Motorclassica Concours d'Elegance 2010

The inaugural Motorclassica, the Australian International Concours d’Elegance & Classic Motor Show, was held 22-24 October, 2010 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. The event successfully placed Australia on the international Concours map, as both local and international entrants declared Motorclassica a world-standard event while also revealing Australia’s wealth of classics.

Motorclassica Event Director Paul Mathers said the variety and quality of the cars created a glorious atmosphere. “It was a wonderful event which had a great spirit and atmosphere, with wonderful cars and their owners in the perfect setting at the Royal Exhibition Building,” Mathers said. “It was more of a celebration than an exhibition, and the interaction between entrants and the visitors as they shared their love of the cars was delightful.”

Mathers continued, “Our Best of Show winner, Bob Lorkowski, identified the key to this atmosphere when he said his win was all credit to the car, not to him as the current owner. He was one of many entrants from Australia and overseas who are keen to be back next year and said the event held its own with other great international concours d’elegance events.”

Also impressed was guest judge Sir Stirling Moss, who praised the “absolutely beautiful venue” and hailed Motorclassica “a great success.”

“The cars looked so good there and it was wonderful to see so many people looking at the cars. I’d be surprised if it doesn’t grow, because it was a great success,” said Moss. “And what a thing for the people who put this on, to actually have such a success – there were times when you could hardly move for the crowds, it was so busy.”

Event Director Mathers said several exhibitors had already expressed a desire to be back on the same weekend next year, mostly with larger stands, and countless visitors also wanted to see what the classic car owners might bring after another year of acquisitions and restorations.

“There was also a great deal of talk among entrants about bringing cars which they either have under restoration at present or are actively seeking to acquire,” Mathers said. “With overseas cars such as Georg Gebhard’s Alfa Romeo Aerospider and Bob and Barb Lorkowski’s Daimler Double Six competing with some very impressive local cars, there is no question that Motorclassica is the place to compete at the highest level.”

Mirroring the spirit of the Concours and show was the Herald Sun Picnic with the Classics in nearby Argyle Square, where local cars clubs brought out their best cars over the weekend. Although the Saturday weather dampened spirits, perfect weather on the Sunday ensured plenty of interest among picnickers and passers-by in the more than 60 classics on display.

For more information on Motorclassica, visit motorclassica.com.au.

Motorclassica Concours d’Elegance 2010 – Winners

Edwardian (1905-1919) – 1912 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost, George Forbes, Brighton VIC
European & British Vintage (1919-1930) – 1928 Daimler P.1.50 Limousine, Bob Lorkowski, WI, USA
American Vintage & Pre-War (1919-1945) – 1936 De Soto Airflow, The David Turner Foundation, Victoria
European & British Pre-War (1931-1945) – 1932 Delage D8S, Allan Reid, Hawthorn East, Vic
European & British Post-War Classic (1946-1960) – 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL, Murray Allen, Wantirna, Vic
American Post-War Classic (1946-1960) – 1948 Tucker 48, Terry Dowel, Ferntree Gully, Vic
Modern European & British (1961-1975) – 1969 Jaguar 420G Saloon, Bruce Elliot-Smith, Mt Eliza, VIC
Modern Thoroughbred (1961-1975) – 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Veloce, Gary Pearce, Mt Eliza, VIC
Australian Vintage & Classic (1900-1975) – 1971 Ford Falcon XY GT HO Phase 3, Jason Horder, Preston, VIC
Classic Motorcycles – 1971 M.V Agusta 125 GTLS, Greg Myers, Mansfield, VIC
Longines Silver Arrow Award for 100 Years of Alfa Romeo – 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Veloce, Gary Pearce, Mt Eliza, VIC
Longines Heritage Award for 75 Years of of Jaguar – 1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe, Ian Barton, Bittern, VIC
Longines Conquest Award for the History of Australian Motorsport – 1948 Talbot Lago Type 26C, Ron Townley, Mt Martha, VIC
Longines Master Collection Award presented by the Chief Judge – 1937 Alfa Romeo Aerospider 6C, Georg Gebhard, Germany
Best in Show – 1928 Daimler P.1.50 Limousine, Bob Lorkowski, WI, USA