RACV Motorclassica 2013 - The Best Yet
A desirable Alfa Romeo 26OO Sprint, one of Bertone’s benchmark designs.
RACV Motorclassica 2013 – The Best Yet
Now established as Australia’s premier classic car event on the world calendar, Motorclassica 2013 had the preview crowd declaring it the best yet. Open to the public from Friday, October 25 until Sunday October 27 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, it has something for everyone on four, three and two wheels! And you can get up close to cars and motorcycles you may never have seen in the metal.
This year’s Motorclassica is themed to honour several important anniversaries and the vehicles that have been sourced to represent each anniversary are breathtaking. The event has evolved from a random collection of display cars to a much more disciplined and relevant event that brings a range of special motoring lineages alive to visitors.
It is Lamborghini’s 50 years and to celebrate, just about every significant Lamborghini model is on display including the early models like the 350GT, Islero and Miura.
Another Bertone masterpiece, the Lamborghini Miura celebrating Bertone and Lamborghini milestones.
For the icon Chevrolet Corvette, it is 60 years and it would be hard to imagine a better range of Corvettes to mark each milestone.
Aston Martin turns 100 this year and the variety and standard of Aston Martin models are impressive. There is a DB5 coupe, the model immortalized by James Bond. A rare Lagonda Rapide sedan built by Aston Martin during the 1960s is also part of the 100 year tribute.
Perhaps the most interesting is the 100 year tribute to Bertone with a number of marques and models showcasing the milestone designs from this master designer and constructor. Bertone’s most arresting Maseratis, Isos, Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Lamborghinis deliver an amazing spectrum of style and colour at Motorclassica 2013.
There is also a fascinating range of pre-1930s models going back as far as 1891.
One of the nicest early Jaguar E-types seen in a while. Visitors can compare it to the new F-type nearby.
Celebrating 110 years of Harley Davidson, the impressive Harley display adds to the amazing motorcycle section upstairs that features icon German, British and Japanese bikes.
Other displays include some impressive restoration projects including a PininFarina Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. A wide range of automotive artists are represented.
Several of today’s models are also on display including the latest Jaguar F-Type and the new Mercedes-Benz S-class which was launched in Australia at the show. Over the weekend there will be additional displays outside presented by various trade and owner groups.
The Lagonda Rapide, one of the world’s most desirable and rarest 1960s four door sedans built by Aston Martin.
Still as beautiful as ever, the Aston Martin DB5.
A shape familiar to Australians but not in this guise, the 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix.
One of the finest 1954 C1 Corvettes seen in a long time.
A 1963 split-window C2 Corvette Stingray presented at a level that almost defies belief.
A rare special-bodied Fiat 8V.
This time warp 1934 De Soto Airflow is in the Preservation Class and a reminder of the period when Chrysler was way out there for its time.
Distinctive rear of Bertone’s Maserati Khamsin, a wild dream car for the road and a special tribute to Bertone’s founder who had just died.
Often heralded as the true baby Ferrari at the time, this 1964 ASA 1000 GT is an unexpected treat at the 2013 event.
Early Bristols may have started life as war-reparation BMWs but only an aero company could produce a shape this slick, so far ahead of its time.
This 1950 Buick Sedanette highlights why the Americans were setting the agenda.
Stunning early Harley-Davidson.
Two early BMW motorcycles almost 20 years apart highlight the evolution of a landmark design.
The game-changer Honda CB750 four.
The Squaffer, an early Ariel Square Four - even if its two rear cylinders got hot, it was worth it!
