Car-bomb murder mystery is 'solvable' amid million dollar reward

The explosion killed Mr Furlan and threw his car 15 metres down the road. Twenty-seven years later, police still don't know who is responsible.

Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said that despite almost three decades passing since the murder, the investigation is "active" and "solvable".

A $1 million reward has been offered for information that helps Victoria Police identify, arrest and convict the murderer.

"We always say that people's circumstances can change over the years and someone who may not have wanted to provide information to police previously may now feel ready to do so," Detective Inspector Murray said.

"John's death was shocking, brutal and a horrendous act of violence that put the lives of many innocent civilians going about their daily life at risk," he said.

"I hope whoever is responsible for John's death thinks about it every day. I hope it weighs heavily on their mind along with the expectation that one day, police are going to catch up with them."

Mr Furlan was driving his usual route from his Sydney Road home to his auto-wrecking business on Sages Road in Melbourne's northern suburbs on August 3, 1998.

The 48-year-old planned to stop for a coffee and newspaper at the Merlynston News Agency in Coburg North and was a block away, driving north on Lorensen Avenue, when his car exploded at 8.35am.

Mr Furlan's white Subaru Liberty sedan was catapulted 15 metres down Lorensen Avenue.

The explosion killed Mr Furlan instantly, shattered nearby shop windows and sprayed debris over 300 metres.

The blast was reportedly heard up to five kilometres away.

Miraculously, no one else was physically injured but property and cars on Lorensen Avenue were damaged, investigators said.

A Coronial Inquisition determined in August 2017 that Mr Furlan died from blast damage.

Mr Furlan left his Subaru Liberty sedan parked behind a high timber fence at his Sydney Road home while he visited friends in Hobart in the days before his death.

Police believe the commercial explosive device was fitted to Mr Furlan's car during his trip after witnesses reported seeing two suspicious vehicles in the area.

"It has been almost 30 years since John's death, but I would like to strongly reinforce that this is both an active investigation and one that we believe is solvable," Detective Inspector Murray said.

No one has been charged with Mr Furlan's death after 27 years of investigation, police said.

A $100,000 reward for information was offered in 2000 and Victoria Police increased the reward to $1 million in 2025.

"We know people who commit or are part of horrific crimes such as these will often disclose their actions to someone," Detective Inspector Murray said.

"For that reason, detectives are putting a $1 million dollar reward on the table for information that allows us to identify, arrest and convict those responsible for his murder," he said.

"We have every reason to believe someone out there today knows what happened to John and who is responsible."

Up to $1 million would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Mr Furlan, police said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions would also consider granting indemnification from prosecution for anyone who identified the principal offender, police said.

Police hoped the increased reward would encourage someone to come forward with information.

Anyone with information about the murder of John Furlan is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au