A new signature event – Noosa Concours D’Elegance – will deliver a display of exceptional automobiles to Noosa’s famed Hastings Street, combine the exhibition with an array of music and events to celebrate all the street has to offer, and the local community is firmly in its focus.
Modelled along similar lines to the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, which has been running for more than 70 years in California, Noosa’s event will host its chairperson Sandra Button who will officiate, bringing with her a high level of interest from enthusiasts, collectors, judges and visitors.
Running from 14-16 July, the event will see a curation of prestigious and historic cars line Hastings Street, with the area closed to all traffic on Saturday 15 July.
From rare classics such as a 1911 Benz and 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, to the latest supercars and including one of Australia’s few Veyron Bugattis, coming from Melbourne and a very special Ferrari travelling from London, the vehicles on display will be unique in class, style, provenance and visual appeal.
Concours events originated in France in the 17th century, and today there are more than 40 highly regarded events in unique locations around the world so that significant vehicles can be seen and enjoyed by owners and enthusiasts alike.
Hasting Street is such a location and a perfect setting for what will be a memorable event in the Australian and International motoring and concours calendar, Hastings Street precincts project manager Alesha Gooderham said.
“Events bring energy and vibrancy to town but it’s important that the community feel it’s as much their event than anyone else,“ she said.
Alesha said Hastings Street businesses had embraced the festival with more than 20 individual events scheduled as part of the weekend, from a pearl exhibition to champagne soirees, caviar tastings, fine dining experiences and even a private jet display at the event’s official launch party at the Sunshine Coast Jet Centre at the Sunshine Coast Airport.
Local resident and employer on Hastings Street for more than 30 years, Rebecca Thomson of Isabella’s Fine and Antique Jewellery Noosa said: “We are very excited that we can bring this event together for the street and our community. In all my years in Noosa this will be our first opportunity for everyone to enjoy Hastings Street in a truly unique way.
“There is something for everyone to enjoy, the live music, the incredible display from classics to some amazing super cars, events in restaurants and our shops. It is a credit to everyone involved that we and deliver this event without a ticket entry, which makes it truly inclusive.”
“We are all locals. It’s as much about our town. It’s something special,“ Alesha said.
“It doesn’t require infrastructure but gives people the opportunity to engage. It allows the community to come in.
“People need to visit Noosa respectfully – to respect the place and leave nothing behind but footprints. This is an aim of the festival. We’ll do it small but very well.
“We will roll (the cars) in from Noosa Junction. The street will be closed from 11am to 5pm, then it will disappear, almost magically.
“The cars will line up at an angle from Rococos along the street.
“They’re all from private collectors, not for sale. Five judges across Australia independently voted for 50 cars which will make up the collection in the first Noosa Concours D’Elegance.
“It’s about celebrating where we live. It’s open to everyone.
“They will be little pockets of magic as you travel the journey down the street. Little pockets of magic is what we are trying to do.“
People are encouraged to come by bus or ferry and will be rewarded for doing so with a chance to win prizes including a stay on Hastings Street.
There will be guided tours given freely for people to learn the story behind the cars, the details about the machines and industry insights.
Stewards stationed between the vehicles will ensure protection of the cars while providing assistance to guests.
Alesha said the event was organised thanks to the vision and enthusiasm of business owners and residents of Noosa who have always promoted motoring activities through passionate individuals and car clubs.
As a prelude, on the evening of Friday 14 July, a ticketed and not for profit cocktail party and display featuring business jets and automobiles will be held, supporting local charities.
The principal of Flight Options and the SCJC Steve Padgett, a major sponsor, car collector and passionate aviator said: “The Hastings Street Concours d’Elegance will, in a boutique way, mirror the famous, world-renowned motoring showcase held annually at Pebble Beach in Monterey, California, so I am delighted to be part of what will be a wonderful new event for our region.”
Alesha said an important part of Noosa Concours was its Next Gen Judges program, which brings the world of classics and super cars to our next generation. “The program aims to engage the children and light a spark from their close-up experience of the engineering and design excellence on display,“ she said.
“Our ten Next Gen Judges, aged 9-15 years, will be guided through the Concours by Chris Bowden of Bowden’s Own and Ecurie Bowden. Chris is a motorcar industry expert, who has an innate knowledge of cars and an overwhelming passion for historic cars. The Next Gen Judges will enjoy finding that special car with the winning combination that makes them go wow.“
For more information, visit noosaconcours.com.au
