MINI to go large at Motorclassica
Iconic small car brand will celebrate its 60th anniversary at Melbourne’s classic car extravaganzaMINI will be the big star at this weekend’s Motorclassica in Melbourne.
The now internationally acclaimed classic car show is part of the spring awakening of the southern capital and will again welcome a host of marques displaying a range of classic and new cars.
This year, Motorclassica is highlighting the history of MINI, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary. It has curated a special tribute to the British small car with what Motorclassica calls a “one-of-a-kind exhibition including some of the most important Minis” – as well as stumping up a pair of Bathurst-winning Mini drivers.
“With backing from the manufacturer, the 60 Years of Mini display will include a collection of original BMC-built Minis in the upstairs gallery of the famous Melbourne [Exhibition Building] halls over the weekend,” Motorclassica organisers said in a statement. “Mini will also have a special exhibition downstairs celebrating the inspirational icon that changed the motoring world forever.”
MINI exhibits will include the new MINI 60 Years Edition, as well as appearances from Mini legends: Finnish rally driver Rauno Aaltonen and Australia’s own Bob Holden. Both drivers teamed up to win the 1966 Gallagher 500 at Bathurst, with Minis claiming nine of the top 10 placings in the race.
“The Mini is an absolute automotive icon, beloved around the world for its cheeky looks and performance, and respected for the brilliance of its design,” Motorclassica event director Paul Mathers said.
“Motorclassica is about celebrating the spirit of motoring and paying tribute to the special cars and manufacturers that built the automotive world as we know it. The Mini was absolutely a huge part of that and we’re very proud to stand with Mini for the curation of this wonderful exhibition,” Mathers stated.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Motorclassica. The event will feature its traditional concours de elegance and vehicle auction. This year’s program also include a heritage numberplate auction conducted by Shannons and VicRoads Custom Plates. The sale will take place on Saturday evening from 7pm.
In total, the auction will offer 38 rare Victorian numberplates including more than 30 numerical Victorian number plates, the single letter Victorian signature plate “Q”, and “an extremely rare” single-digit motorcycle numerical number plate “4”.
With Motorclassica held over the same weekend as the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, show organisers have also ensured there will be big screen coverage of the race at the exhibition. Given MINI’s history at Bathurst, that seems fitting…
Motorclassica 2019 will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building October 11-13.
MINI celebrates 60 years
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