Motorclassica 2014 warms up

Billed as Australia's premier automotive exhibition, Motorclassica will return to Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building in October, a gathering of some of the world's rarest, most collectible and expensive cars and bikes.

Traditionally a celebration of classic cars, the event is still very much home to vintage, veteran and ultra-rare classic cars, but is also increasingly becoming home to modern day exotic and exclusive vehicles.

All told, more than 100 cars and 50 motorcycles are expected to populate the halls of the Royal Exhibition Building, with another 200 more vehicles to be shown outside among the verdant Carlton gardens, courtesy of the Club Sandwich car club.

"Excitement around Motorclassica 2014 is building all the time, and the entries are flooding in for what I am sure will be our best show yet," said Event Director, Paul Mathers.

A total of 20 significant Maseratis will be on display, the Italian brand to be one of the celebrated marques at the 2014 event by virtue of its 100th anniversary.

The Ford Mustang will also have a strong showing and is likely to attract plenty of attention thanks to several generations of the pony car on display, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. It's unlikely the brand new sixth generation 2015 Mustang will make a showing as Ford Australia indicated it cannot get a car in time.

Another special feature of the event will be the recognition of Donald Campbell's dual world land speed and water speed records, which were set in Australia in Bluebird CN7 and K7 vehicles 50 years ago.

"We have sourced some display pieces, memorabilia and film footage of truly historic significance from around the world, as tribute to Donald Campbell and Bluebird, and we also plan to make some very exciting announcements around this celebration later in the year," Mathers explained.

Other highlights will include a special display of famous Australian race cars from the '40s and '50s and Motorclassica regulars such as the Collector Car Auction (30 lots) will return with Theodore Bruce Auctions at the helm.

The Australian International Conours d'Elegance will see the razzle dazzle of some of the world's most expensive and rarest cars vying for top honours.

"Although we are only in our fifth year, what's gratifying is that the event has reach far beyond Melbourne ... we are seeing significant visitor numbers from overseas and interstate, as Motorclassica has become the 'must do' event for the collector car and motorcycle community," said Mathers.

Motorclassica will take place at the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building between Friday October 24 and Sunday October 26, with the annual Tour Classica on the Thursday seeing a cavalcade of head-turning vehicles scything their way through the Melbourne CBD on their way to the event.

Check out Motorclassica.com.au for more details.

Where:
Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building

How much:
Adult $30.00 (16 years above)
Child $20.00 (5 - 15 years, children under 5 are free)
Family Pass $80.00 (2x adults, 2x children)
VIP Weekend: $250.00