Motorclassica cancelled over COVID-19 fears

MOTORCLASSICA, Australia’s biggest and most prestigious classic car show, has been cancelled for 2020 amid health concerns relating to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

In a statement issued today, event organisers apologised for the cancellation and promised that the event would return in 2021 to provide show-goers with an “even greater spectacle”.

“In our best efforts to safely bring the motoring community together this year, we explored a range of options,” the statement read.

“After monitoring the ever-evolving situation, there are many uncertainties still in place that impact our ability to deliver the experience that you have come to expect and deserve.

“We are focusing on curating new and exciting features for Motorclassica 2021 along with an impressive line-up of celebration marques, so stay tuned for when we reveal these in the coming months.”

Last year more than 21,000 classic car fans flocked to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne to pore over hundreds of classic cars as well as a few modern icons.

The event has become not only a magnet for enthusiasts but car companies that see the advantage of tapping into such a rich vein of automotive appreciation, with Citroen and Mini among the brands last year to celebrate anniversaries by staging special events and new model introductions around the show. 

This year’s event was to be held between October 9-11 and organisers were preparing to celebrate 110 Years of Alfa Romeo and 90 Years of Pininfarina. 

Other highlights were to have been voiturettes and cyclecars, the ‘London to Brighton’ cars and a ‘Stars and their Cars’ section. The organisers had also created four new regular classes for pre-1976 Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls-Royce vehicles. 

Motorclassica is home to the Australian International Concours d’Elegance, which was won last year by a 1959 Aston Martin DB 2/4 MK III. It also hosts the Tour Classica and a massive gathering of cars and motorcycles showcased as part of a club-based display known as Club Sandwich.

Next year’s event is scheduled for October 22-24.

“We will do everything we can to help everyone in our community stay safe, informed and connected, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2021,” organisers said.