News

More than 10,000 attendees filled the floor of the Dallas Convention Centre in Dallas, Texas, for Mecum Auctions' first event in the Lone Star State, held on October 6-8. The big crowds were matched by big sales, with the top ten sellers all fetching six figure sums. A 1969 L88 Chevy Corvette was the top seller, fetching US$562,500.

At various times over the past century entrepreneurs have endeavoured to produce an Australian car that would appeal to the hearts of Australians. The number of attempts and failures runs into the hundreds. One of those was the Lightburn Zeta.

Never heard of a 'Matra' or a 'Djet'? You're not alone, as these rare machines are rarely seen outside their native France. The Djet was originally produced by Rene Bonnet, with manufacture continuing when the French aerospace company Matra (Mechanique Aviation TRAction) took over Rene Bonnet in 1965.

Valiant's Charger is an automotive icon of the 1970s, and for fans of the Chrysler muscle car, an E38 'big tank' version is the holy grail. A fully restored example of just such a car will be auctioned this weekend by Bonhams, in conjunction with the 2011 RACV Motorclassica event, held at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building.

Amongst the muscle, race, classic and modern vehicles consigned for this weekend's Motorclassica auction held by Bonhams, some outstanding vintage vehicles are also being offered, including a quartet of classic Vauxhalls.

When new, the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was the last word in luxury American motoring. More than twice the price of a regular production Caddy, the Brougham was a limited edition created for the elite. This original, three-owner car will join a diverse range of new and old classics at Bonhams' October 23 auction, held in conjunction with Motorclassica.

The Queen's in the country, and that means some flash royal limousines will be out and about. One that won't be ferrying HRH around will be this 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, as it has been consigned for Bonhams' Motorclassica auction in Melbourne.

Holden's very first concept car - the 1969 Holden Hurricane - has been saved from the jaws of weld-school death to reclaim its former glory.

Australia Defence Force personnel are set to benefit from a newly-announced association with Summernats, enabling troops to access free and discounted tickets to the January event.

Last month the world's automotive spotlight turned on the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Manufacturers released details of a host of world premieres in one of the best shows yet; here we look at some of the highlights.

This immaculate HT Monaro, which is being auctioned as part of Bonhams Motorclassica event on October 23, is one of an alleged 64 that were sent to South Africa in 1970. What sets this Monaro, and South African Monaros in general, apart from local versions, is the vinyl roof.

Bringing together more than 100 of the world's rarest and most desirable classic, vintage and veteran cars, RACV Motorclassica returns to Melbourne next weekend with a smorgasbord of automotive excellence. This year's show will feature a larger contingent of vintage and pre-war era exhibits, including this breathtaking 1932 Chrysler Imperial with a colourful past.

Lexus LFA represents a pivotal point in the luxury marque's development and reveals a new focus for the Lexus brand.

Ferrari delivered a great second-place performance in Japan at last weekend's Grand Prix rounds. Assessing the team's prospects, Fernando Alonso said that they had to aim for the podium in the remaining races of the season.

The 2012 Longford Revival Festival has been rescheduled to better align with Melbourne's F1 event. Featuring some of the world's best drivers from the 1950s and 1960s, the festival has been moved to Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25.

A piece of Aussie muscle car history - and celebrity history - in the form of the 1973 XA GT Falcon coupe featured in "Two Hands" is sure to be one of the star lots in Bonhams Motorclassica auction in Melbourne, this October 23.

As his first car was an FE, it seemed natural for Leigh Detlefsen to gravitate toward the classic Holdens of the late 1950s when he started to do restoration and customisation projects. The purple and white beauty you see here is actually Leigh's third FE-FC project. He's also done restos on an HR, HG, two FBs, and has recently started another FC project. A FC'n fanatic? We'll leave that one for you to decide, and let Leigh tell the story of his FC project.

One of the boldest statements of post-war American auto styling excess - the 1957 Eldorado Biarritz convertible - will one of the lots offered for public tender by Sotheby's in Sydney this October 15.

Bentley Motors has announced the launch of a limited edition of 10 Continental Flying Spurs. The ultra-posh high-end vehicles are the result of a unique collaboration with British design company Linley and come packed with luxury booty, including a cigar cutter and a cashmere rug.

Preparing to unleash the Peugeot 4008 onto the global market, Peugeot has announced the release schedule for its distinctive all-terrain SUV.

Desperate to trade your smokin' modified wheels for something with zero emissions? We thought not. But nonetheless, if you've ever had the faintest curiosity about what it feels like to drive a green car, here's your big chance to experience it for yourself.

Fancy a rare, red Gran Torino convertible? Perhaps a Pink Cadillac is more your style? How about a 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air with 427-ci V8 Big Block? If big old Americans fire your passion, you'll be excited by what's on offer at Shannons Sydney Spring Auction on Monday October 10.

Local hero Alister McRae will drive a factory Satria Neo S2000 for PROTON Motorsports as the team seeks to consolidate its FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship title-winning form at Rally of Scotland.

Shannons is set to present a suite of Classic British and American vehicles of the 1920s in their upcoming Sydney Spring Auction on October 10.