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.
