1961 Cadiallac
When the Motors & Masterpieces festival opens on November 22nd at the Melbourne Showgrounds, there will be something for everyone who loves big American iron, with the California Dreaming category being one of ten distinct themes at the event.
The classic Mamas & Papas hit song of 1965, “California Dreamin’”, sets the stage for the class – a longing for the warmth and sunshine of California set against a backdrop of dreariness.
It’s this longing and desire for a different lifestyle that drove post-war American society on.
In an automotive sense, the designs of the era were big, bold and brash.
1959 Lincoln Continental
When it comes to Motors & Masterpieces, picture yourself driving down Route 66 to Santa Monica, turning right and heading up the coast to Monterey.
The machinery of the era was epic and perfect for letting rip on the wide-open road, with manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, Plymouth, Pontiac, Dodge, Chrysler and more selling the dream of freedom.
From the 1950s, all-time classics emerged in the Chevrolet Corvette, the USA’s first true sports car, the Ford Thunderbird, where style met luxury, and the Cadillac Eldorado, a truly advanced model for its day.
Chrome became the standard, as models such as the Chevrolet Bel Air and Plymouth Fury sprouted massive tailfins.
Into the 1960s, the Pony Car Wars kicked off in earnest.
1970 Buick
The Ford Mustang became an overnight legend, but the competition was always in the game – think of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger and Pontiac GTO.
The breed continued to evolve into the 1970s, led by the second-generation Camaro, the Dodge Challenger, the Ford Torino and the Pontiac Firebird.
These examples merely scratch the surface of what is possible at Motors & Masterpieces in the California Dreaming division.
Enter Motors & Masterpieces Today!
Entries are currently open for the inaugural Motors & Masterpieces, both in the Concours section and for general display. Click here to find out more.
For a complete list of the classes that will be on display at Motors & Masterpieces, please click here.
The selection covers many of the important cultural movements involving man and machine from across the world, with your pride and joy set to have a home amongst similar machinery, for thousands of visitors to enjoy.
Additionally, event organisers are taking expressions of interest for a range of activities within the festival, from Car Club displays to trade and exhibitor stands and commercial partners, while entries are also open for the Art and Photography Competition.
Get in touch if you would like to know more.