Australia’s newest motoring event, the Noosa Concours d’Elegance has taken out the Rising Star Award at the UK-based Historic Motoring Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London in November.
The Noosa Concours won for its inaugural event, which saw Hastings Street, Noosa closed in an historic first on 15 July 2023, as more than 50 iconic and historic automobiles lined the street to the delight of motoring enthusiasts and the public alike.
An exclusive charity function also preceded the event, hosted by Sunshine Coast Jet Centre. Entitled planes, trains and automobiles, it showcased an array of private jets and aerobatic performances which only added to the premium nature of the weekend.
Noosa Concours joint event director, Alesha Gooderham, said, “We poured everything into creating a world class event, gathering some of the finest cars in Australia and delivering a weekend of amazing activities. I’m so thankful that the team effort has been recognised internationally after just one year.”
The Noosa Concours won against considerable competition including the Salon Prive London Concours, the Levitt Concours at Hampton Court Palace and California’s Velocity Invitational.
Presented by Octane Magazine, the highly competitive awards were judged by a panel including Derek Bell, Jay Leno, Tom Kerridge and industry supporter Sir Greg Knight.
This year, Noosa Concours hosted Sandra Button, chairman of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Following the win, the Noosa Concours team has announced that the event will be back in 2024 on 13 July. It is anticipated that automobile entries will be received from around Australia and overseas.
“I was honoured to be invited to serve as an ambassador to the first Noosa Concours on behalf of the Pebble Beach Concours, and I was struck by the similarities in our communities: both are lovely coastal enclaves with beautiful beaches, enticing shops and restaurants—and enthusiasts with a true passion for the automobile,” Sandra said.
Noosa Concours joint event director, Steve Padgett, said, “We’re thrilled to be bringing the event back for a second year. The format will remain, but with some new and exciting additions to the weekend of activities.”
It is anticipated that the Concours will again be restricted to between 50 and 60 cars, but expanded to include presentations and displays by specialist and prestige manufacturers.
Nominations are now open until 30 January for the second Noosa Concours which will be held on Saturday 13 July .
For more information, noosaconcours.com.au
