But new businesses are being welcomed.

In the Verner to Montague Sts block, Emperor Asian, The Room Hair and Makeup and Auburn Mane Designs have all opened in the past three months.

On Lagoon St, Legend Cars has opened in the former RTA building.

The facility is a retail outlet for Legend Cars and parts, with sidelines in motor racing accessories. It has strong ties to both the Marulan Driver Training Centre, the Speedway and Wakefield Park.

While the brand Legend Cars has been around for some 25 years, originating in America, they were brought to Australia four years ago.

It was then that Owner of Legend Cars Australia John Dennehy bought his first.

Two years later, he bought out the Australian business.

"We've been based in Bungendore but it is much better here in Goulburn for freight," Mr Dennehy said.

"The main reason for Goulburn is we have about 100 drivers between the NSW South Coast and Sydney, and this is a much more central area.

"Freight was also a big issue out of Bungendore."

The cars themselves, a five-eight scale model of classic American hot rods, come in seven bodies - '34 Chevy Coupe, '37 Ford Sedan, '37 Chevy Sedan, '34 Chevy Coupe, '34 Ford Coupe, '34 Ford Sedan, '37 Dodge Coupe, '40 Chevy Coupe.

Each boasts a 1250cc Yamaha motorbike engine, produces 140 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 240km/hr.

"They fool people because they look at them and think they are cute but when they see them go we can be quicker at Marulan than Porsches," Mr Dennehy said.

For more information on Legend Cars, phone the Goulburn office on 48 212 888. The office is open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm Saturday.