Manufacturer support for 2014 Motorclassica

Australia's premier exhibition of unique, collectible, veteran, vintage, classic and historically significant cars attracted manufacturer support for the first time in 2013 - and off the back of that success, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar have returned this year, joined by a number of their prestige competitors.

"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," Motorclassica Event Director Paul Mathers said.

"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.

"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.

"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."

JAGUAR
While the German brand is being coy about its plans, Jaguar has confirmed that it will contrast its new high-performance F-Type R Coupe alongside its historical predecessor, an original E-Type Coupe, at Motorclassica 2014.

Jaguar's range-topping R Coupe is the ultimate derivation of the all-new F-Type Jaguar which has just gone on sale in Australia, and is recognised as the spiritual successor to the ground-breaking E-Type of 1961. The F-Type R Coupe is Jaguar's most powerful production model ever.

MASERATI
Maserati joins the manufacturers displaying their latest wares as Motorclassica celebrates 100 years of the iconic Italian marque with an array of landmark road cars as well as racing machines from the '30s, '40s and '50s.

Star of Maserati's own stand will be its Quattroporte luxury sedan and the exciting new Ghibli sedan, the first model from the Italian marque to be offered with an optional diesel engine.

LOTUS
Lotus will have a strong display of its evocative, Colin Chapman inspired lightweight sports cars on hand at Motorclassica.

The amazing Lotus Exige S supercar will be there in two guises, with and without roof, while the bare-bones brilliance of the Elise, a modern day classic, will be epitomised by the standard car and an Elise S Club Racer.

ASTON MARTIN
The Aston Martin stand will feature the Aston Martin Vanquish, which has the greatest performance numbers ever reached in an Aston Martin, and the instantly recognisable Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

The 50 year Anniversary of Ford's legendary Mustang will be honoured with a display of its myriad of models and variations from 1964 to the present day.

Motorclassica is an annual automotive mecca for enthusiasts, uniquely mixing contemporary models with rare and exotic, historic, vintage, veteran, classic and collectable cars and motorcycles, plus automotive books and memorabilia, models and other collectibles.

Once again staged at Melbourne's iconic world-heritage Royal Exhibition Building, 2014's event will see more than 150 cars and motorcycles on show inside the 19th century halls, plus another 200 cars and motorcycles each day outside in the adjacent Lorbek 'Club Sandwich' food-themed car club displays.

On Saturday evening Theodore Bruce will conduct the annual Motorclassica Auction for 30 exclusive and highly-collectable vehicles.

Additional information on the 2014 Motorclassica, to be held at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building from October 24-26, is available on www.motorclassica.com.au