Motorclassica rolls out Australia's best classic cars

Forget about the Australian International Motor Show in Darling Harbour... For the most desirable, most valuable – and arguably most interesting – gathering of cars in Australia this year, head to the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building in Melbourne this weekend for the RACV Motorclassica.

True to the popular adage ‘they don't make things like they used to', the Third Motorclassica indoor display is bigger and better, with around 120 of Australia’s finest classic, vintage, sports and racing cars with an estimate combined value of $100 million on public display from today (October 26) until 5pm on Sunday (October 28).

The organiser has described this year’s Motorclassica as the “absolute cream of classic vehicles” and it's not wrong. With most vehicles in pristine, restored condition and vying for the coveted prize of ‘Best in Show’, it’s a lip-smacking line-up representing more than 100 years of automotive history. Indeed the displays date back to the early part of the 20th century with an example of the extremely rare, Melbourne-built 1904 Innes motor car.

Australian car fans can also drool over the still stunning, 1970 Holden GTR-X sports car concept, a very rare Holden FJ station wagon, a Phase III GT-HO Falcon with rare, factory-fitted black paint/sunroof combination, and a replica of the Holden 48-215 that competed in the 1953 Monte Carlo rally, and which is set be rallied by V8 Supercar ace Craig Lowndes in 2013.

Iconic American cars from the 1950s and 1960s are well represented, including famous (Ford Boss 429 Mustang) and not so famous (Buick GS455 Stage 1) that highlighted the golden era of American ‘big block’ muscle cars.

Star cars range from a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 coupe made famous in the Goldfinger Bond film, to a bright green and orange Lamborghini Miura S once owned by 1960s supermodel Twiggy.

Headlining the motorsport line-up is a fabulous display of cars that paid pivotal roles in the success of Australia’s three-times formula one champion, Sir Jack Brabham. Among the 13 race cars are Sir Jack’s very first Midget Speedcar and the Cooper Climax he drove to win the 1960 World Drivers Championship.

Sir Jack along with former mechanic Ron Tauranac and ex-Brabham Formula One driver Tim Schenken will also be making a rare public appearance together over the week-end.

Another highlight of this year’s Motorclassica is an impressive, centre-stage recreation of the very first Melbourne Motor show in 1912. Adding to the display’s authenticity are two vehicles from the inaugural 1912 Victorian Motor Exhibition, including a Swift Torpedo Roadster and a Fabrique Nationale roadster.

Oddities on display include two rare examples of 1950s three-wheelers: a single-seat Messerschmitt, complete with wooden snow shoes strapped to the rear luggage rack, and a cute-as-a-button BMW 300 Isetta bubble car with unusual front-opening door. We also loved the vinyl record player fitted in the dash of the stylish 1956 Chrysler 300B coupe -- who needs iPod connectivity!

Two-wheeled fans can also lust after the 40-odd historic motorcycles on display throughout the exhibition.

Visitors can also view around $5 million worth of cars that will go under the hammer at 2pm Sunday as part of the Manheim auction, including the aforementioned Miura, 1935 Bentley 3.5 litre, 1987 HSV VL Director, 1959 Maserati ‘Birdcage’ recreation, and an immaculately restored and very rare Tatra T87 Aerodynamic Limousine, complete with three headlights.

If the budget doesn’t quite stretch to a pristine classic car, there are plenty more affordable items for sale on the upper decks of the Exhibition Building, with around 100 trade stands flogging everything from classic car books to automotive art and memorabilia. Our favourite item was an original, man-sized ‘Bibendum’ or Michelin man made by the French tyre company – yours for $4250!

Ticket prices are $30 adults, or $20 for RACV members and children under 16. See the motorclassica website for full details.

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