For years I've used old telephone directories when researching some of my other interests and they have been very useful. At the Cowra Funmuseums I recently spotted a local directory for the area from 1955 and wondered if it might have anything on local dealerships or manufacturers. As it turned out there were no local entries, but quite a few Sydney manufacturers had listings and I guess if you were looking for a van then it was a trip to the 'big smoke' for the country folk. It was much the same for many car dealerships who had Sydney listings.
I took a quick snap of the entry which is posted below and hopefully over time if anyone comes up with an old directory they can do the same, it can help to establish time lines if nothing else.
From this listing only Palatial stood out as not already listed in the Library although I did have a newspaper advertisement for them.
As time permits I might be able to chase up copies in the Mitchell Library, or local library, old telephone books don't tend to be kept unless you need a door stopper.
George