Where It All Began

Every great business begins with a vision.

But the truly special ones are built on something much stronger—a passion, a belief and a commitment to doing things the right way.

The story of 4WD World began long before online shopping, social media or modern four-wheel-drive accessories. It began with one man’s passion for vehicles, motorsport and helping people get the most from their machines.

That man was Ed Mulligan.

In September 1974, Ed and his wife Pam established Opposite Lock Accessories in Thornleigh, Sydney. What started as a business supplying motorsport equipment and performance accessories quickly evolved as Australia began discovering a new way to enjoy vehicles—the freedom, adventure and capability that came with four-wheel drives.

Ed recognised something that many others had not yet seen.

Four-wheel drives were no longer just work vehicles. They were becoming a way for families, travellers and adventurers to explore this incredible country we call home.

People wanted vehicles they could trust. Vehicles capable of taking them further, carrying their families safely and opening the door to experiences that would create memories for a lifetime.

Ed understood that passion because he lived it himself.

His knowledge didn’t come from a catalogue or a sales manual. It came from years behind the wheel, from motorsport, from testing products in the real world and from countless conversations with customers who trusted his advice.

As the four-wheel-drive movement grew, so did the business.

Suspension systems, driving lights, bull bars, recovery equipment, roof racks, long-range fuel tanks and touring accessories became the foundation of what would eventually become one of Australia’s most respected names in the four-wheel-drive industry.

Building More Than a Business

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Opposite Lock expanded across Australia.

New stores opened throughout Sydney before expanding into Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Tamworth, Perth, Orange and Wagga Wagga.

However, the success of the business was never simply measured by the number of stores opened or products sold.

It was built on something far more valuable.

Trust!

Customers travelled long distances because they knew they would receive honest advice from people who genuinely understood four-wheel drives.

Ed believed that the right product was not necessarily the most expensive product. It was the product that best suited the customer’s vehicle, their needs and their adventure.

That philosophy became the foundation of everything that followed.

Adapting Through Change

Like many Australian businesses, the economic challenges of the early 1990s brought change.

Rather than standing still, Ed adapted.

After selling the Opposite Lock name to its franchise network, he focused on developing Auto Team, which quickly became one of Sydney’s largest independent four-wheel-drive retailers.

But Ed was already looking ahead.

He understood that the way customers researched and purchased products was changing, and he was ready to embrace the future.

The Birth of 4WD World

In 1995, when most businesses were still relying on printed catalogues, newspaper advertising and traditional retail stores, Ed saw the potential of something that was still in its infancy—the internet.

He created 4WD World.

At a time when online shopping was almost unheard of, Ed created a way for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts across Australia to access quality products, technical information and genuine advice from anywhere in the country.

This wasn’t simply an online store.

It was an extension of Ed himself.

The same honest conversations that happened face-to-face in the workshop or over the phone could now reach customers Australia-wide.

4WD World quickly developed a reputation for supplying trusted brands supported by real technical knowledge. Customers weren’t just buying parts—they were buying confidence that they had chosen the right solution for their vehicle.

That approach allowed 4WD World to compete with some of Australia’s largest 4WD retailers while remaining proudly independent and focused on what mattered most:

Looking after customers.

Growing With Our Customers

As four-wheel driving continued to evolve, so did 4WD World.

The business expanded its product range to include suspension systems, airbag suspension, shock absorbers, recovery equipment, lighting, towing solutions and vehicle accessories from many of the industry’s leading manufacturers.

Ed understood that customers wanted more than just a product description—they wanted knowledge.

They wanted to understand why a product was suitable, how it worked and whether it was the right choice for their vehicle.

To continue providing that level of information, specialist websites were developed, including:

• Bilstein World
• Suspension World
• Airbag World
• 4WD Shop
• Fox 4WD Suspension
• 4WD World

These platforms allowed customers to research products in greater detail while still receiving the personalised advice and support that became synonymous with the 4WD World name.

The Next Chapter

In January 2016, Shayne Taylor joined the 4WD World team.

From the beginning, Shayne worked closely alongside Ed, learning not only the technical side of the industry but also the values that had guided Ed throughout his career.

Ed shared his knowledge, experience and passion, but perhaps most importantly, he shared his philosophy:

Do the right thing.

Give honest advice.

Look after your customers.

Stand behind what you sell.

Over the years, Shayne became more than an employee. He became a trusted member of the 4WD World family and someone Ed believed could continue the legacy he had worked so hard to build.

Alongside long-time Office Manager and Financial Controller Bette, the three became the heart of 4WD World.

Bette’s dedication behind the scenes helped keep the business moving forward, managing the countless details that allowed Ed to focus on customers, motorsport and growing the business.

Together, they continued building relationships with customers across Australia—many of whom became lifelong supporters of the brand.

Continuing the Legacy

On 12 April 2025, 4WD World lost its founder, mentor and friend when Ed Mulligan passed away suddenly.

His passing was a devastating loss to his family, friends, customers and the wider four-wheel-drive community.

However, the greatest measure of a person’s life is not only what they build, but what they leave behind.

Ed left behind a business built on trust.

A community built on relationships.

And a legacy built on passion.

Following Ed’s passing, Shayne accepted the responsibility of continuing 4WD World as Managing Director and Owner.

While nobody could ever replace Ed, Shayne’s commitment is to protect what Ed created and ensure the values that built 4WD World continue for future generations.

More Than a Business – A Legacy Built on Passion

For 4WD World, we have always believed we are part of something much bigger than simply selling four-wheel-drive parts and accessories.

Every suspension upgrade, every airbag kit, every shock absorber and every piece of advice contributes to someone’s journey.

It might be a family preparing for their first big adventure around Australia.

A tradesperson relying on their vehicle every day.

Or an enthusiast building the four-wheel drive they have dreamed about for years.

For us, it has never just been about selling products.

It is about helping people travel further, explore with confidence, return home safely and create memories that last a lifetime.

Today, 4WD World remains proudly independent and continues to operate with the same principles that have guided the business since the beginning:

Honesty.

Integrity.

Knowledge.

Customer service.

The four-wheel-drive industry will continue to change. Vehicles will evolve. Technology will advance.

But one thing will never change.

Our commitment to helping Australians build better vehicles and experience more adventures.

We are proud of where we have come from and our history.

We are excited about where we are going.

And we are honoured to continue the legacy that Ed Mulligan built.

Because 4WD World has never just been about four-wheel drives.

It has always been about the people, the journeys and the memories created along the way.

Ed Mulligan – Founder of 4WD World

Some people build businesses.

Others build industries.

Ed Mulligan did both.

For more than five decades, Ed dedicated his life to the Australian automotive and four-wheel-drive industry, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most respected and knowledgeable figures.

The Early Years

Born on 6 February 1950, Ed developed a passion for cars and motorsport from an early age.

What began as a fascination with vehicles quickly grew into a lifelong obsession with engineering, performance and improving the way vehicles worked.

His competitive spirit naturally led him into rallying, where he built an impressive career spanning more than four decades.

Whether competing on gravel, tarmac, cross-country events or international rallies, Ed believed there was no substitute for real-world experience.

That philosophy would later become the cornerstone of his business.

Building a Legacy

In September 1974, Ed and his wife Pam began Opposite Lock Accessories in Thornleigh, Sydney, stocking and selling motorsport equipment as well as many of the usual road-car accessories. The following year, they began selling seats, driving lights, suspension and other equipment to four-wheel-drive owners, before rapidly progressing to bull bars, winches and recovery gear.

At the time, four-wheel driving was still in its infancy as a recreational activity.

Ed recognised its potential long before most of the industry.

As Australians embraced touring and off-road adventure, Ed helped pioneer many of the products and vehicle modifications that are now considered essential equipment.

His businesses expanded throughout Australia, earning a reputation built on technical expertise, honesty and outstanding customer service.

For Ed, success was never measured by the number of products sold. It was measured by the number of satisfied customers who trusted his advice.

With the arrival of Paul Keating and the floating of the Australian dollar, the four-wheel-drive boom slowed as “the recession we had to have” arrived with a thud nobody wanted.

The result saw Ed sell the Opposite Lock name to his franchisees and concentrate on the previous headquarters at Rydalmere in Sydney, now trading as Auto Team.

With lower overheads and by trading seven days a week, the business grew to become Sydney’s largest four-wheel-drive outlet until Ed sold it.

More Than a Business Owner

Those who knew Ed understood that he wasn’t interested in simply selling accessories.

He wanted every customer to have the right solution.

He would happily spend hours discussing suspension, vehicle setup or touring requirements because helping people genuinely mattered to him.

His enthusiasm was infectious.

Whether speaking with first-time four-wheel-drive owners or experienced outback travellers, Ed treated everyone with the same respect and generosity.

He never stopped learning, testing products or looking for better ways to improve vehicle performance.

A Champion of Motorsport

Away from the business, Ed’s passion for motorsport never faded.

Over an extraordinary career spanning more than forty-five years, he competed in state and national rally championships, off-road racing, circuit racing, monster truck events and international rally competitions.

Among his many achievements were:

• Nationally classified rally driver in the Australian Top 10 between 1973 and 1983.
• Winner of multiple classic rally events throughout Australia and New Zealand.
• Two class victories in the prestigious Silver Fern Rally in New Zealand.
• Class winner at the Sunraysia Safari.
• Winner of the Esanda 2GO Rally.
• Multiple class victories in Australian and New Zealand rally championships.
• Competitor in circuit racing, off-road racing and international monster truck events.

Throughout his career, he competed in an incredible variety of vehicles, including Ford Escorts, Holden Toranas and Commodores, Mazda RX models, Datsun 1600s, Peugeots, BMWs, Opel Mantas, Isuzu D-Max rally vehicles and many more.

His competition experience gave him something very few people in the industry possessed—real-world knowledge gained by pushing vehicles and components to their absolute limits.

Mentor and Friend

In January 2016, Shayne Taylor joined 4WD World under Ed’s guidance.

Over the following years, Ed generously shared his knowledge, experience and philosophy, preparing Shayne to one day continue the business he had spent a lifetime building.

He believed success wasn’t simply about selling products.

It was about earning trust.

Doing the right thing.

Standing behind your advice.

Looking after your customers.

Those lessons continue to shape 4WD World every day.

A Lasting Legacy

On 12 April 2025, the Australian four-wheel-drive community lost one of its true pioneers.

Ed’s passing was deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, customers and the countless people whose lives he influenced throughout his remarkable career.

Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.

It lives on through the business he built.

Through the people he mentored.

Through the thousands of vehicles he helped improve.

Through the customers who continue to benefit from the knowledge he spent a lifetime sharing.

Every recommendation we make, every suspension kit we supply and every customer we help reflects the philosophy Ed believed in from the very beginning.

Honesty.

Integrity.

Knowledge.

Customer service.

Those values built 4WD World.

Those values will continue to guide us for generations to come.

Thank you, Ed.

Your passion built more than a business.

You built a community, inspired an industry and left a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Celebrating Bette’s 26 Years with 4WD World

In January 2026, Bette retired after an incredible 26 years of loyal and dedicated service with 4WD World.

If Ed were here, he’d probably say, “That’s longer than a life sentence!” It was classic Ed humour—but behind the joke was an enormous amount of respect for someone who had stood beside him through every challenge and every success.

Bette was far more than our Office Manager and Financial Controller. She was an integral part of the business and, perhaps most importantly, Ed’s trusted Personal Assistant.

Behind the scenes, she kept everything running smoothly, often without recognition.

From paying bills and organising doctors’ appointments to arranging flights, accommodation and event entries across Australia and New Zealand, Bette managed registrations, licensing, finances and the countless details that allowed Ed to focus on what he loved most—rallying. Bette was always one step ahead.

Bette was also the steady hand that helped keep Ed grounded. In his fast-paced world, Bette wasn’t afraid to apply the “handbrake” when needed, providing the balance, organisation and support that helped make so much of 4WD World’s success possible.

To say she was an employee would be an understatement. Bette became part of the 4WD World family, and her loyalty, commitment and friendship have left a lasting mark on the business that can never be replaced.

Retirement, however, hasn’t slowed her down. If anything, she’s busier than ever. She now enjoys spending quality time with her son Jake, her daughter Sarah, their families and her grandchildren, volunteering with seabird rescue, singing with the Headliners Chorus, heading away on well-earned girls’ weekends and travelling whenever the opportunity arises.

Bette, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your friendship and the countless contributions you made over 26 remarkable years.

Everyone at 4WD World wishes you a long, healthy and happy retirement—you’ve certainly earned it!

Cheers, Bette. 🥂