Australia’s preeminent motoring festival, Motors & Masterpieces, is set to be a class affair when it launches at the Melbourne Showgrounds from November 22-24, with ten distinct themes for the celebration now confirmed.
Over 300 cars and motorcycles are set to be displayed in distinct groups that reflect on the significant cultural settings and evolutionary stages of man and machine, showcasing the history of motor vehicles from their origins to the future.
In addition to the curated selections, the celebration will feature an extensive assortment of display vehicles, creating a mesmerising spectacle that promises to captivate visitors and showcase the ever-developing world of automotive innovation.
“Following the launch of Motors & Masterpieces, we have been humbled by the response from the motoring public who are genuinely excited to be involved,” said Mark Jansen, the event’s Chief Curator.
“It’s clear that there is an enormous demand for an event of this ilk, and it is a thrill to see it taking shape.
“By defining the various themes that we will be showcasing, we expect to be able to fill the Melbourne Showgrounds with some of the most beautiful and historically significant machines from these shores and beyond.
“Our aim is to curate a truly unique collection, that will set Motors & Masterpieces apart.”
Leading the event themes is La Dolce Vita, an expression synonymous with the carefree lifestyle and culture emanating from post-war Italy, with that passion extending to the country’s genuine love for all things automotive.
Meanwhile, California Dreaming focuses on the exuberant post-war era of the 1950s through the ’70s, with a focus on the most spectacular cars the USA has produced to date.
Japan may be a late entry to the car culture scene, but Tokyo Lights will showcase the country’s best engineering from more recent times.
Elsewhere, Swinging London reflects on the UK’s cultural movement that extended from music and fashion into automotive production, which ultimately created icons from the Mini to the E Type Jaguar.
Closer to home, Great Southern Land celebrates the Australian car industry and culture, and the massive domestic collector base, while Golden Age features the early automotive pioneers, with a spotlight on the unique craftsmanship evident in machines built prior to 1930.
High Society is the home for all cars and motorcycles from the 1930s and ’40s, when design and engineering took great leaps forward and formed the basis of the modern motor industry.
Continental Classics shines a light on the best of the rest of Europe, with exceptional examples such as the Mercedes Gullwing and Porsche 356 set to star.
The modern supercar has a home in the Monaco Glitz showcase, while Chequered Flag will ramp up the exhilaration of the best-of-breed racing cars and bikes from across the competition spectrum.
The awards on offer include the coveted Best of Show, as well as for the various Class winners, a Preservation Award, a Young Achiever Award for owners under 30, the Spirit of Motors & Masterpieces Award, and the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award.
The Concours classes will uphold a cut-off date of 1993 for eligibility, ensuring a showcase of timeless classics. Modern supercars as part of Monaco Glitz will not be bound by the 1993 cut- off with the class excluded from the Best of Show award.
