Rare classics on show in Melbourne

More than $100 million worth of classic cars were on display, with many valued more than $1 million each, while others are simply priceless. Inspired by prominent classic car events in Europe and the USA, Motorclassica brought together more than 100 rare classic cars from across Australia and around the world. Among these gems included a 1936 Mercedes 540K Cabriolet, 1929 La Salle 6-wheel roadster, 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GT, 1935 Alvis Speed 25 and an alloy bodied Le Mans racing Jaguar E-Type.
Other rarities included one of just 50-built 1948 Tucker Torpedo's powered by a rear mounted helicopter engine. Owned by a Melbourne collector, it was purchased in the USA for US$1.4million and is now the only example of the Tucker in Australia. Other interesting classics included a 1931 Delage, De Soto Airflow and its sister car, the Plymouth Airstream. The first McLaren Motor Racing team car, a 1964 Cooper Climax T70 and a Bugatti Type 37A were also on show.
According to show director, Paul Mathers, "Australia is home to some of the most magnificent and rare vehicles ever built". Judged as 'Best of Show' was the 1928 Daimler P.1.50 Double Six limousine of Bob and Barb Lorkowski from Wisconsin, USA. Weighing in at a massive four tonnes, and powered by a 7.1-litre 12-cylinder engine it is valued at more than $3 million. Collecting the Best Australian Vintage and Classic (1900 - 1975) award was Mr Garry Pearce of Mt Eliza, Vic. with his 1971 Ford Falcon XY GT HO Phase 3, The Longuine Conquest Award for the history of Australian motorsport was won by Mr Georg Gebhard, of Germany with his 1937 Alfa Romeo Aerospider 6C.
At the other end of the spectrum was the Holden show car EFIJY, which has stormed the Concept Car circuit and been named the Hot Rod of the Year in the USA. Bentley and Morgan also used the event to debut its new Mulsanne, and Morgan its Aero SuperSports in their first public viewing in Australia.
Along with the Concours d'Elegance, visitors were able to 'Picnic with the Classics' in the grounds of the Exhibition building, while others caught a glimpse of these beautiful cars when they toured around Melbourne on route to the Exhibition centre.
Guest judge at Motorclassica was Sir Stirling Moss, who returned to Melbourne, the place where he triumphed in 1956 winning the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in a Maserati 250F.
Motorclassica was the culmination of 9-days celebrating classic motoring, and was preceded by the Tour Australis rally and followed by Shannons inaugural Collectors Auction, with a 1967 Shelby Mustang bringing the top price of the auction at $195,000.