RACV Motorclassica 2011: Australian International Concours d'Elegance & Classic Motor Show
Preparing for the Event
Concours d'Elegance is French derived and literally means Competition of Elegance, referring to the gathering of prestigious cars. It began with the 17th Century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays.
In 2011, this will be an event to remember as it encompasses the world class Australian International Concours d'Elegance, a Classic Motor Show, Picnic with the classic club events and a prestige Collector Car auction as well as other events. It will run for three days in October and will enthral all who make the effort to visit. It is perhaps the ultimate in pride, passion and perfection for the motoring addict.
Silver Gull Wing - Everybody's Dream
Beautifully Restored
Australian International Concours d'EleganceWhether you're an avid car enthusiast or not, it would be difficult not to appreciate this collection portraying the golden years of motoring; the style, glamour and beauty of a bygone era. When millions of dollars worth of the world's rarest and collectible classic, vintage and veteran cars are assembled in the magnificent World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, you get to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. The Motor Racing Legend, Sir Sterling Moss best describes it as "
... a wonderful display of beautiful designs, a really fascinating and exceptionally rare experience" (quote from
Motorclassica website).
Sir Sterling Moss- on Right
It is an event as yet unequalled in Australasia and will attract the very best, the very beautiful and the very prestigious from collections all around the world.
The Tucker – 1948:
The Tucker
As I have a family who, for years have had a genuine love of anything connected with motor sport, I have gained a bit of knowledge of the industry, simply by osmosis. It was unavoidable. However, as interested as I am, I am no authority on the matter and have much less knowledge than the avid motoring enthusiast. Still, it is possible to get enormous pleasure out of marvelling at the engineering and ingenuity that exists in this incredible machine, built 63 years ago.
There were only 51of these magnificent cars ever made (Chicago) and it was one of the most innovative of its time.
The most notable was the third headlight, the "Cyclops Eye" in the centre front that was activated when the steering angle was greater than 10 degrees, in order to light the car's path around corners.
This rear-engined, rear wheel drive had a frame around the perimeter for crash protection and a roll bar in the roof.
• It was the first of its day to be fitted with seat belts.
• The windshield was designed to pop-out in a collision.
• The dash was padded.
• The instrument panel and all controls were in easy reach of the steering wheel.
• The steering box was behind the front axle to protect the driver in a front-end accident.
• The parking brake had a separate key to lock it in place and so prevent theft.
• The doors extended into the roof for ease of access.
Note of Interest: The gear shifter is a very small button on the end of an arm protruding from the steering wheel.
Tucker Rear Mounted Engine
Tucker envisioned several other innovations which were later abandoned. Magnesium wheels, disc brakes, fuel injection, self-sealing tubeless tires, and a direct-drive torque converter transmission were all evaluated and/or tested but were dropped on the final prototype due to cost, engineering complexity, and lack of time to develop.
Even for a novice such as I, it is evident that this beauty was so very far ahead of its time in safety and engineering and it had the added asset of being aesthetically, so very easy to admire. Its value is reported to be in excess of $1.2 million.
Black Beauty
This is the type of spectacle and much, much that you can expect at the 2011 Motorclassica.
Elegance and Grace
Classic Motor Show
Classic cars are those that have been maintained or restored to the same condition as they were (or better) as when they left the factory floor. They are generally not driven but are kept in pristine condition for show purposes.
The latest in restoration supplies, collectibles, art, travel destinations, toys merchandise and more will be displayed by some 100 suppliers at this massive event. While entries for cars are in lockdown, there is still a spot for great classic, vintage and veteran motorcycles. This year will feature a dedicated display on the gallery level of 50 Concours motorcycles and sidecars.
Triumph
Ural 650 Sportsman Side Car
Borrani Wheels: For 90 years, the famous manufacturer has produced hand- made wire wheels for the world's most exclusive cars and is exhibiting for the first time at an Australian Classic Car Show.
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Picnic with the Classics
This free event on Museum Plaza, right outside the main entrance will feature displays from Victoria's leading car clubs, ensuring that this year's RACV Motorclassica is a fully inclusive event for those interested in the classic motoring industry. Complete with full barbeque and roving entertainment, this is an ideal spot to spent some relaxed time with family and friends.
VW Beetle
Bonhams Motorclassica Auction
The world's leading motoring auction house is joined by the RACV in presenting this year's Collector Car Auction. Of note: Over 700 car clubs across Australia uphold the strong traditions of classic motoring and with its long history in the motor industry, Victoria has over 300 of these.
Well Loved
The event runs from 21-23 October 2011 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens.
Times: Friday 21st - 9am – 9pm
Saturday 22nd - 9am -9pm
Sunday 23rd - 9am – 5pm
Cost: $30 (16yrs and over)
$20 (15 yrs and under)
Royal Exhibition Building & Gardens
Royal Exhibition Building
The Main Hall
