Targa Classica 2024
Just before Easter I took part in the Targa Classica, a 1000km, 4-day extravaganza of motoring around the picturesque roads and scenery of the State of Victoria. Inspired by Italy’s iconic Grand Eventi such as the Targa Florio and Mille Miglia, it provided a unique blend of adventure, competition, and culture, and was enjoyed by over 120 entrants, the earliest of which was the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B.
Cockatoo Island
JUDGES SELECT THE BEST AT 2024 SYDNEY HARBOUR CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
An international jury of automobile experts has selected the best cars on show at the 2024 Ampol Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance held this weekend on Cockatoo Island, Sydney.
More than 75 vintage and classic cars, super and hypercars, motorcycles, motorboats, plus sustainable new energy vehicles with a combined worth of more than $100 million are on display at the sixth annual event.
From the extraordinary range of exceptional vehicles, the Ampol Best in Show vehicles were decided by the international jury, led by Alfa Romeo expert and Vice President Registro Internazionale Touring Superleggera, Alessandra Giorgetti from Milan.
The best cars by class and eight special prizes, all privately owned by passionate motor enthusiasts, were announced at a gala dinner at Luke Mangan’s Glass Restaurant at The Hilton Sydney on Saturday evening:
BEST IN SHOW (POST WAR): 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
BEST IN SHOW (PRE WAR): 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II
ASI BEST ITALIAN CAR: 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT
PASSION (PRE WAR): 1930 Alfa Romeo GC 1750 Gran Turismo
PASSION (POST WAR): 2015 McLaren P1
BEST RESTORATION: 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
PRESERVATION (PRE WAR): 1920 Ford Model T Coupé
PRESERVATION (POST WAR): 1985 Porsche 911 Turbo
CLASS 1 – WIDE OPEN SPACES: 1972 Rolls Royce Corniche convertible
CLASS 2 – 21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN: 1999 Bentley Continental T
CLASS 3 – SPEEDY GONZALES: 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
CLASS 4 – BABY DRIVER: 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
CLASS 5 – GRAN TURISMO: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupé
CLASS 6 – THE JAZZ AGE: 1924 Bentley 3 Litre Blue Label
CLASS 7 – THE GOLDEN AGE: 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II
CLASS 8 – AN AMERICAN IN PARIS: 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage
Prizes for Ladies and People’s Choice were announced at the event on Sunday:
LADIES’ CHOICE: 1951 Porsche 356 Split Window Cabriolet (first ever right hand drive Porsche built)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
Event Founder and Curator, Mr James Nicholls, said this year’s Ampol Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance had attracted more than 1400 motoring and haute lifestyle enthusiasts.
“This is the biggest and best Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance in our six year history,” said Mr Nicholls.
“We’ve pulled together more than 100 years of motoring heritage in this year’s event – it’s a pocket sized edition of the 20th century’s motoring evolution on Sydney Harbour.
“Whether it is rare, historic cars or cutting-edge technology vehicles of the future, people appreciate the beauty and art involved in these extraordinary pieces of engineering, design and craftsmanship.
“With motor cars, motorcycles and motorboats, designer jewellery, bespoke fashion and design, fine food from celebrity Chef Sean Connolly, Champagne Pommery and Château La Gordonne rosé, the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance is quickly becoming the leading haute lifestyle experience.
“We’re already planning the 2025 Concours for the first weekend in March and the interest we have seen this year reinforces this event will continue to improve still further and evolve.”
For more information on the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance visit sydneyharbourconcours.com.au
Everyone loves an E-Type
Everyone loves an E-Type Jaguar – famously (though it maybe apochryphal) even Enzo Ferrari said it was the most beautiful car in the world. The owner, to whom I sold the E-Type in this lovely short video certainly thinks so https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZA6FcnyFM8
And if any editors wish to see more from a recent photo shoot with another stunning example of the marque please get in contact.
Happy New Year
A happy new year and all the best for 2024 to one and all.
Most of us will have taken some time out to recharge over Christmas and the New Year celebrations, but on Boxing Day I did stir myself and do a little bit of work covering the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and managed to capture some nice images including this one of the first boat to cross the line in Tasmania.
Congratulations
As an ambassador the Bernina GT part of the International St Moritz Automobile Week, it was great to hear that the European festival for historic mobility, racing and luxury events in the Swiss Alps was announced as the winner of the award for Motoring Event of the Year at the 2023 Historic Motoring Awards held last month in London.
Click the link to view the wonderful official video of a wonderful event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiROe1YW8uU
Merry Christmas One and All.
It has been a crazy 2023 I am sure for many of us so let’s enjoy the holiday time; Merry Christmas, and a safe and peaceful 2024 wherever you are around the world.
Whilst many might be enjoying the snow, here in the ‘other half’ of the world we will be enjoying an ice cream to follow our Christmas luncheon.
Ex Libris
Please let me know should you wish to ORDER either of these fabulous books just released this month.
The first is the magnificently detailed CLASSIC CAR AUCTION YEARBOOK 2022-2023 – you can find the link to your local distributor here https://www.classiccarauctionyearbook.com/en/where-to-buy/ or drop me an email james@marinamarini.com.au
Classic Car Auction Yearbook 2022-2023 ENG HR
The second is the lavish THE CONCOURS YEAR 2023 – and you can take advantage of a special 25% discount by entering the code sydneycy25 with this link https://www.magnetomagazine.com/product/concours-year-2023-copy/
Get Your Tickets Here
Tickets for the Island Edition of the 2024 Ampol Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance are now available. You can take advantage of an early bird ticket booking for the southern hemisphere’s leading event of of its kind and indulge in haute automobilisme on the edge of the Pacific.
Go to http://sydneyharbourconcoursIOE.rsvpify.com and enter the promotional code EARLYBIRD20 to receive a 20% discount on normal prices.
Master of the World
If you want to be Master of the World or as the poster says Le Maitre du Monde then check out the items available at the latest Halcyon Auctions sale entitled ‘Cars, Planes, Ships, and Trains’. Photographs, posters, watches, models, Porsche signs, toys, lithographs and more all connected to the title of the auction.
https://halcyonauctions.com/auctions/forthcoming/
Lot 117 https://bid.halcyonauctions.com/lots/view/1-826143/jules-verne-master-of-the-world
Shock of the New
It is not so much out with the old and in with the new, but did you know that as well as helping with your classic car requirements I can also help you with buying, and selling your modern super, hyper car, or luxury vehicle. If you are looking for something, whether classic or modern, or have something special for sale please do seek my confidential advice on accessing my extensive network to find the best avenue to source or sell your valuable asset at james@marinamarini.com.au
