The third edition of the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance was, as one leading PR man said, “On a busy weekend socially in Sydney, it seemed to be THE hottest ticket in town, that’s for sure! Entirely inspiring”, whilst one of the entrants enthused, “Thank you again for a splendid and world class event once again. Thursday, Friday and Saturday all had something special each day.”
Swifts and the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours from the air.
From the Southern Hemisphere launch of the stunning McLaren Elva show-car in Gulf Livery in front of 140 guests at the opening at Swifts, the glorious Victorian Gothic Mansion and gardens of Dr Shane and Mrs Penny Moran on late Thursday afternoon, to the concours itself on Friday where 300 lucky people saw the E-Type parade celebrating the 60th birthday of the iconic sportscar. On Saturday another 300 concours guests witnessed the arrival of another 25 cars in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive to compliment the stunning cars from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia on the lawns competing for the Prix d’Honneur for the AXA Best in Show.
The 1966 Brabham BT19 in which Sir Jack Brabham won his third F1 World Championship and became the only person ever to win the World Championship in a car of their own making also made an appearance in the Concours.
Saturday afternoon saw the auction sale of a marvellous 1961 Maserati 3500GT Spyder by Vignale (image above) for $733,225, whilst in the evening at the Champagne Pommery black-tie Gala Awards Dinner before the eyes of the 140 beautifully dressed invitees the prizes were awarded as follows:-
Class 1 Happy Birthday E-Type presented by Paradise Garage – 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupé
Class 2 It’s A Family Affair presented by Swissvax – 1976 Porsche 911 Targa Carrera
Class 3 Fun, Fun, Fun presented by Hyde Hacienda Bar + Lounge – 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Class 4 Poster Children presented by McLaren – 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Class 5 Black Jack in honour of Sir Jack Brabham presented by the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive – 2020 Brabham BT62R
Class 6 Style et Lux presented by Bulgari – 1922 Delage/Hispano Suiza
Best Motorbike – 1969 Egli-Vincent
Best Restoration – 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP400
Curator’s Award – 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo Martini
Women’s Choice Award by public ballot presented by Aneka Manners – 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Preservation Award presented by Chatêau La Gordonne – 1979 Aston Martin AMV8 Oscar India
People’s Choice Award by public ballot presented by Pommery Champagne –1922 Delage/Hispano-Suiza
Prix d’Honneur for the AXA Best in Show presented by AXA – 1936 Delage D6-70 Special by Figoni et Falaschi.
And the winner is…the 1936 Delage with body by legendary coach builders Figoni et Falaschi
Winners of the Prix d’Honneur award for the AXA Best in Show, owners Andrew and Linda Lawson pictured with Simon Griffin, Head Of Private Clients for AXA.
