Melbourne Motorclassica 2017

[OzriderXR8]

We went to the Motorclassica at the Exhibition Buildings today, great show with some spectacular cars.

Interestingly a distinct lack of Aussie Fords....

There was lots of Holdens, even some bog standard Commodores.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by OzriderXR8

We went to the Motorclassica at the Exhibition Buildings today, great show with some spectacular cars.

Interestingly a distinct lack of Aussie Fords....

There was lots of Holdens, even some bog standard Commodores.

This didn't just "happen". Part of the event was a celebration of 100 years of Holden Motor Body Building. Each year they arrange a display which co-incides with an important anniversary for a car manufacturers to make the event relevant. They also had the 70th anniversary of Ferrari this year.

The display of "Holdens" included some pre-war cars including a Chev, a Buick, an Oldsmobile & a LaSalle. These cars had their bodies made here (not just assembled) using imported chassis & powertrain. In those days GM-H was Australia's biggest car body manufacturer, yet the 'Holden' itself didn't exist.

Interesting fact is that before FOA existed (pre 1925), Holden build Fords here.

Dr Terry

[XRtowcar]

Few too many Holden’s for me as they took spots that could of been used for proper classic cars. Although good to see Efigy, Hurricane and GTR-X up close.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by XRtowcar

Few too many Holden’s for me as they took spots that could of been used for proper classic cars. Although good to see Efigy, Hurricane and GTR-X up close.

I think you might have to define what a "proper classic car" is firstly.

To some a "classic car" is anything over 30 years old.

To others it must be a car "of some importance".

Then there's the crew who think that Aussie made cars just don't cut it & it must be from overseas.

Then of course there's the snobby bunch, who think that it's the badge that's important. In other words unless it's an unaffordable prestige brand like Ferrari or Rolls Royce it isn't worthy.

Well, I was a judge at this event, one of a team over 50 in fact. In that group we had the various "marque specialists" & then the concours guys as well as the guest judges. There was no snobbishness at any level & the Ferrari guys were just as interested in the Holdens, as the Holden guys were in the Ferraris.

I think the event was very well organised & the crowds, even on Friday were strong. The number of Holdens wasn't that large, but they were placed all in one area an an anniversary thing. Other marques were spread out to all areas.

Dr Terry

P.S. Judging the Hurricane, Effigy & the GTR-X was both a privilege & a pleasure.

[XRtowcar]

The VT Commodore and VE commodore that were there aren’t classics at the moment.
Also the VN SS whilst getting rare isn’t a classic yet either.
Some of the new cars in my opinion shouldn’t be there either but the sponsors pay for them to bet there so be it, ie New ZB Commodore.
As a “Ford forum member” a couple of classic Fords would have been nice to have been in the mix.
Looking at Holden’s dosen’t do it for me. Can appreciate the workmanship but no passion for the cars.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by XRtowcar

The VT Commodore and VE commodore that were there aren’t classics at the moment.
Also the VN SS whilst getting rare isn’t a classic yet either.
Some of the new cars in my opinion shouldn’t be there either but the sponsors pay for them to bet there so be it, ie New ZB Commodore.

I get your drift now, but I guess Holden & Ferrari got to put on a display of recent & current cars due to them being major sponsors.

Out of 117 cars, those few didn't take up that much room.

Dr Terry

[FG50T]

Was a fantastic show this year but could not understand the huge number of Saabs out the front? Also some of the 80's and 90's BMW's and Mercs parked out side were way below standard. Sort of took some of the spark out of it.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by FG50T

Was a fantastic show this year but could not understand the huge number of Saabs out the front? Also some of the 80's and 90's BMW's and Mercs parked out side were way below standard. Sort of took some of the spark out of it.

The cars outside the building, were car club cars invited as an add-on & were not part of the concours judging.

Dr Terry

[OzJavelin]

I enjoyed Saturday .. nice to see a bit of everything. Personally I enjoy the club cars outside as they are more "real life" to me. I see my favorites at the Studebaker Club won a display award?
The new exotics are probably great cars, but do little for me ..
Always something very interesting in the old classics inside the building, stuff you never saw before or realised; a lot of the Lancia stuff was like that for me.
I did take a good look at the D-type, just to say I got that close to such and expensive car.
Awesome to see the Hurricane and GTR-X close up (again .. saw at the NGV)

However ...... I also went to Mt Tarrengower hillclimb on Sunday, and can say that watching/hearing/smelling stuff like a flathead V8 powered sprint car roaring up the mountain was overall more enjoyable to an old gearhead like me.

[Magee]

I have never been and thought it was an indoor only show so I was pleasantly surprised to see all the club cars outside. Also great sunny Melbourne day was a bonus.

Cars inside were very impressive but with the big crowd it was bit frustrating trying to have a close look at the cars without having to stop and wait for people taking photos.

[bangm001]

Pics???????

[mr smith]

Cooper S Mini went for $90K!! Not much else sold though, bit of a softening in the classic car market?

[mr smith]

Originally Posted by OzJavelin

I enjoyed Saturday .. nice to see a bit of everything. Personally I enjoy the club cars outside as they are more "real life" to me. I see my favorites at the Studebaker Club won a display award?
The new exotics are probably great cars, but do little for me ..
Always something very interesting in the old classics inside the building, stuff you never saw before or realised; a lot of the Lancia stuff was like that for me.
I did take a good look at the D-type, just to say I got that close to such and expensive car.
Awesome to see the Hurricane and GTR-X close up (again .. saw at the NGV)

However ...... I also went to Mt Tarrengower hillclimb on Sunday, and can say that watching/hearing/smelling stuff like a flathead V8 powered sprint car roaring up the mountain was overall more enjoyable to an old gearhead like me.

Tarrengower is ace, I dropped by on Sat. I like both events but they are different.