RACV Motorclassica 2011 a resounding success

110 vintage and classic cars, valued at more than $100 million, were on display at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building from october 21 - 23, providing an awe inspiring display that delighted enthusiasts and members of the general public alike.

The varied concours featured everything from the oldest genuine Benz in Australia, an 1896 Velo, to the 1987 Porsche 962 driven to victory at Le Mans by Derek Bell. Other show stoppers included a brace of 300SLs and E-Types, a pair of early Isotta Fraschini team cars, Holden's 1969 Hurricane concept car, a collection of Alfa Romeo 6Cs and more than a dozen very special "Preservation Class" cars.

The coveted 'Best in Show' title went to a 1927 Bentley Speed Six, owned by Gary McMillan of Preston, Victoria. The 6.5L car was one of only 97 produced and was first delivered to Oswald J Syme (son of publishing giant David Syme) in November 1927, fitted with a Mulliner saloon body on a standard 12' chassis. It was purchased from Reg Hunt in 2005 and upgraded over six years to Speed Six specifications with Vanden Plas "Le Mans" body by Simon Elliott of Derby Works.

The Australian International Concours d'Elegance is fast establishing its reputation nationally and internationally as Australia's premier classic car event. The 2010 exhibition received two nominations for the International Historic Motoring Awards in the UK - Motoring Event of the Year and Personal Achievement of the Year for event director Paul Mathers. Motorclassica is up against prestigious events such as Pebble Beach and The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, with the winners being announced on 16 November 2011.

This year's event included the 'Tour Classica', which saw 78 cars make their way in convoy through the streets of Melbourne, the Bonhams auction during which thirty impressive cars went under the hammer, 'Picnic with the Classics', the 'City to Country Rally' and an auto art show. Appearances by Legendary British racing driver Derek Bell and Australian racing hero Vern Schuppan also delighted crowds.

Event Director and classic car enthusiast Paul Mathers said: "We were determined to make this year's event better than last year and we are delighted with the result. Feedback from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive and to be nominated for a prestigious international award is the icing on the cake."

Watch this space for more of the interesting and outstanding cars from RACV Motorclassica 2011.