Top Marques for Noosa Concours
If world-class, ultra-luxury showstoppers exhibiting exceptional craftsmanship and captivating allure take your fancy, Noosa Concours has it all and more, extols Helen Flanagan.
Imagine some of the most cherished and beautiful vehicles in the world, all signifying perfection, unparalleled aesthetics and technical superiority gliding into their designated spots on beautiful Hastings Street in Noosa.
Noosa Concours d’Elegance, is the only event to see the normally-bustling street closed for a celebration of automobile masterpieces for the curious – and the connoisseurs – to gather and admire.
Look out for one-of-a-kinds in Australia and making their first Queensland appearances such as a Ferrari LM250; a McLaren F1 regarded as the king of modern supercars, with less than 100 made globally; and a McLaren Speedtail; Lamborghini Miura SV, the only one in the country! They’ll be cruising into the coastal Concours alongside many crowd favourites and coveted, drop-dead gorgeous coupes and convertibles.
Noosa Concours d’Elegance will also offer a unique opportunity for serious enthusiasts to have exclusive access via an up close and personal tour with a knowledgeable guide sharing valuable insights into the story behind the cars — all vying for the Best in Show Award, presented by Tom Offermann Real Estate.
The calibre of the judging serves as a guardian of authenticity and upholds the values of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that define the automotive world. The task this year goes to three judges who reside in Australia and the fourth from the USA who has judged over twenty international Concours events. In addition, through a strong relationship with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Martin Button will continue his connection as a consulting judge.
One of the driving forces behind Noosa Concours is Steve Padgett who admires event curator Alesha Gooderham’s enthusiasm and foresight for creating Concours. He became part of the steering committee as well as an event partner with his Sunshine Coast Airport-based companies of Flight Options and Sunshine Coast Jet Centre, which manages advanced jet simulator training also corporate jets for clients.
He is also the co-founder and chairman of publicly-listed Alliance Airlines, operating over 70 jet airline aircraft on FIFO operations and wet lease aircraft to Qantas, Virgin, and others.
“My car collection may be varied but has an interesting back story,” says Steve, who has visited Pebble Beach Concours numerous times and considers Noosa, especially Hastings Steet, the perfect match in so many ways.
“I have a 1911 Benz originally owned by General Sir John Monash, imported before WW1 and now restored,” he says.
“Another favourite is a 1957 Rolls Royce which was owned by world-renowned American crime writer Clive Cussler, who I’ve always admired and once met at Pebble Beach!
“As a young motoring enthusiast and pilot, I formed a friendship with three times world champion Sir Jack Brabham, responsible for FI drivers using light aircraft to fly to race meetings in Europe. I became custodian of his Formula 2 car which he drove in the 1967 racing season in Europe.”
New displays for 2024 will include honouring Max Hoffmann who played a pivotal role re-shaping the American automotive landscape.
“In 1954 Max fostered a global culture of performance and luxury that Mercedes, Ferrari, Porsche and the likes, still aspire to,” explains display curator Chris Bowden of Ecurie Bowden and Bowden’s Own Motorsports Display, the area where everyone will be fixated.
“In Australia, there are only a handful of Hoffman-era cars and the ones we’ve secured include the Porsche Speedster, and the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL.”
For over 36 years Sleeping Beauties, a company renowned for dedication and perfection in the classic car industry, has been meticulously restoring cars for collectors and enthusiasts globally. This year it has a display of classic beauties and is looking forward to encouraging and imparting knowledge and expertise to future generations. It will also present the Noosa Concours Next Gen Program. The Prestige Car Display will again be a haven of luxurious automotives with immense cachet including Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes Benz.
The Noosa Concours d’Elegance exhibition of 50+ expertly curated automobiles on Hastings Street, will be lined with live music and entertainment from 10.30am for the free event. Expect a carnival-like atmosphere with interstate visitors joining locals to dream and mingle amongst the magnificent displays with cafés, restaurants and gelato bars bursting with happy people, and no doubt many others popping into the Sofitel Noosa’s Beach Bar for a chilled beverage while watching the colourful passing parades.
MARQUE THE DIARY:
Saturday 13 July 2024: Noosa Concours d’Elegance 2024 on Hastings Street.
Featured events throughout the day:
Noosa Beach House – Truffle and Wine Lunch
Sails – Degustation Dinner Icons of the New World
Isabella’s Antique Jewellery – Special Antique Jewellery Trunk Show
Nissarana Galleries – Local Artist capturing Noosa Concours
Seabourne Distillery – Take-over at Moonstruck Noosa
Curated Car Collection – Noosa Village Bookshop
Miss Moneypenny’s + St Hugo + Daniel Riccardo – DR3 Luncheon
Noosa Longboards + Adina Watches – Experience with a Difference
Transport: Shuttle buses from 9.30am to 5.30pm between Noosa AFL Ground and Hastings Street. Free buses will also run throughout the region all weekend.
Arrive in style and hassle-free on board the Noosa Ferry with half-price tickets. Scan the code when you catch the bus to go in the draw to win a dinner at Locale Noosa
Sunday 14 July 2024: Numerous side events
For a full program of events and activities including bookings visit: Noosa Concours www.noosaconcours.com.au
