Brown Davis - Their Story
1978 – Brown Davis Is Born
Brown Davis was founded in 1978 when David Brown and Bill Davis opened a small mechanical workshop in Bayswater, Melbourne. The business initially specialised in motorsport vehicle preparation and fabrication. Half of the workshop was dedicated to housing and preparing several Brian Wood Ford Group C touring cars.
Although the partnership between Brown and Davis lasted only six months, the name “Brown Davis” was established and has remained ever since.
Late 1970s – Innovation Begins
Brown Davis’ breakthrough came when David Brown and Rod Stephens Racing created a lightweight aluminium fuel tank to give their Toranas the extra laps needed around Mount Panorama, Bathurst.
A friend soon requested the same concept for his 40 Series LandCruiser to help him reach Cape York — and with that, the first Brown Davis Long Range Fuel Tank for 4WDs was born.
1980s – Expansion and Diversification
Long Range Fuel Tank Production
Throughout the 1980s, Brown Davis began full-scale production of long range fuel tanks for popular 4WD models. As demand grew, resellers started appearing across Australia, marking the start of the company’s reputation in the 4×4 industry.
Ambulance Safety Builds
After more than a decade of building roll cages for racing vehicles, Brown Davis was approached to design, engineer, test, and manufacture roll cages and other safety products for the Australian ambulance fleet.
The company soon outgrew its original site and moved into a larger factory — just 100 metres up the road.
1990s – Defence Projects & Continued Growth
Bushmaster Tanks
Brown Davis won a significant contract with ADI (Australian Defence Industries) to design, engineer, and manufacture three specialised tanks for the Bushmaster vehicle program:
- Hydraulic fluid tanks
- Auxiliary backup fuel tanks
- Header coolant tanks
More than 2,000 units were produced and supplied globally.
4WD Market Leadership
During the 1990s, long range fuel tanks continued to rise in popularity. Brown Davis cemented itself as one of the most recognised and trusted names in the 4WD accessory industry.