ABOUT

HISTORY TIMELINE

 

Opposite Lock is an Australia-wide chain of 4WD specialist accessory stores owned and operated by genuine 4WD enthusiasts. Combining bulk buying power with nationwide warranty and support, Opposite Lock offers a comprehensive range of accessories and equipment to suit all popular 4x4s.

Whatever you drive, wherever you want to go, Opposite Lock has everything you need to improve your vehicle's appearance, performance, and practicality, and make it more comfortable and enjoyable to take camping, towing and touring.The history and growth of Opposite Lock (OL) is also fascinating:

1974 THE BEGINNING...
Opposite Lock was born, the brain child of Ed Mulligan, a motor racer and off-road enthusiast. Initially, he and his wife, Pam, sold rally and off-road race gear accessories from their store in Thornleigh in Sydney's North. Within two years, the business had grown to four outlets in Sydney, located also in Regent's Park, Naremburn and Chatswood.

1981 OL BECOME A FRANCHISE
In order to expand nationally, Ed decided to franchise and soon thereafter, Adrian Stafford opened the first OL store in WA, situated at Welshpool in Perth.

1983 STORE OPENNINGS
New OL stores opened in Wagga Wagga, NSW and Footscray, Melbourne - the first store in Victoria.

1983
Also saw the opening of the first store in Victoria, located in Footscray, Melbourne, run by Lionel Sewart

1984
Another OL Franchise store opened in Fitzroy, Melbourne. A franchised outlet opened in Country NSW called, Opposite Lock Orange, owned by Mark Blume, followed by a company owned branch in Tamworth, NSW

1988 HEADING NORTH...
Ed Mulligan opened his first store in QLD, Opposite Lock Brisbane, which was later purchased by Ralph Martell in 1990.

1991 CHANGING GEARS
Opposite Lock changed gears when Adrian, Mark, Ralph and Lionel bought the franchise rights and began building Opposite Lock into one of the strongest 4wd Accessories Retail Groups in Australia.

1994
Opposite Lock Dubbo was comissioned as the first franchise store

2000
Th OL group numbered 22 and by 2003 Opposite Lock was well represented in each State with 25 stores in total.

2006 - 2009 CHANGING HANDS
Opposite Lock was sold to Tony Shaw. In 2009, Opposite Lock was purchased by Revolution Racegear Consortium. Tony Shaw is now the owner of Opposite Lock Springwood.

2012 GROWING STRONG 
Opposite Lock continues to grow strong, with 50 stores Australia wide.

2014 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
Opposite Lock celebrated its 40th anniversary at our National Conference in Melbourne, Victoria. OL also updated its identity to a more modern look as well as introducing several updated product lines.

2015 ROOTHY JOIN THE OL TEAM
With a fresh new look, a new website and a strong new direction, Opposite Lock teams up with the man of 4x4, John 'Roothy' Rooth! Roothy came on board as our official 'track tester' to put our products through their paces, in real world tests to make sure we are offering the best 4WD products to our customers.