Zagato comes top Down Under
Two cars at opposite ends of the automotive spectrum stole the show at Australia’s Motorclassica, held in Melbourne from 11-14 October. The gorgeous 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 GS of New Zealander Lawrence Southward was named Best of the Best in the Australian International Concours d’elegance, which brought the three-day extravaganza to a close on the Sunday. The 6C, which wears stunning Zagato coachwork, is powered by a supercharged 1762cc ‘six’ and was first owned by English jazz musician and racer Buddy Featherstonehaugh. It made the trip to the southern hemisphere 16 years ago, with Southward’s father and sister then beginning a full restoration; both sadly passed away before it was completed, however, and the Alfa only made its debut earlier this year.
Away from the judging panel, the 24,000 visitors to the event chose Sam Santoro’s 1969 Holden Monaro GTS for the People’s Choice award, one of two gongs it picked up during the show.
Another dual winner was Barry Edge’s ’69 Maserati Ghibli Spyder, which carried off both the Restoration of the Year and Modern Classic Sports & Performance Over 3 Litre trophies, while top honours in the Vintage & Veteran group went to Scott Emerson’s ’24 Cadillac V16.
The show themes this year celebrated the Art Deco era and 90 years of the Australian Grand Prix, with special awards presented to Terry Dowel’s 1937 Cord Custom Berlin Coupe and Peter Harburg’s 1963 Brabham BT7A.