monarch at the time. When Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952, the RAC and interstated motoring clubs substitued a Queen's crown on the badge, however, the RACQ continued to use the King's crown.
1960 Membership Badge
The club departed from its policy of basing its badge design on the RAC's in 1960, with the introduction of a new oval badge. Made of chrome-plated pressed brass, it featured the letters RAC in the centre and Royal Automobile Club Queensland around the perimeter.
1965 Membership Badge
A minor change to the design was introduced in 1965, coinciding with the Club's Diamond Jubilee Year. The letters RACQ in the centre were replaced with RACQ, with the new badge going on sale in August 1965.
2006 Membership Badge
A 2006 badge was also temporarily available, as the club began exploring opportunities to introduce a new logo.
Honour Badges
From its very early days the club encouraged members to recuit friends and acquaintances to the organisation. The drive for new members continued throughout the post-Depression period as the club expanded its branch network and road patrol services.
1936 Kookaburra Honour Badge
An innovative membership drive introduced in 1936 offered inducement for nominating two or more prospective members. The award for this achievement was a distinctive car badge with a kookaburra perched on a boomerang, inscribed RACQ Honour Badge.
1937 Kookaburra Honour Badge
Building on the success of the 1936 membership drive, a further inducement was introduced in 1937. The kookaburra badge was still awarded to members who successfully recruited two new members, but those who signed up a further two members in 1937 were eligible to exchange the badge for a new one incorporating a laurel wreath.
1938 Honour Badge
The membership drive became even more ambitious in 1938, as the club aimed to recruit 5000 new members by the end of March 1939. This is one of the honour badges that were created as part of the scheme.
1938 Honour Badge
The membership drive became even more ambitious in 1938, as the club aimed to recruit 5000 new members by the end of March 1939. This is one of the honour badges that were created as part of the scheme.
Commemorative Badges
1955 Golden Jubilee Badge
The first commemorative badge to be issued by the club was in celebration of its golden jubilee in 1955. The golden jubilee badge attached to the lozenge shaped membership badge and was inscribed with the words Honour Member, with a small removable button indicating the length of membership of the holder.
1980 75 Year Anniversary Badge
In 1980 the club celebrated its 75th anniversary, striking a badge that was awarded only to those members who gained a new member for the club during the year.
2005 Centenary Badge
Two badges were issued to commemorate the centenary of the RACQ: a prestige edition badge; and a smaller version for general sale and use.
Special Badges
50 Year Membership Badge
Special badges recognising long term membership were introduced in 1965, with an enamelled metal car badge for 50 years or greater membership created in 1984.
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