After the Saturday night cocktail party, Shelly and I stayed on to assist the team move the cars into position of the show. This basically meant standing in the dark with a torch so Paul Blank could park the car in the right place. Paul kindly asked if I wanted to help out on Sunday. I had to say yes!
http://www.classicrally.com.au/Celebration_of_the_Motorcar_new.htm
8.30am and the set up begins
Helping out in the Ferrari and Maserati section. A lot of work goes into putting on a great car show and it was a pleasure to take part.
The Jags start arriving.
A magnificent Cadillac Eldorado limousine. This one was owned by a Texas oil baron before making its way down under.
A convoy of luxury cars winds its way up the driveway at the Cottesloe Civic Centre.
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, formerly owned by Frank Sinatra. It cost new US$15000. This is ten times the amount of a contemporary Volkswagen. A Bentley
1958 Packard Hawk. Modelled on the Studebaker Hawk, it was the last car to use the Packard name.
A couple of Chevrolet Corvettes. The one on the left has modern running gear underneath.
A view over the lower lawn.
The Bolwells
The range of Bolwells - from the Mark IV to the new Bolwell-Nigara. This is the first time that all models of the Bolwell have been bought together in the same place.
Mark VII - this was my favourite of all the Bolwells. Why don't car markers build cars like this anymore? Sleek, curvy and sensual. I generally find modern sports cars ugly, angular and uniform.
The unique Mark VI was a specially built racing car. It uses a Holden 'red' motor. It resides here in Western Australia where it has enjoyed a successful racing career.
A Mark V. This example is obviously still under restoration, but they are rare. I look forward to seeing this one restored to its former glory soon.
The original Mark IV
Achtung Baby! The Germans
Mercedes-Benz 220SL
100 Years of Aston-Martin
The oldest Aston-Martin in Australia. This 1923 Aston-Martin was bought to Australia for the 1923 Grand Prix and sold off after the race. It passed through many hands before being abandoned. It was found and restored by the well known vehicle collector, Peter Briggs.
From left to right - the DB6, DB5 and DB4.
The DB5 is a magnificent vehicle. Who wouldn't feel like James Bond driving one of these?
The French Connection
The three Facel-Vegas in WA. In their day these exotic French cars, with Chrysler running gear, were more expensive than a Rolls-Royce and faster than a Ferrari.
Over $100K was spent on restoring this magnificent car.
Decidedly British
The new Rolls-Royce Phantom. I find these new Rolllers ugly and not a patch on their classic predecessors. I did however enjoy a brief ride in this beast. It's enormous - like a truck - and very luxurious inside. I guess it might appeal to oil sheiks?
Classic Rolls-Royce's
There were four magnificent Bentley's on display. It was a treat on the Saturday night to see Peter Briggs jump into his, start it up and tear across the lawn to its assigned parking space. What a sound! This example was the first Bentley to compete in the Le Mans 24 hour race. It was the start of a long racing tradition.
By my reckoning there are at least four of these 20's Bentley's in Perth.
Jaguar
SS Jaguar sportster
Jaguar row. The aluminum bodied 1949 model is the oldest XKS in Australia and has been with the same owner for over 50 years.
The beautiful Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar D Type replica
Something very unusual in Perth - Swedish 1958 Volvo PV444. A recent import from the US.
50th Anniversary of the Porche 911
The earliest Porche 911 in Australia
The Americans
Ford GT supercar tribute
The extraordinary 1970 Plymouth Thunderbird. Talk about tail fin!
