FORTY years ago, Dick Johnson and John French drove the Tru-Blu XD Falcon to victory in the 1981 James Hardie 1000.
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Now, the iconic race car has returned to Mount Panorama for an extended stay.
The car is currently on display at the National Motor Racing Museum (NMRM), having arrived just days prior to the start of the Bathurst 500.
Manager Brad Owen, said it is part of the ongoing Dick Johnson exhibition, which opened at the museum last year.
"We've still got the Dick Johnson exhibition. The week before the race week we had the Tru-Blu car come in, so the 1981 Bathurst winner, which is an absolute icon of the sport," he said.
"Obviously that is something that will attract people because it hasn't been here for a long time."
After being closed for the Bathurst 1000, the staff are hoping to welcome as many race fans through the doors as they can over the Bathurst 500.
A few of the museum's replicas are on display at the event, which will help to lure fans in to see the full collection.
The museum has become increasingly busy as the three-day event wears on.
"It was a slow start, but to be expected. Any of the [Supercars] sprint races, whether they're here or elsewhere, Friday is always a build-up day, with people at work and things like that," Mr Owen said.
"Certainly early on Saturday it is looking really good, we're starting to get busy and are seeing a lot more people around the track and in the spectator areas, so I think it will be a great weekend."
He expects Sunday will be the busiest day, similar to what is typically seen over the Bathurst 12 Hour event.
"It will be interesting to see how it develops over the weekend," Mr Owen said.
In addition to some incredible cars and motorbikes, the museum also offers a range of merchandise so fans can leave with something special.
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