Modern metal for Motorclassica

As two Melbourne-based 2015 motor shows seek the backing of car manufacturers – the Australian Motoring Festival scheduled for March and MotorWorld Melbourne due to be held next November – Motorclassica has quietly gone about its business, signing up six European brands.

Taking place at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton, Melbourne between October 24 and 26, this year's Motorclassica will host Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lotus, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz – all of which will display their latest wares.

Traditionally an exhibition of vintage, collectible, veteran and classic vehicles, Motorclassica is fast filling the gap left by the Australian International Motor Show, which was last held in Melbourne in 2011.

"Motorclassica holds a unique place in the Australian motor show landscape as both our only internationally-recognised collector car event and a platform for manufacturers to display their latest wares and draw on their heritage," said Paul Mathers, Motorclassica Event Director.

"Our event attracts a national audience that's informed and engaged, a demographic that prestige high-end brands are trying to connect with, so it's gratifying to see the growth in their participation this year," he said.

Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar are returning to the show for the second time, the latter to show off its brand-new F-TYPE R Coupe, the most powerful car it has ever built. The 404kW/680Nm supercharged V8 F-Type Coupe will be on display alongside its historical predecessor, an original 1960s E-Type coupe.

German marque Mercedes-Benz hasn't confirmed what vehicles it will show, while Italian sports car maker Maserati will be celebrating its 100th anniversary by showing several important vehicles from its past, including race cars from the '30s, '40s and '50s.

Of course, Maser's latest metal will also be on show, including the new Quattroporte luxury limousine and Ghibli large sedan.

As the Australian Motoring Festival and MotorWorld Melbourne look to re-energise the Australian motor show scene with interactivity, promising show-goers test drives of manufacturer vehicles, Motorclassica is sticking to the tried-and-tested static displays.

"Motorclassica offers a very hands-on experience for enthusiasts and potential buyers — they'll be able to sit in the cars and engage with manufacturer representatives who understand the vehicles and importantly the brand back-story," said Mathers.

"Having Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz back is a vote of confidence in our show, and both are planning special activities which will attract a lot of interest," he added.

There will be a strong Ford Mustang presence, celebrating the vehicle's 50th birthday, but according to our sources at Ford Australia the new sixth-generation 2015 'Stang won't be making an appearance at Motorclassica 2014.

Other new models confirmed to be on show beside the classic cars include the Lotus Exige S and Aston Martin Vanquish.

In total more than 150 cars and motorcycles will on display inside the exhibition building, while another 200 vehicles will be exhibited outside the halls, in the adjacent Lorbek 'Club Sandwich' food-themed car club displays.

Like every year, the Motorclassica Auction will take place on the Saturday evening (October 25), hosted by Theodore Bruce and featuring 30 special and highly-collectible vehicles for sale.

This year's Motorclassica runs between Friday, October 24 and Sunday, October 26. For more details go to www.motorclassica.com.au