Maserati centenary to be celebrated at 2014 Motorclassica

Taking pride of place in the historic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne, will be a hand-picked exhibition of racing machinery plus key road-going models from throughout Maserati's storied history.

The marque's racing history will be represented by a 150/250S sports racing car from 1956, the Cameron Millar Special 250F sports monoposto from 1957 and a Tipo 61 "Birdcage" recreation from 1960.

There's also an ultra-rare - one of just 17 - Barchetta sports racer from 1992 that was previously driven in Targa Tasmania by Dick Johnson.

Road cars on display at Motorclassica will include '60s icons like the 3500, Mistral and Sebring, among others, while from the '70s there'll be a Ghibli SS, Indy, Bora and Khamsin.

The company will also be on hand at Motorclassica displaying its latest Quattroporte and brand new Ghibli sedans. The two four doors will be joined on the Maserati's stand by the GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports models.

"Maserati is one of automotive history's most enigmatic brands and we're delighted to be able to celebrate its first century this year," Motorclassica Event Director Paul Mathers said.

"It's amazing to see the success that Maserati enjoys today, success built no doubt on its allure as a brand and some truly outstanding automobiles such as those you'll see at this year's Motorclassica."

Motorclassica is Australia's premier internationally-recognised exhibition of rare and exotic, historic, vintage, veteran, classic and collectable cars and motorcycles, plus automotive books and memorabilia, models and other collectibles.

More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles will contest this year's Australian Concours d'Elegance, an event within an event at Motorclassica, while on Saturday evening Theodore Bruce will conduct the annual Motorclassica Auction for just 30 exclusive and highly-collectible vehicles.

Motorclassica 2014 will also mark 50 years of Ford's Mustang, as well as 50 years since Donald Campbell and Bluebird set a new World Land Speed Record on Lake Eyre in South Australia, with a special display of artefacts and memorabilia.

More than 150 cars and motorcycles will be on show inside the 19th century halls of the Royal Exhibition Building, plus another 200 cars and motorcycles outside each day in the Lorbek 'Club Sandwich' car club displays.

Additional information on the 2014 Motorclassica, to be held from October 24-26, is available at www.motorclassica.com.au