The annual RACV Classic Showcase, presented by the Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC) was held in the Flemington Racecourse Members Carpark on Sunday 29th April 2012.
Near perfect weather on the day resulted in a record attendance of 1,150 vehicles of British and European manufacture. The event was also special in that it incorporated a number of important aspects, including:
- The MG Car Club (Vic) Annual Concours
- The Mercedes Benz Club Annual State Concours
- The Austin Healey Club Display Day
- Celebrating 50 years of the MGB
- Celebrating 50 years of the Jaguar Car Club in Victoria.
The Mercedes and Austin Healeys were out in force as is usually the case, but the MG celebrations seemed to have bought out a few more cars than in previous years.
From a spectator’s perspective the Classic Showcase is a wonderful way to look at a huge and varied group of British and European cars and to catch up with old friends and other enthusiasts.
From a photographer’s perspective it’s not so great as the success of the event means that cars are jammed in tightly, there is always someone in the way of your perfect shot, and there are reflections and shadows everywhere. Still, this is definitely a day not to be missed.
Out of all the cars on the day, some of the highlights for me were the 1912 Talbot (Winner of the Best Vintage Vehicle Award), the Austin Healey 4000, the 1955 Morris Post Office Van (I used to own a Morrie), the beautiful little red Fiat Balilla, some of the T series MGs and the fact that there were three (3) DeLoreans there. Plus I spotted a very nice burgundy coloured bug-eye Austin Healey Sprite and an impressive yellow 1964 MG Midget somewhat modified for motorsport. Of course there were many, many other beautiful and interesting cars. The President’s Award went to a fine 1934 Wolseley Hornet and the Car of the Show was a 1967 Volvo P1800.
Apart from the cars there were a number of trade tents, a petting zoo for the younger children, and a selection of food and coffee vendors. It is very easy for an enthusiast to spend most of the day at Flemington (and for photographers the situation improves slightly as cars start to leave and clear shots of the remaining cars are more achievable).
The AOMC presents a number of annual events featuring classic and historic cars each year and they are all superbly organised. I try to get to as many as I can and would encourage others to support the AOMC as well.
Click Here to visit our Image Galleries to see more high resolution images from the 2012 Classic Car Showcase.
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