Stylish arrays of Alfa Romeo’s were demonstrated to celebrate the marques centenary including both modern and classic models. Situated close to the G1, the Alfas displayed on the day were definitely a stand out, showing Alfas heritage translated into today’s current range. Parallel to the Alfa Romeo display a modern arrangement of Ferrari and Maserati’s were definitely show stoppers and admired by all. Lamborghini, Pagani, DeTomaso, Lancia and Abarth were all present to further emphasise the Italian flavour in the motoring world of style, elegance, performance and passion.

The day started officially at 10:00am for the general public, however earlier for exhibitors.  Vehicles originating from all over the world began arriving at 7:30am and before the sun had risen entirely, St. Patricks Estate was filled with some of the most elegant, prestigious, and rarest cars ever made. As the Master of Ceremonies commenced his Welcoming Introduction, part of his address was dedicated to the 100 Years of Alfa Romeo. As the G1 was presented to the crowd and paraded around the grounds, before it was eventually parked on the Alfa display next to a beautiful 159, and extremely sexy Spider. Other milestones that were celebrated included 75 Years of Jaguar. As the day commenced thousands of people began to process through the grounds of the beautiful St. Patricks Estate. There was something for everyone on the day with the crowds entertained by Australian icons Glenn Shorrock and Kamahl, a fashion parade by Charlie Brown, a fashions on the field competition, ladies marquee and beautiful lifestyle and automotive product displays.

Special guest judges included international racing car legend and five times Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE and Australian racing car driver Rusty French. Whilst everyone was a winner on the day, there could only be one Best of Show vehicle and that was taken out by a 1927 Hispano-Suiza H6B. From the Italian stables, Alfa Romeo owner Barry Farr won 1st place for his 1958 Giulietta Spider Veloce in the Alfa Romeo 100 Years segment, and also won an Elegance award, for most elegant Alfa. Other Italian vehicles that won prizes include Maserati owner Roland Clark for his 1963 Misteral, under the most elegant Maserati segment and Ferrari owner Miles Sandy won the most elegant Ferrari with his 1985 288 GTO.

Alfa Romeo Centenary

Celebrating its centenary the Alfa Romeo marque throughout the motoring world has an unrivalled history on the racetrack and has been synonymous with passion, sportiness and style. This tradition was no different as a classy range was displayed at the Concours D’Elegance. All vehicles un-intentionally being “Alfa Red” was a prime example of the passionate blood of all the Alfisti that attended. Being a passionate Alfisti myself and the owner of the Alfa 159 displayed, it was a very sentimental event and a memorable site, seeing a famous classic (The G1) parked next to the current range of Alfa Romeo models. After evaluating all exhibitors present, the G1 was definitely a stand out, inclusive of the whole Italian side which consisted of Alfa, Maserati and Ferrari. Along with the Alfa G1, other classic models such as a stylish 1958 Giulietta Spider Veloce and elegant 1974 1600 Junior took part to demonstrate the rich racing and sporty heritage of the Alfa brand. Positioned next to the G1, the current models expressed Alfa’s classic lines, and history and the brands translation of these values into the modern era.

Overall the Concours D’Elegance was a great success and very memorable event. It was a great sight to see many beautiful cars, especially those of Italian origin. Plans for next year have already begun; no doubt next year will be bigger and better.

Italian Vehicle Exhibitors List

Alfa Romeo: (1921) G1, (1958) Giulietta Spider Veloce, (1974) 1600 Junior, (2007) 159 2.4 JTDm, (2010) Spider 3.2 V6
Ferrari: (1973) DINO 246GT, (1974) 246 GTS, (1975) 365 GT4 BB, (1985) 288 GTO, (1990) F40, (2002) 360 Modena, (Current) 599 GTB, (Current) 599 GTB, (Current) 599 GTB, (Current) California
Lamborghini: (1968) Miura, Diablo, (Current) Gallardo, (Current) Murciélago, (Current) Murciélago LP640
Maserati: (2010) GranTurismo Cambro, 1963 Mistral
Lancia: (1928) Lambda, (1924) Lamda
DeTomaso: (1989) Pantera GT5, (1991) Pantera
Abarth: (1967) OTR 1000
Pagani: Zonda