Transport, Published 7 March 2026
A 1921 Crossley carrying Queensland’s very first number plate, Q1, is already a great story - but it gets even better when you learn it belonged to hotelier James Thomas McGuire, one of Brisbane’s…
A 1921 Crossley carrying Queensland’s very first number plate, Q1, is already a great story - but it gets even better when you learn it belonged to hotelier James Thomas McGuire, one of Brisbane’s most colourful early‑20th‑century businessmen. Born in Cork, Ireland, in 1877, McGuire migrated to Townsville at just 14 and went on to build what became the McGuire hotel empire, a family legacy that still shapes Queensland hospitality today.
McGuire’s pride and joy was his British‑made Crossley motor car, a luxury vehicle known for its engineering quality and smooth performance. Crossley Motors was famous for producing cars used by the British military and royal fleet, so owning one in Queensland in the 1920s was a serious status symbol. It was the perfect match for a man who had risen from humble beginnings to become one of the state’s most prominent hoteliers.
What truly cemented this car in Queensland history was its registration: Q1, the very first number plate issued when the state introduced a centralised registration system. The “Q” marked Queensland, and McGuire’s plate sat at the top of the list - a fitting honour for someone considered a leading figure in the state’s business community.
Today, the story of McGuire’s Crossley and its iconic Q1 plate lives on as a favourite among motoring enthusiasts and Queensland history buffs. It’s a reminder of the early days of motoring, the rise of influential local families, and the charm of a time when a single number plate could say everything about status, ambition, and the spirit of a growing state.
Colorised image of James Thomas McGuire and the Newmarket Hotel, Brisbane, circa 1920. Restored from original black‑and‑white photographs, with thanks to Queensland State Archives. Public domain. CAR IMAGE: AI‑generated image has been used as an artist’s impression only.
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