The 1960 Armstrong 500 was an endurance motor race for Australian made or assembled standard production sedans. The event was held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria, Australia on 20 November 1960 over 167 laps of the 3.0 mile circuit, a total distance of 501 miles.
The race was organised by the Light Car Club of Australia and promoted by Armstrong York Engineering Pty Ltd.[1] Jim Thompson, managing director of the shock absorber manufacturer, was encouraged by his PR man Ron Thonemann to increase the company's business with major carmakers, particularly Ford and Holden, by sponsoring a race.
This was the first event held in the history of the race later to become known as the Bathurst 1000, the race that would come to dominate Australian motor racing.