Yearbook.
It is that time of year again, the arrival of the Classic Car Auction Yearbook published by Historic Selecta. The 26th edition of the Classic Car Auction Yearbook, the most extensive edition to date, covers the most important international auctions, from the 1st of September 2018 until the 31st of August 2019. Deemed the “bible” by the English press the Yearbook is an indispensable tool for every professional, collector and enthusiast. The 2018-2019 edition covers 5,467 cars listed among 327 difference makes, indicated by chassis number, auction result in three currencies (euro, dollar and sterling), a concise history of the car and, if the same car was offered at a previous auction, an indication of the price achieved. Enhanced with market commentary provided by the department heads of the world’s leading collector car auction houses, this Yearbook is complete with numerous graphs and statistics that allow for an in depth and overall analysis of the market’s performance, looking at the most prestigious makes and most significant models. In the final part, there are photographs of the Top 5 cars from the last 26 seasons, in addition to the Top 5 listed of the 11 most prestigious makes and Top 20 from 1st August 1993.
To order your copy of this amazing and essential reference book please contact me via email james@marinamarini.com.au
Rebellion in the Air!
Those of you who are feeling a little rebellious and are somewhat of an activist might like to act upon the following letter. Myself being apolitical, I merely offer the invitation on behalf of the Australian Historic Vehicle Interest Group. I am in no way personally associated with this group and leave you to make up your own mind on how to proceed:-
Dear Fellow Historic Vehicle Enthusiast,
We need the Australian Federal Government to Remove the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) on Historic Cars 30 years or older.
Australians take immense pride in our heritage buildings, historical artefacts, famous artworks and other items of cultural significance. Our motoring heritage is just as important. Because of their significance, many examples of our early motoring history have become valuable, sought-after and have, in many cases, left the country. The LCT has proven to be a major barrier for many of these vehicles ever returning to Australia.
The LCT was introduced in 2000 as part of a sweeping reform of the taxation system and replaced the previous Wholesale Sales Tax (WST) and was intended to continue the degree of protection to the local car manufacturing industry. The WST, however, was never intended to apply to the importation of historic vehicles.
Historic motor vehicles often offer little in the way of creature comforts and can prove challenging to drive. These vehicles are, for the most part, anything but luxurious and have never presented a competitive threat to the local motor manufacturing industry
The LCT is having a negative impact on the importation, or re-importation, of many historic cars. Not only that, but historic cars currently contribute very little to LCT revenue (less than ¼ of 1% of all LCT collected). It is proving to be a one-way valve to our unique motoring heritage and is a major blow to Australia’s vibrant Historic Vehicle Movement. Not only does it affect the enjoyment of our hobby, it limits the provision of opportunities for our historic vehicle repairers, allied trades and suppliers.
As like-minded individuals who pursue their love of historic motoring, we should not have to suffer this punitive tax. It no longer serves the purpose for which it was intended and generates little in government revenue. The removal of LCT on historic cars is also supported by the Australian Historic Motoring Federation Inc.
For further information please see our Facebook page.
We are asking for your support in removing the LCT on historic cars 30 years of age and older by signing this on-line petition.
You can do this by clicking on the following link or if the link is not working (this happens sometimes) highlight the link and right click and select “open” or copy /paste into your browser.
http://chng.it/PqC6kxF4TS.
Please note that the link may include a request for payment to change.com, however please ignore this.
The petition will be used by AHVIG to encourage immediate bi-partisan political action to address this issue.
Thank you for efforts in supporting this.
Kind regards
Doug Young
Chair
Australian Historic Vehicle Interest Group
“I’m putting on my top hat…”
I am really looking forward to attending the 9th Zoute GP and being a member of the jury of the Zoute Concours d’Elegance by Degroof Petercam at the Royal Zoute Golf Club in Belgium on 10th-13th October. If it is anything like last year then it should be great fun indeed. There will be some marvellous, marvellous cars on display, not least the incredible Jaguar XK120 LM that premiered at the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance back in March and which has been sweeping all before it on the concours circuit. Will it pick up another prize before being a finalist in London on the 17th at The Historic Motoring Awards? At the same event, the Sydney Harbour Concours is also looking to pick up an award in its category, and I shall once again be putting my black-tie and tuxedo to good use. Look out for more news on all of the above as soon as.
Targa Florio
Looking for some good driving in November then look no further than the Targa Florio Australian Tribute. The iconic Targa Florio has been a much-loved tradition and motor event in Sicily since 1906. Today the Targa Florio is considered the world’s most historic, traditional and unique event for classic car enthusiasts. And because passion has no bounds, that experience can now be enjoyed Down Under!
The four day sister competition replicates this unique and traditional event and brings the style, culture and spectacle to Australia with a uniquely local flavour…La Dolce Vita!
Victoria’s great driving roads provide the pathway to adventure, where competitors can unleash their passion, take in the sights of our main regional tourist destinations, enjoy good food and wine unique to each of the regions and feel part of an event that is built on 100 years of European driving history.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, with three categories open for drivers to compete in Competition Stages which follow a European format that allows an enjoyment of cars with precision rather than speed. The skills of drivers and navigators are tested as they drive to set average speeds and meet exact times over set stages. Challenging, addictive and fun. To find out more and to enter go to
I will see you there, in either my 1975 Citroën DS if it is ready in time, or in a borrowed ride, a 1973 Porsche 911S!
And do not forget that the Bernina Gran Turismo kicks off next weekend. Unfortunately I cannot be there this year, but will be in attendance with bells on in 2020.
https://www.bernina-granturismo.com/index.php/en/
If that is not enough racing excitement for one blog post, this weekend I am at the Lake Perkollili Red Dust Revival in outback West Australia. I will bring you an update and images soon from what is going to be a very hot time in the desert!
https://motoringpast.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/red-dust-revival-2019-update-1.pdf
GT
I had fun at the Australian launch of the new McLaren GT recently. It is a bit out of my price range but it looks worth every penny. Storage space front and rear; high performance driving (0-120mph or 200km/h in nine seconds and a top speed of 326km/h (203mph); lots of technology; 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins entertainment system; 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 with 7-speed SSG transmission.
Why, it even has machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls! Seriously though the interior looks like it would be a very pleasant place in which to travel long distances. The car has a cool, light and fast look and promises to be a perfect companion on a long road trip. I cannot wait to try it when it arrives here next year…
Jacquie Hayes a.k.a Madam Wheels https://madamwheels.com.au in camouflage mode by the GT!
Levante Trofeo
One review of the new Maserati Levante Trofeo Limited Edition, with its V8 engine due to hit Australia’s shores early in 2020, describes it as “obscenely expensive.” Here Glen Sealey COO of Maserati Australasia and South Africa justifies the Aus$330,000 price tag, and talks exclusively for us about the exciting Italian brand.
“The car itself is at a high price point but in terms of the performance it offers, the craftmanship it offers, and the all-round capability of the car across track and road it is a bargain, especially when compared to its competitors. The performance of 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds represents one of the fastest SUVs around but that is only half the story. It is also about the handling and braking, with the best brakes in existence, Brembo racing car brakes as on all our cars, that is why the stopping distance is so good and why the Trofeo is inherently safe and handles so well.
“Everything we do at Maserati is about a Gran Turismo philosophy and Levante as a brand is no different – the philosophy is to be able to travel in comfort, at speed, with four people and appropriate luggage. It has excellent off-road capability and having driven the car in the sand dunes of Dubai in over 50-degree heat for over three hours, it is unbelievable off-road. All of our customers when they go on the off-road test drive track are always stunned at the ability of what this car can do. But the beauty of it is, are its on-road manners, it is an SUV that feels and drives like a sedan. The car is so predictable and yes, it is powerful, but it feels like a sedan or sports car in an SUV body.
“The reality is, the luxury car market is turning into an SUV market. Therefore, it is important for Maserati to take its place in this market. Customers now see the benefits of an SUV more than ever, these being a car that can ride like a sedan, drive like a sedan, but can still get you off the wet football field, has great luggage capacity to carry all manner of gear, that can used daily but can be used and enjoyed for the weekend blast through the Kangaroo Valley or wherever. The Levante straddles the two tasks very well.
“One of the major advantages and points of difference of the Levante over its competitors is that it has a unique, bespoke chassis. Our cars are innately different to other manufacturers. It is not about selling lots of cars – we are more expensive, we offer a higher level of quality, and a completely different experience, none of which we apologise for. We want to keep our exclusivity, we are not about volume. One of the nice things about Maserati is that you do not see one on every street corner.
“The engine in the Levante Trofeo is a very efficient 3.8 litre originally designed for Maserati by Paolo Martinelli, who used to work with Michael Schumacher in F1. We design and patent our own engines, but they are made in the Ferrari factory in Maranello near to Maserati which is based in Modena. It is close by which is important, and the consistency and the quality of production is good.
“The V8 engine sounds quite loud and very sporty but to protect the quality of interior comfort we have frameless double-glazed glass. In normal mode, subtle and easy on the ear, not intrusive, you can still hear the Bowers & Wilkins sound system which has been specifically designed for each Maserati model. But in sport mode, the aural pleasure of the engine note is fantastic.
“Conquest sales, new buyers, make up 90% of those purchasing the Levante. Maserati ten years ago sold predominantly to males, aged 48, who owned their own business. Today, I am pleased to say, it is much more diverse, for Levante it is 35% female ownership, powerful who want to make a statement. We used to be a very masculine brand, but we have softened. The prime age group in terms of demographic is now 35 to 45, younger, more females and all entrepreneurial in their thinking.
“There are two reasons why one would change from a normal Levante to the top of the range Levante Trofeo. The first, simply more power, higher grade leather, the extra features. Secondly, perhaps is the non-rational side – that you want the very best, which has its own attraction. It is after all the most powerful production car we make. There is a trend in Maserati to buy the best.
“In terms of electrification Maserati will go that way and produce light hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a full EV, and we will see that in future models as we move forward. However, electrification in Australia is going to be a very interesting discussion. We still have a situation where the internal combustion engine cars are highly taxed. We pay a 5% duty on cars coming in from Europe; then 10% VAT; 33% luxury car tax over the $68,000 threshold; stamp duty; and then nearly half the cost per litre of fuel goes to the government. All of that revenue goes toward road infrastructure. What happens when fuel excise etc goes with electric cars – where does the revenue come from to support the infrastructure? These tax issues for the industry overall need to be discussed. What will be the tax system when electric cars become the norm? ”
2019 Historic Motoring Awards
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance has been shortlisted for The Historic Motoring Awards 2019. A finalist in the category, Breakthrough Event of the Year, the awards will take place in London on October 17th.
https://historicmotoringawards.co.uk/hma2019/en/page/home
Fingers crossed.
Looking for Adventure?
Then, look no further than these two incredible events coming up in India next year. First up is the 21 Gun Salute International Rally & Concours d’Elegance from the 14th -16th February in Delhi. I will be there as a judge as also as the Master of Ceremonies. It will be my third visit to the event and six months out I am already excited.
Then if you really want to get a feel for the country go straight on to the Incredible India Royal Expedition Rally from the 17th February until 10th March – 35 cars, 23 days, 4000 kms; from the Taj Mahal to the Ghana Bird Sanctuary to Ranthambore National Park; from a camel safari to sand dunes village, you can enjoy privileged access to Asiatic Lions, Tigers and Black Buck.
Both events are organised by Mr Madan Mohan, lifetime achievement award winner at the 2018 Historic Motoring Awards.
Please contact me for a brochure and further information.
Europe Part 2
And then it was on to Lake Como, for the relaunch of my 1954 Albatross Super Sport. Purchased at auction as a not very good hull with no engine or indeed anything else, it has subsequently been totally restored to its original beauty by my wonderful brother-in-law, Charles.
Test drive, with nephew Sam, who transported it from England to Lake Como.
“Unbelievable!”
Sitting alongside its big sister in the dock at the Hotel Nautilus
Sam, taking ‘Nazarena’ for a blast!
Europe
I have been travelling a great deal in Europe these past few weeks and covering some great stories including Chantilly Arts & Elegance; exploring the secrets of Venice; and a classic Riva boat rally in Trieste and along the coast of Slovenia.
Its been hot, hot, hot and the opportunity for some great images:-
