Mercedes-AMG C 63 to debut at Motorclassica

Motorclassica will open this week with the upgraded Mercedes-AMG C 63 S as the headline act for the popular event.

The arrival of the C 63 at Motorclassica coincides with the 25th anniversary of the C 36 AMG launch in Australia. An original C 36 AMG will appear alongside the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 S on the Benz stand at Motorclassica, which will be held once again in Melbourne's historic Royal Exhibition Building.

Power has come a long way in 25 years, with the C 36 boasting what was a healthy output of 206kW, but that's less than 60 per cent of the C 63's 375kW peak.

While the C 36 was powered by a 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated, inline six-cylinder, the C 63 features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet. The C 36 was AMG's first safety car in F1, back in 1996. Mercedes-Benz continues to support F1 with the Mercedes-AMG GT R now in the role of safety car in 2018.

A Mercedes-AMG GT R will be on display at Motorclassica – and continuing the heritage theme it will be parked next to a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.

Other anniversaries Benz plans to celebrate at Motorclassica include the 35th anniversary of the G-Class in Australia, with a Mercedes-AMG G 63 on show and sharing the stage will be an original G 300 GD from 1983.

"As a brand, we have a fascinating history that stretches back over 130 years. We are proud to be a global leader in automotive development for so many years, but we also consider it very important to sometimes stop and celebrate milestones, and remember where we have come from," said Mercedes-Benz Australia CEO Horst von Sanden.

"This year we observe the anniversaries of two models that are just as important to us today as they were when they were first released. In fact, you’d have to say that these are two of the most-wanted AMG vehicles today – a real fantasy garage for most people!"

Other firsts at Motorclassica this year include the first local glimpse of the Alpine A110, the McLaren Senna and the Ford Mustang Bullitt.

Porsche and Lamborghini will also be in attendance at the show, which will open with Tour Classica – a parade of cars from the past. The Tour commences from Alexandra Gardens and makes its way to the Royal Exhibition Building via Olympic Boulevard, Punt Road, Brunton Avenue, Jolimont Road, Wellington Parade, Spring Street, Nicholson Street and Rathdowne Street.

This year, the show will remain open longer on Friday and Saturday night – through to 9pm – and will pay tribute to 90 years of the Australian Grand Prix.

More than 140 cars and motorcycles will be on display, and interactive programs held over the three days from October 11 to 14 comprise Live Restoration Theatre, the Schools Program and the Future Lab. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or online.