Start your engines for MotorFest
6th Mar 2011 11:59 PM
A RESTORED 1954 Lancia Aurelia is one of 750 vehicles you can expect to see at RACQ MotorFest 2011, Queensland's largest showcase of vintage, veteran, classic and special interest vehicles.
Registrations are now open for the annual event, with an early bird discounted rate of $15 available until 9 May.
Proud owner of the Lancia Aurelia, Richard Egglesfield, was one of the first motoring enthusiasts to register his vehicle, which is among only 20 Aurelias on Australian roads and six in Queensland.
The gleaming beauty poised for display at MotorFest is a far cry from the "bucket of bolts" Mr Eggleston bought a decade ago.
"It was a rusty pile of bits and pieces," he said.
It took the secretary of Brisbane's Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club six and a half painstaking years to restore the classic Italian coupe back to its former glory.
Many would question his decision to buy a bucket of bolts but, according to Richard, there was simply no other car like it.
"Lancias were engineering perfection – a car made by engineers for lovers of real cars," he said.
The Aurelia is one of two Lancias that Mr Egglesfield owns and he's proud to be bringing it to RACQ MotorFest this year, which is being held on July 17.
"It's a great opportunity to not only show your pride and joy, but to catch up with old friends," he said.
"Last year, I caught up with a friend from the Mini Club at MotorFest who I hadn't seen in about 30 years.
"There is a buzz around the festival and it's just a great day."
Admission to MotorFest is by gold coin, with all proceeds going to the RACQ Helicopter Rescue Network.
Vehicle registration for MotorFest 2011 will be processed on a first come, first served basis with registrations limited to 800 to ensure all vehicles are showcased to their best advantage.
Early bird registration runs until May 9, 2011 at the discounted rate of $15 (inc. GST) per vehicle. Full registration costs $25 (inc. GST) per vehicle and runs from May10 until June 17.
Registrations will not be accepted after June 17 or on the day.
To register your vehicle online or to download your copy of the registration form visit RACQ.com.au/motorfest.
For a registration form or more information, call 38728696 or email events@racq.com.au.
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