New Record
And here is the 1977 Holden Torana A9X Hatchback leaving the building after being sold for a staggering Aus$715,000! A new record for the marque and a new record for an Australian muscle car at auction!
Roll up, Roll up!
This car has certainly been causing a stir, having made an appearance on Channel 7, ABC radio (http://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/breakfast/torana/8505814), and The Australian newspaper (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/motoring/torana-the-bogans-ride-fit-for-a-millionaire/news-story/0219f9da1afda54e18db300cb1bc5078) in the space of 48 hours! The reason? The iconic 1977 ex-Bob Morris Holden A9x Hatchback Torana is one of the headline lots at the forthcoming auction I am running at Carriageworks in Sydney on May 28th. To find out more about this car, along with a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (think James Bond), a 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Vantage and a host of other desirables from Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Packard, Alvis, Austin-Healey, Maserati inter alia check out www.mossgreen.com.au.
Requiescat In Pace
The term legend is used too loosely these days. On April 10th, however, we lost a legend when the genius boat designer Carlo Riva, aged 95, went to the big harbour in the sky. This was the man who between 1950 and 1970, on Lake Iseo in the north of Italy, created the legend and the myth that was Riva, the finest of all boat brands encapsulating la dolce vita. R.I.P. Herewith, as a small homage, just a few of the images I have taken of Rivas.
Boys just wanna have fun!
With apologies to the lyrics of Cyndi Lauper, sometimes my job really is fun. What more do I really need to say about this image taken on a recent photography session with a 1964 Aston Martin DB5? The reason for the fun and games was the DB5 I recently consigned for the upcoming auction at Carriageworks in Sydney on May 28th. To find out more go to www.mossgreen.com.au.
India Rubber
Highway Masala!
Being a Judge at the 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally and Concours Show in Delhi, was indeed an honour and a privilege. Not only was the event, organised by India’s largest collector, Madan Mohan, a grand success in promoting India as a motoring tourist destination, it was also an incredible collection of experiences.
One of those experiences was the discovery of a wonderful 1914 Benz 8/20 PS Runabout Tourer. This car, which was judged by us as Best in Class, has phenomenal history and provenance having been in single family ownership since new and complete with its original bill of sale from Benz in Mannheim in Germany. The car, following its recently completed restoration, will now be spending some time on display at the Heritage Transport Museum in Delhi before going back to the family in Madras.
Another car amongst the 72 on show, and also with tremendous Indian history and provenance was the 1933 Minerva Type AL 7-Passenger Limousine. This lovely example, the largest and most expensive of the 33 made by the Belgian manufacturer was delivered new to the Raja Mohammed Amir Ahmed Kahn, and deservedly took the Best of Show award.
Indiaaah!
This week I am off to Delhi for the seventh edition of The 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show. The three days of motoring indulgence should prove to be a very exciting experience especially as I am also an Honorary Judge as well as covering the event for various magazines including Octane, Rewind and Jetgala. The main highlight will, I am sure, be the wonderful collection of cars from Maharajas from all over the country, but, no doubt, there will also be one or two unexpected surprises and some great photographic opportunities. More next time…
Sydney Concours d’Elegance
I was the Chief Honorary Judge at the 2017 Sydney Concours d’Elegance which took place recently at Darling Harbour Wharf in Pyrmont under the auspices of the ICJAG, the International Chief Judge Advisory Group.
Honorary Judges have no need to concentrate on originality and authenticity, but adjudicate on the more ethereal notions of design, rarity, styling, historical significance and indeed, elegance – after all this is a Concours d’Elegance. All we had to do was look at the tremendous class winners, each honoured with a red rosette on its windshield, and decide which vehicle fulfilled the above criteria and which one we liked the most, in order to identify the Best of Show in this celebration of automotive excellence.
Actually the choice was quite a challenge when faced with such splendid vehicles, but after a quick double check of the votes to make sure all was in order, the Concours d’Elegance Sydney Best of Show was announced to the assembled onlookers and the prize giving took place. The Best of Show award going to the simply stunning 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Coupé, much to the delight of the owner and his family.
PEACE AND LOVE IN ’17
It has been a great Christmas and New Year period and I have been taking things pretty easily in readiness for a big year ahead. I did however manage to do a couple of stories in between all the eating and drinking and boating.
I did a story on the alter ego of Rolls-Royce and its new Black Badge offering, amazing cars; and of course I was also out on the water on Boxing Day for the start of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Coming up I am really looking forward to being a guest at The 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally & Concours Show being held at the legendary Red Fort in Delhi, India in February. It should be very interesting and make for a great story. Before that though I am having my first taste of being a Judge at the forthcoming Concours D’Elegance Australia. It should be great fun, and I will bring you more news of that next time.
Up, up and away!
I say it every year, but right about now, Sydney Harbour is a difficult place to beat if you love sun, sea and boats! The GC32 hydro-foiling ultra-light catamarans certainly made a splash as the new weapon of choice at the Extreme Sailing Series and I had a great time covering the event. Coming up at the end of the month of course will be the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Bring it on!
Overdrive Video EP3
Welcome to Episode Three of Overdrive. It has taken us a while to do another episode, what with one thing and another – hopefully the wait was worthwhile as we look at a Lotus Super 7, Lancia Fulvia Zagato and an Aston Martin DB6, and also take a trip to the Goodwood Revival.
