New and returning brands coming to Motorclassica
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 8th Oct 2018
THIS year’s Motorclassica event will feature a number of returning brands as well as some new additions, including the official Australian launch of Renault’s sportscar brand, Alpine.
The reborn French car-maker will rip the covers from the Australian Premiere Edition of its A110 coupe that is set to hit local showrooms before the end of the year with a $97,000 before on-road costs pricetag and limited to just 60 examples.
Alpine was founded in 1955 and production ended in 1995, but none of the brand’s models were sold in Australia, until now.
Long-time Motorclassica supporter Mercedes-Benz will use the show to roll out its facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 S range, which will share the stand with an original C36 AMG from 1995.
The C36 AMG was powered by a 206kW 3.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission, and was fitted with modified suspension and dampers, bigger brakes, and traction control.
Benz also plans to show the new G-Class in AMG G63 guise, the AMG GT R sportscar and a restored 300SL Roadster.
Ford will also premiere its limited-edition Mustang Bullitt that pays homage to the 1968 action movie of the same name, starring Steve McQueen.
Limited to 700 units, the $73,688 before on-roads Bullitt is powered by a 345W/556Nm 5.0-litre Coyote V8 that outputs 6kW more than the standard Mustang GT on which it is based.
Punters will also have the chance to test drive a Mustang as part of the Motorclassica Ultimate Mustang Road Trip, which lets fully licensed drivers over the age of 25 to take one of the sportscars for a 90-minute spin around Melbourne.
McLaren will be at the show for the Australian premiere of the hardcore Senna track car that punches out 588kW/800Nm from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, as well as the 600LT that hits Australian shores before the end of the year with a $455,000 before on-road costs pricetag.
Italian supercar-maker Lamborghini returns to the show with its Urus SUV and the Aventador S.
The classic and collectable car show is now in its ninth year and will once again be held at Melbourne’s historic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and runs from October 12 to 14.
Motorclassica event director Paul Mathers said the show’s popularity continues to grow which has helped ensure returning and new brands.
“Motorclassica is the last major event on the 2018 calendar in the global collector car world, following the likes of the Pebble Beach Concours, Monterey Car Week, the London Concours of Elegance, Goodwood Revival and Salon Prive,” he said.
“And as our popularity and international standing grows, we have an increasing involvement from modern manufacturers looking to engage with our educated and enthusiastic automotive audience.
“It’s going to be an exciting show with the Australian debut of several significant new models and even a new brand.”
This year’s event includes a display of cars from the Art Deco era of design from 1910 to 1940 and it will celebrate 90 years of the Australian Grand Prix.
