Details firm on Motors & Masterpieces festival

A NEW motoring festival is set to launch at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds this November 22-24 as Motors & Masterpieces takes the place of Motorclassica on the motoring festival calendar.

Organisers of the event have confirmed 10 distinct themes for the hotly anticipated event, with over 300 cars and motorcycles set to be displayed within “groups that reflect on the significant cultural settings and evolutionary stages of man and machine”.

In addition to these curated selections, a celebration will feature an extensive assortment of vehicles, creating a “mesmerising spectacle” that aims to showcase the ever-changing world of automotive innovation.

“Following the launch of Motors & Masterpieces, we have been humbled by the response from the motoring public who are genuinely excited to be involved,” said Motors & Masterpieces chief curator Mark Jensen.

“It is clear that there is an enormous demand for an event of this ilk, and it is a thrill to see it taking shape.”

Mr Jensen said the 2024 event will be led by the theme of ‘La Dolce Vita’, an expression synonymous with the carefree lifestyle and culture of post-war Italy. The ‘California Dreaming’ section will likewise centre on vehicles from the post-war United States, while ‘Tokyo Lights’ will showcase Japanese vehicles from “more recent times”.

Other themes include ‘Swinging London’, which reflects the cultural movement of Britain in the 1960s – and includes icons such as the Morris Mini and Jaguar E Type – ‘Great Southern Land’ aimed at showcasing the very best of the Australian car industry, and ‘Golden Age’, a tribute to the craftsmanship evident in vehicles produced before the Great Depression.

Motors & Masterpieces will also devote themes to ‘High Society’, showcasing more modern vehicles from the 1930s and 1940s, ‘Continental Classics’, highlighting the best of the rest of Europe, ‘Monaco Glitz’, with an array of modern supercars, and ‘Chequered Flag’, with best-of-breed racing cars from across the competition spectrum.

“By defining the various themes that we will be showcasing, we expect to be able to fill the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds with some of the most beautiful and historically significant machines from these shores and beyond,” added Mr Jensen.

“Our aim is to curate a truly unique collection, that will set Motors & Masterpieces apart.”

The judging at the inaugural Motors & Masterpieces is set to be intense, with awards on offer including the coveted ‘Best of Show’, various class winners, a preservation awards, a ‘People’s Choice’ award, the ‘Spirit of Motors & Masterpieces’ award, and a special award for a ‘Young Achiever,’ a prize awarded to entrants under 30 years of age.

Concours classes will uphold a cut-off date of 1993 for eligibility, ensuring a showcase of “timeless classics”, say organisers.

Entries for the event are now open.