Classic cars are receiving a renewed interest in Melbourne as the doors opened for Motorclassica, a 3-day event. Australia’s most massive motor show, which was held at the Royal Exhibition Building for the sixth consecutive year. They hosted over 500 cars within the pavilion as well as on the lawn outside.

Curator of the Motorclassica event, Trent Smyth, and owner of the classic Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, 1972 says that the buyers overseas are significantly pushing up the prices here locally. Smyth never thought that the car he purchased just 8 years ago for $150,000 would raise in value this high. Smyth estimates his car worth over $500,000.

This year Motorclassica is celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Ferrari Dino Concept Sports car, which was unveiled for the very first time in 1965 at the Paris Motor Show. The nameplate this particular model received when Enzo commissioned in honour of his son, Alfredo “Dino”, who passed away in 1956. The 50th anniversary of the Dino is among several anniversaries being celebrated at this event, as 1965 witnessed the birth of other iconic cars such Shelby Mustang, and the genre that is now referred to as supercars.

The most expensive vehicle on display on this occasion at Motorclassica was a McLaren F1, just one of the only 106 models built. It is formerly known as the world’s fastest car on the road with mind boggling top speed at the time of 372 km/hr. Not to mention it was considered unique as well because the seat of the driver was located in the centre of the car.

Rowan Atkinson, a comedian, got his McLaren in 1997 for a million dollars. This year, he sold it for an appalling $15 million, despite getting into a crash twice; first time in 1998 and then again in 2011.

McLaren F1 is just one of over 500 cars that drew snaps and loving stares that memorable weekend of Motorclassica, Australia’s largest collection of exotic, vintage and classic cars. Among other highlights is the rare Amphicar – a rather odd looking half boat and half car – in addition to a collection of other jaw dropping models like Lamborghini Miura, Pagani Zonda and Porsche Carrera GT.

Photos: Motorclassica Australia