(first posted 10/25/2017) Last year I missed Melbourne MotorClassica due to a family emergency, so this year was more of an ad-hoc arrangement. I joined Jim and Brad (the Waldorf and Statler of the Mercedes-Benz community here in Melbourne) as well as Chris (jet pilot and proud owner of an Australian Morris Major), and we made our way slowly through the vast array. Apologies in advance for some slightly blurred shots; I hope the content will be enough to overlook those shortcomings.
First up is a first-in-the-flesh for me. A 1971 Monteverdi 375L High Speed.
One of only 66 made apparently, but to be honest the information I’ve been able to gather on these is sparse and contradictory (plus my shot of the information card is too blurred to read) so I’ll just wing it.
Peter Monteverdi was a Swiss racecar builder and Ferrari importer. The Commendatore pulled his franchise after Monteverdi refused to prepay for 100 cars, and this marque was the result.
The story is jumbled; he asked Frua to shape the first models then shifted production to Carrozzeria Fissore – who I believe created the shape for this 2+2 from the shorter Frua-based predecessors.
This has been one of my dream cars since forever. Dinky made a toy one in cherry red which might be where I first saw it, although I never had the privilege of owning even that prestigious small-scale version.
The car’s shape can be a bit awkward in the detailing, but overall it has to be one of the most handsome cars of this configuration. Its best angle is pure profile, but I wasn’t able to get that shot here.
Under the hood is a Chrysler 440 ‘Magnum’ with a brochure-quoted output of 375 bhp (SAE). I’ll let the CCognoscenti parse this out. This RHD-from-new example has been in Australia since 1972.
Stunning to finally meet one, but not the car of the show for me.
The 1969 Holden Hurricane.
Probably the first serious attempt at a concept car in Australian. I believe it was styled by a US team, but the work was done here in a super-secret area closed off from the rest of the GM-H staff.
It housed the 253 cu in V8 – Holden’s first Australian-designed V8 which was closely followed by the closely related 308 version. The Hurricane was apparently built to demonstrate Holden’s capability in the aerospace field, but to be honest I think it was more a proudly parochial showcase for the introduction of the homegrown 253.
Sitting alongside the Hurricane is one of the great what-ifs of the Australian motoring scene – the 1970 Holden GTR-X. If there is any car mythologized within the GM-H culture, it’s this one.
Unlike the Hurricane, the fibreglass-bodied GTR-X was conceived and built for production. Its body language may be pure GM showcar, but its every detail was prepared for the street.
It was based on the six-cylinder Torana – seen here in first-gen LC guise. This Torana GTR carried the 161 or 173 cu in six-cylinder in ‘S’ form (with two-barrel Stromberg carburetors).
A hotter version called the GTR-XU1 featured the 186S six and became the front-line Holden on the track, as well as the basis for the GTR-X sports car.
The GTR-X was a homegrown styling job; Phil Zmood and Peter Nankervis carrying the honours on this shape. Those rear lights remind anyone of the Maserati’s recent(ish) boomerangs?
Overall the shape anticipates another Maserati, the 1974 Khamsin.
Production ambitions for the GTR-X were killed at the eleventh hour for a number of reasons, and this is a story that deserves more exposure on CC. If I ever find the time (hint, hint anyone else who wants to cover it).
There were three themes for this year’s MotorClassica.
Holden, during its final year of manufacturing here in Australia, was allotted a large space within the hall.
As was Ferrari. I’ve covered some of these before but I’m going to rush you past three favourites…
288 GTO
365 GTC/4
250 GT/Lusso. In truth, the most beautiful car ever in the history of everything.
But we have seen this one here before, so I am going to set it aside to let others have their day in the sun.
Like this Ferrari 195 EL. I’ve never heard of the EL designation but that’s what its display card calls it, so again I defer to the CCognoscenti for more information – perhaps a variation of the ‘Export’ label used for some of these cars at the time.
Unfortunately, the reflection completely distracts from the beauty of this shape in the only front-angle photograph I took.
Ahhh… that’s better. This 1951 example was styled by Michelotti and built by Swiss firm Ghia-Aigle. ‘195’ refers to the capacity of a single cylinder in cubic centimetres – for a V12 these engines were surprisingly small. So are the cars. This shape reminds me of another diminutive gem, the Moretti 750, both being short-cabin coupes with masterfully simple coachwork.
Close, but not car of the show yet.
The third marque featured was Lancia. This particular example of the Flaminia 4-door saloon belonged to one of Australia’s former Prime Ministers, Malcolm Fraser – who passed away not so long ago.
I met him once and had a quick conversation about his Lancias, and this encounter led to my sending him links to CC stories for summer and winter reading. I’m not sure how many he actually read but I think it’s safe to count him amongst the CCognoscenti.
Malcom Fraser was well-born, and of country stock. He no doubt developed his driving skills on the looser surfaces of our pastoral regions, and had the wherewithal to indulge in some rarified machinery. During his university days, that included a Flaminia Zagato (in orange I’m told).
As fellow Flaminia Zagato owner Marcello Mastroianni once described it, this lightweight model made between 1962 and 63 was about the closest thing you could have to a Ferrari without actually having a Ferrari.
This particular 2.5 litre example has extraordinary provenance itself. It was imported to Australia in 1969 and not registered for the next 40 years, instead being kept in dry store on blocks. In 2008 it was treated to new tyres, paint and chrome – but apart from that it is completely original with only 36,153 kms on the clock.
A wonderful entrant, but still not car of the show for me.
This is car of the show – a 1947 Lancia Aprilia Spyder Grand Sport Ghia.
The Aprilia sat around the middle of the Lancia range and was built between 1937 and 1949.
The engines were either 1352 or 1486 cc V4 engines. Yep, a production V4 way back when. Add to the mix this aerodynamic monocoque sedan shape and you can see how this marque had earned a reputation for engineering excellence.
The Ghia Spyder was shaped by Mario Boano. Given the unibody origins of its donor, it received a tubular chassis around which was wrapped in this unobtrusive but entirely captivating skin.
This is the best image I took of this car, and yet it hardly does it justice.
My lack of objectivity was compounded when I met its owner, Brian Hawke
MotorClassica is filled with literally the finest classic automobiles in the country. If you want to meet the owners, you really need to buy a VIP ticket at three times the price, and attempt to find them amongst the canapés in the roped-off sections. If they have deigned to attend at all, that is.
Brian was standing next to the car out on the floor, and he indulged me in a half an hour of the most fantastic and free-flowing conversation. He restored it for a doctor back in 1985 and it became his when the opportunity arose in 1992. He does not hold back in driving it when he can.
His joy of ownership was infectious; not the youngest of men he came across as a child sharing his best toys with all the others in the park. There was no pause in his enthusiasm as he took me through details such as the bodybuild plate, chassis framework, the hood hidden behind the seatback and even that lovely grate used for the glove compartment.
It is the first of three built in the series. As Brian understands it, this was the shape that inspired Donald Healey’s most enduring creation. I’m no fan of the Austin-Healey and, though I can see the similarities, this car is so beguilingly subtle where the A-H is a thuggish bruiser.
This isn’t the world’s most influential shape, nor the most demonstrative.
But it has lingered in my mind long after the show has packed up and all its beauties dispersed.
I love cars from that era. The lusso is one of my favorite cars of all time. They are all interesting but that Monte Verdi cought my eye. I remember seeing one for sale in the mid 90″ s. I think of any car of that time I could hope to currently buy is maybe a Ferrari 400i. For some reason they have just not taken off.
Go for a Fiat 130 coupe. 1/3 the price of a 400i, and indistinguishable by 99% of onlookers.
G’day Rick, The 400i is completely unloved because it’s an automatic. At the time, many of the luxury car makers were hounded into the auto models so that ‘my wife can drive it’. Very cheap to buy these days – just remember, it’s a 12 cylinder. If the engine needs major attention, it’s a good-sized plus to the $4000/yr to maintain.
Thanks Don for a wonderful variety of great cars. I’m intrigued by the Aprilia; what year is that example, do you know ?
I’m intrigued with that one, being (among other things) a Fan of the Sedan — and of FWD and of monocoque construction — so I’ll be looking for more on that car. Love the saucy Italian spring green color . . .
I’m with you on the Lusso. I just wish the front and rear wheel openings were on better speaking terms with each other — like those of the Flaminia Zagato, for instance. But at least those of the Lusso are plain cut-outs, with no distracting flares ?
It’s actually RWD. Looks can be deceiving.
But it explains why its underpinnings ended up in the Spyder.
The Aprilia saloon should an early model of the 1st series (1937-38), as it has no running boards.
The Aprilia sedan is a 1937, it was originally sold in Italy before being imported many years ago.
Thanks Stephen. Any criticism of the Lusso, however valid, will not be countenanced. hehehe
The high hip/side line and sloping hood of the first pictured silver coupe reminds me strongly of my 1966 Chevy Corvair.
Yes, it does bear touches of the second gen ‘vair.
That 1947 Spyder is simply delicious! Those turquoise leather seats in the red car are marvelous, a combo seldom seen.
That Holden GTR-X is also a beauty. It features the flowing lines that seemed to be at their peak around 1970. A very nicely done car.
In fact, your shots from this show may be 100% cars I have never seen in person. Bravo!
I asked Brian about the Spyder’s body and interior colours; he’s not sure if they’re original but the leather is wonderfully worn.
I don’t know, but to me the 2 Holden show cars look quite a bit like they were “inspired” by Ford concept cars of the 60s. The Hurricane looks like an overstyled GT40, while the GTX-R looks quite similar to a concept for the Mercury Cougar that made the rounds of car shows in the mid 60s. The tail lights are different, but the rest of the car looks like the Cougar.
Fair comment about the resemblance but I dare say many cars look similar to a GT40! The Hurricane is shorter in the rear/behind the cabin than the GT40 and longer and lower in the front.
I looked up the 1963 Ford Cougar II by Vignale – well done on recalling the similarity on that one!
Great call on the Cougar, Dan.
The Monteverdi strikes me as a rival to the Jensen Interceptor, especially given its Chrysler powerplant. Through this site and “Ate Up With Motor”, I learned about the high performance Aussie cars based on the regular big sedans, but was any Australian manufacturer brave enough to put a pure sports car like the Holden GTR-X concept into production? Or would the projected sales numbers have been too small to justify it?
The Jensen’s are fugly in comparison. Perhaps with maseratti or Ferrari at the time. Don’t know much abt the Monte, but I think its more high end to Jensen cars.
Sales numbers were tight but the biggest issue as I understand was the Datsun 240Z debuted at a significantly cheaper price than what Holden had planned.
JohnH’s mention of the 240Z is the most persuasive. Another reason that’s sometimes mentioned is around 1970, new Australian Design Regulations were drafted and passed onto the manufacturers in anticipation of what might be required over the next few years. When GM-H considered how they might impact the GTR-X, it looked like the purity of the shape might be lost (bumper-wise, particularly at the rear) amongst other problems. Ultimately, not all the ADR’s mooted came into being, but the car really didn’t fit into forward planning for the manufacturer.
Beautiful cars. Thanks!
First I’ve ever seen the Monteverdi, and before reading the text I wondered which Giugiaro car it was that I’d never seen before. Nevermind…it’s stunningly beautiful, with a hint of the Mangusta in the front end.
One item hard to see in photos is size. My favorite Ferrari personally is the 365 GT 2+2 because I prefer larger cars and it’s balance is very good. When I went to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale Ariz in 1981, there was the only Monteverdi dealership I’d ever seen, they had two coupes, a 4 door and a monsterous 4wd based on a Range Rover. My favorite, the coupes, were noticably larger than a friends 365 GT 2+2 I’d driven, with more room inside also. Since the dealership was next to the hotel we were staying at we visited often, will always love these, and the AC 428 Frua convertible and coupe, just as unobtainable as the Monteverdi.
I’ve never seen photos of the Holden GTR-X that made it seem appealing before. These do. I think I rather like it, actually. The tail lamps especially look good in these shots. Thanks Don!
Has a bit of Pontiac Banshee in the front half, but the rear is rather different. More European, less American.
Reminded me of the Banshee and Firebird prototypes for the 67.
Those show Holdens are more original that given credit for, perhaps; but nothing in the universe is unprecedented, probably. It’s what you do with what you’ve got, that makes a masterpiece ? Maybe there are side shots out there, somewhere . . .
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/1970-holden-torana-gtr-x-concept-almost-became-australias-240z
The Monteverdi makes its rival Jensen look like a truck — for me !
https://www.rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LF16/London/lots/r160-1971-monteverdi-375l-high-speed-coupé-by-fissore/384099
Imagine my surprise at discovering that the Lancia Aprilia is a rear-wheel-driver !
The Jensen Interceptor vibe in the Monteverdi is very strong, especially looking at it from the front, but Monteverdi did a much better job with the back end styling. I wonder if Aussie electricals are better than British electricals.
I find the silver and toffee colour scheme of the Monteverdi quite appealing. Wish more manufacturers offered that combination.
I must say there’s something very alluring about cherry red on this car.
Yes — that’s a classic combination that, oddly, isn’t seen often enough. Perhaps its availability could be made mandatory — with certain restrictions . . . ?
Thanks for the fine tour. Some real gems there. Including Lusso-heaven, although I’ve long given up trying to pin it down to any one car.
The Lancia Spyder is an absolute gem.
Monteverdi also dabbled in motor racing, and is the only Swiss manufacturer to take part in a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix, back in 1961.
Keeping on the motor sport theme – saw a TWR Group A XJS Jaguar in the background of the first photo.
The Jaguar is the 1986 Bathurst 1000 winner is owned (and also sometimes raced) by Mike Roddy, a local Jaguar specialist who had a trade stand. Didn’t take any photos there because it wasn’t ‘new’! My phone went flat after 520-odd photos, didn’t even get any of the Montiverdi – oops!
http://www.mikeroddy.com.au/
Well, those are simply some of the most beautiful cars ever made under one roof!
While I concur that the Aprilia spyder is gorgeous, I would probably end up stealing the keys of the Monteverdi. It’s got more of a “whaaaat?” factor, and I tend to prefer closed cars in any case.
Thank you for introducing me to the GTR-X’s sublime derriere. Now I know where those Maser taillights originated. Pontiac shmontiac, this Holden is the answer.
Yes, it was a very tight race between the two.
Great stuff Don, as discussed the Aprilia spyder was the car of the show for me too, and I also had the chance to speak to Mr Hawke and his wife about the car – they seem to get a lot of enjoyment from sharing the car which is great. As I said to you if it said the car was built in 1957 instead of 1947 you wouldn’t bat an eyelid, it is just amazing.
The info board said it is one of three built with two surviving, the other in England. This car was bought from Long Beach CA in 1984 and restored.
It was a nice surprise to see the Flaminia was Malcolm Fraser’s car, which would have to be one of the more famous Lancias in the country as I have read many references to it. It is also interesting to see early Ferraris, because there are so many different bodies fitted.
I will have to do some writing on this too!
Very much looking forward to your perspective on the show (and drive), John.
What an awesome display of automobiles!! Thanks so much for sharing the photos with the accompanying information.
The GTX and Hurricane are cool those were at the design centre when my Dad visited in 71 he got some pics of them pretty radical at the time they still look good now, I had a LC Torana with 161 and three speed manual four door in orange got $80 for it at Gympie auto wreckers GT like performance no.
Good stuff Don. I wonder if some of the Ferraris came from the dealership.
Before changing my commuting route, I used to have my own daily “motorclassica”, as the Ferrari dealer would have from time to time a Testarrosa like the one you pictured, 365GTB Daytona, F40. 288… then it would be the McLaren dealer, which had a F1 for a car launch.
Lancia’s V4s, from what I have seen in BAT are not the same as for example, Ford’s V4. The Lancia is more akin to VW’s VR6. What I have seen points to a little technological marvel.
Wow, yet to see an F1 in the real. One day…
There was a very posh party inside. I think it lasted 1-2 days, tops.
Since I needed petrol this week, I went through the street instead of the usual route. Zagame’s used car “yard” had a couple of interesting cars inside.
There is (or was) at least one F1 in Oz. About 2 years after it came out, there was one parked kerbside, casual as you like, at the top of Collins Street. I nearly got run over jumping off the tram to look at it. The first surprise for me personally is that it was a very beautiful car, as in photos, it looks derivative. Second surprise was the size- tiny. Third surprise, no-one was taking any notice of it. Seems that to the vast unwashed, it was just a small wedgy sports car-thingy.
The only ‘factory’ Ferrari was the La Ferrari Aperta (convertible), unless you count Maranello Motorsport owning the F50. The Aperta is perhaps notable that because they were sold out as soon as the car was announced there wasn’t ever a price stated, although the car’s minder said one had sold at a charity auction for $10m.
Motorclassica in 2015 had an F1 on display.
The F1 I saw was that colour and also without plates.
Family stuff for me this year, so I couldn’t go. I’m not jealous either, I always type in green.
Love people with exotic cars who want to share them, and who don’t condescend if you don’t know much. They have the right attitude to life. The rest (a majority, I’m afraid) are really no more than snobby hoarders, and about as much fun as the balance sheet they’ll still be clinging to at death.
That Ferrari 195 for me.
I`m drooling……
What a fantastic show in a fabulous setting
The Monteverdi is absolutely stunning, better looking than our own Jensen Interceptor in my eyes, the only change I would make is the wheels, alloys not wires, which look too old fashioned for the shape.
That Holden is a dream
That Holden GTR-X. Wow, I mean like really WOW!
Never knew such a thing existed. It looks like a dream car come true from the telepathy stemming from all my drawing and sketching of my fictional dream cars as a kid in the 70s.
Us kids at the time were amazed at staid old Holden coming out with things like this. Only six years earlier they’d made cars with styling best described as ‘US castoff’ (pic), with 1940s-tech low power sixes. Competition from Ford and Chrysler really seemed to put a bomb under Holden! Or so it seemed at the time.
Interested in knowing who ripped off who: that 250 GT/Lusso is pretty, but seems Aston-Martin did a better job with the DB-5 (and that was before Q branch did some modifications).
Some really lovely detailing by those GM-H boys.
Reminds me that the Leyland Oz boys also seemed far more talented than the ones back home at the time.
Some very interesting metal at that show.