Heritage Design Unbridled Passion at Noosa Concours d’Elegance
A sun-drenched celebration of class, characters, curves and chrome transformed Hastings Street into a multi-million-dollar showcase for Noosa Concours d’Elegance, effuses Helen Flanagan.
As the winter sun cast a golden wash over Laguna Bay’s glistening beachfront, the sounds of waves mingled effortlessly with the low, guttural purrs of V12s and the melodic tones of enthusiasts and cognoscente.
Noosa Concours d’Elegance transformed the chic tree-lined promenade of Hastings Street into a veritable open-air gallery for its fourth year – an extravaganza of automotive excellence and captivating allure, to admire the country’s finest, rarest rides and gleaming top marques.
Representing more than a century of automative design and craftsmanship, around 100 pristine, buffed-to-the-gods Ferraris, Maseratis, Aston Martins, Porsches, ‘red Lambs’ and other beauties such as a singular two-tone Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended custom-finished in Silver and Midnight Sapphire to reflect Noosa’s coastline. All converged in front of fancy restaurants and cafés, high-end boutiques and antique jewellers on the closed-off street stretching into The Woods beside the Noosa River.
The extended world-class event has undoubtedly evolved into one of the most sophisticated motoring events in the Southern Hemisphere. For owners and collectors alike, who are as keen to have their cars on-show, as fans are to see them, it is much-anticipated. Submissions far outnumber available places, organisers whittle the selection down, and each vehicle included in the official Concours display has been carefully selected for elegance, rarity, and historical significance.
The event kicked off on Saturday morning with a car procession. Crowds jostled for pole position along the route to Hastings Street. Once all had glided into their designated spots, it was time for some serious car-gazing, spectators beelining it to their favourites, reading up on their history, taking pics, chatting with owners and some even lucked it to pose in driver’s seats.
Amongst the official Concours display of 50 rare and historically significant vehicles there was much adoration for
a 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, a McLaren P1, a teal 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible; a 1987 Porsche 959; and a wedge-shaped 1987 Ferrari Testarossa.
Honouring the legacy of legendary three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, his grandson, Sam Brabham had driven the 1967 Repco Brabham BT23 to the dedicated display of historic Brabham racing cars. It coincided with the 60th anniversary of Brabham’s historic 1966 Formula One World Championship victory, where he became the only driver in history to win both the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships.
The inaugural 10-car Supercar Circle displaying modern hypercars and performance brand icons was a magnet for the younger generation, specifically a canary-yellow 2005 Pagani Zonda S, the only one in Australia, and a speculated value of AUD 25 million. Enough to make you sigh!
Everyone seemed besotted by the latest from Bentley, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and more. Similarly admired was a no-expense-spared, restored 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage in bespoke Mink colour. It was ‘fresh’ from unveiling in an exclusive event and given a star position, while Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer, a huge fan of the event and a serious collector with at least a thousand cars, had his own area with
a five-car display.
Complementing Noosa Concours, luxury side quests were de rigueur with an exclusive tantalising and tasty program. Pommery champagne Masterclasses, long Italian lunches, premium wine dinners and a high-end fashion runway show were popular. Part of the official program, also reinforcing the event’s strong community focus, was the Travis Schultz & Partners’ annual decadent luncheon and charity auction raising much needed funds for SunnyKids, held this year in a lavish marquee in The Woods.
“The 2026 event created a truly memorable experience for everyone who came to Hastings Street for the weekend, whether passionate collectors, automotive enthusiasts, locals or visitors,” said Event Director Alesha Gooderham.
“Enthusiasm and support this year has been extraordinary, and we’re already planning an even more ambitious and memorable celebration returns for year five on 17 July 2027.”
For event information visit www.noosaconcours.com.au
