Another year, another perfect illustration of what makes Melbourne one of the best places in the world to live - its massive diversity of cars. Whether it be the latest offering from Lamborghini or Ferrari (the Huracán Performante and the 812 Superfast), or be it the gorgeous 1960's Lamborghini Miura, Melbourne really does have it all. Although strict laws prevent us having the likes of McLaren P1s, Koenigsegg One:1s and other hypercars driving down Chapel Street, Melbourne truly is up there with the spotting havens of London, Zurich, and maybe even Monaco (ok, maybe not quite!).
Today, we have a look at the highlights from 2017; the spots that best illustrate why Melbourne is one of the best motoring cities in the world.
Today, we have a look at the highlights from 2017; the spots that best illustrate why Melbourne is one of the best motoring cities in the world.
Out of the 600 posts MCS made in 2017, choosing which spots to include was a near impossible task this past week; the list could have been as long as the Ferrari 360 limo with the amount of brilliant spots we received over the year. So, we hope that the following 26 spots (in no particular order) illustrate the diversity and depth of the cars that we are lucky to have here in Melbourne.
There is a poll at the end of this article, too: cast your vote for your favourite spot of the year - the winner will be reposted in early January! The poll will be closed at 5pm on Saturday the 13th of Jan.
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What is it: Lamborghini Huracán Performante & Ferrari 488 GTB
When it was spotted: November Where was it spotted: Kew Who spotted it: Eral A.
Why we love it: Officially our most popular post of all time; this outstanding spot dethroned our previously most-liked photo of a white McLaren 675LT in Balwyn (check it out below) - by almost 700 likes, with over 5,300 and counting. It's not hard to see why: when you've got a driveway consisting of a brand new Blu Vathys Performante and a Rosso Corsa 488, what's not to love?
In terms of aerodynamics, the Performante is unlike any other car on the road. ‘ALA’, or ‘Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva’ is a system of ducts and flaps on the front splitter and rear boot lid, that actively open and close to effectively shape how the air flows over the car. ‘Aero-vectoring’ on the rear wing means that the car can also increase or reduce the downforce generated in specific parts of the wing via little holes on the wing’s underside. All these features helped it secure the (previous) Nurburgring production lap record. |
Performantes are becoming a more common sight in Melbourne of late; we've seen a Nero Noctis (black) one on a flatbed by Nick Carter and then on the road in Sorrento (below) by Connor McMahon, and a Verde Mantis and Arancio Anthaeus examples recently darting around Lamborghini's Richmond dealership. Keep those cameras ready; you won't have long to pull out your phone if you see one!
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What is it: McLaren 675LT
When was it spotted: October Where was it spotted: Balwyn Who spotted it: Thomas Kouts Why we love it: Was at one point a ‘like’ record holder, and for good reason. The 675 is a very special car from any angle, particularly this rear view. Although white is a relatively ‘standard’ colour for the LT, it works exceptionally well here. We can’t go past that massive active rear wing, that flips up under heavy braking, and the best fitting number plate on any car in Victoria. Other spots: |
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What is it: TWO Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGs and a Ferrari 458 Italia.
When was it spotted: January Where was it spotted: Sorrento Who spotted it: Mitchell Crawford Why we love it: One of our most popular posts to date. It’s not hard to see why; the framing of the picture to capture all three cars was done perfectly, and the subjects themselves are a rare breed. Seeing one SLS on the streets is an occasion, but two at the same time alongside a Nero 458 is remarkable. The closer SLS is of course the 'gull-wing' coupe version, whereas the further silver one is the convertible version.
Pictured left, the same 458 now with Speciale wheels, and right, the SLS at Dutton Garage in Burnley
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What is it: 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports
When was it spotted: August Where was it spotted: Toorak Village Who spotted it: anonymous Why we love it: A very polarising car, the Supersports is the most hardcore road car that Bentley has produced to date. Stepping up the normal Continental into full beastmode, the imposing gloss-black front grille would be an unnerving sight in the rear-view mirror of a Volkswagen Up. It might not have the grace of an equivalent Italian, but it certainly has the performance and the presence to match. This photo was taken within the first fortnight of the SS arriving in Melbourne, when it was the latest and greatest supercar to hit our streets. Other Supersports spots: |
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What is it: McLaren 675LT
When was it spotted: July Where was it spotted: Bunnings Warehouse Who spotted it: Nick Faf Why we love it: Buy this man a snag! There’s nothing we love more than seeing supercars being used; particularly when said supercar’s value is approaching $800k. We presume that the owner probably wasn’t after 6m of 4x2 timber, but who said modern supercars aren’t practical? The heritage plate ‘27’ tops off the look very nicely. Other spots: |
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What is it: Lamborghini Diablo SV-R
When was it spotted: August Where was it spotted: On the road! Who spotted it: Paul Mancev Why we love it: ‘Racecar for the road’ is possibly the most over-used cliché in the motoring industry today, but nothing is more true to this statement than an actual racecar on the road. The SV-R was unveiled in 1996, and is a purebred track beast. That means no cruise control, no FM radio, no (effective) aircon, and certainly no reverse parking sensors! Likely just out for a quick spin around the block, it was a truly unique sight to see out on the road. We'd be surprised if it was ever spotted again... Other spots: |
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What is it: Lamborghini Miura
When was it spotted: November Where was it spotted: Torquay Who spotted it: Luke Jose Why we love it: One of the most beautiful cars spotted to date, in the perfect spring weather at Torquay. The Miura is without a doubt one of the most highly sought-after classic (if not, ALL) cars; how could you not appreciate those flowing lines, wide body, and extremely low slung roofline that you could probably drive under a carpark boomgate? Nothing says 60's more than that combination. If you haven't seen the opening of The Italian Job (1969 version), we'd highly recommend it. Check it out below. |
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What is it: Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
When was it spotted: December Where was it spotted: Richmond Who spotted it: Luke Bell Why we love it: Ultra-rare hypercar. Need we say more? This one only just arrived a couple of weeks ago, and is one of four LaFerraris that have been spotted in Melbourne to date. See below for Melbourne's own Nero LaFerrari Coupe. Obviously the Aperta is the rarest of the rare, so fingers crossed that it stays in Melbourne, and makes the odd appearance at Ferrari Club Australia events and drive days. Other LaFerrari Aperta spots: |
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What is it: Porsche 911 991.2 GT3
When was it spotted: November Where was it spotted: Sandown racecourse Who spotted it: James Noble Why we love it: Another great spot during November was a brand new Porsche 911 991.2 GT3 - the only one that had been spotted in Melbourne to date. It was seen at Sandown racecourse for the Sandown Historics meet, and boy does it look good in silver. Controversially, this new iteration of the 'standard' GT3 competes with not only the outgoing 991.1 GT3RS in terms of performance (due to having essentially the same engine and gearbox), but in its manual guise it's essentially a 911R; a car that was supposed to be an exclusive sending off of the manual gearbox. We'd imagine that 911R owners weren't too pleased when they saw that the standard GT3, about a third of the price of an R, is essentially the same vehicle. Controversy aside, the 991.2 has had some minor visual tweaks, and of course comes in manual and PDK, with a 4.0L flat-six, putting out a whopping 368kW/500bhp. We've since seen the influx of other 991.2 GT3s in Melbourne, including a Yellow, Red, and a White example. No doubt we'll be seeing plenty in 2018. |
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What is it: Mercedes-Benz X-Class
When was it spotted: February Where was it spotted: Tullamarine Who spotted it: Scott Atkinson Why we love it: One of the more diverse offerings from Mercedes, the X-Class is the all new ute out of Germany. This particular one was a pre-production prototype, in the launch green colour. The X-Class is certainly quite the looker, and will surely have the likes of Volkswagen (Amarok) on edge. Whether they take off in popularity with the tradies of Australia remains to be seen, but every time we’ve posted one they have drawn enormous attention. Later this year in November we posted the first of the production X-Classes to arrive in Melbourne – expect there to be plenty on the roads in 2018, and maybe even an AMG version… Other spot: 
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What is it: Holden Effigy Concept
When was it spotted: October Where was it spotted: On its way to Motorclassica Who spotted it: Nathan Stirling Why we love it: Here’s one we certainly don’t expect to see again any time soon; the Holden Effigy is a concept devised by Holden in 2005, designed to mimic the sweeping lines of cars from the 1950’s, but with a modern interior and mechanicals. Only one was produced, making it a true unicorn in Melbourne. It’s just a shame that Holden decided not to put it into production… |
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What is it: Porsche 918 Spyder
When was it spotted: August Where was it spotted: Melbourne Airport Who spotted it: anonymous Why we love it: Another one of the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’, Melbourne has been fortunate enough to have been graced with a couple of 918 Spyders over the past year. This Acid Green example was spotted being unloaded from a transport plane at the airport. The other 918, a Liquid Metal Silver example, now lives in Adelaide and is occasionally spotted skulking around Porsche Centre Melbourne during services. Those no-nonsense German lines, aggressive knife-like rear wing, and exhausts on the top of the car certainly make the 918 on of the most impressive cars we could hope for here. The Weissach Package on this one remarkably increases performance of the 918, by reducing weight with magnesium alloy wheels, lighter brakes, and titanium chassis bolts. It also replaces the traditional paint with a thin film coating, reducing weight even futher. Two famous liveries are available, too: the Martini Racing and the Salzburg design; the latter of which having made an appearance Down Under in 2015. 0-100km/h happens in 2.5 seconds, which is absolutely mind bending. Other 918 spots: |
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What is it: Aston Martin DB6
When was it spotted: October Where was it spotted: Albert Park Who spotted it: Nathan Stirling Why we love it: This one was sure to please the classic car enthusiasts; is there a more iconic shape than the DB6? Often (incorrectly) assumed to be the James Bond DB5, the DB6 would still have been an equally deserving car to take centre stage on the silver screen. Even with some of the more beautiful supercars spotted in Melbourne today, it really is difficult to compare their beauty with the craftsmanship and sophistication that this DB6 exudes. When spotting one on the street, it is instantly obvious to both car enthusiasts and not that this is a vehicle from another era – inciting positive reactions from almost anyone who sees one. Other DB6 spots: |
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What is it: Maserati MC12
When was it spotted: August Where was it spotted: in a top-secret shed Who spotted it: anonymous Why we love it: The MC12 really wasn’t a car we were expecting to ever see in Melbourne (think: Monaco). Many will agree that it is a car on such a high pedestal that having one here was an equally lofty dream. But here we are, with a few spots submitted of one that now rests in Dutton Garage. No small and nimble car, the MC12 is based on a LeMans GT1 class racecar, and utilises technology well ahead of its time. Maserati specifically chose the lucky 50 owners, and boy were they lucky. Just look at the beauty in those delicate strakes on the front bonnet... Other photos: |
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What is it: Ferrari 812 Superfast
When was it spotted: June Where was it spotted: Melbourne Airport Who spotted it: Wally Helal Why we love it: This 812 was spotted being unloaded at the airport ahead of its Melbourne launch event. Specified in 'Matte Warm Grey', the fact that Melbourne was chosen to launch the car in Australia goes to show that we really are the premier motoring city in the country. Since June, there has been a couple of customer 812s spotted on the street, but we might have to wait until 2018 for the bulk to arrive. As is the custom with Ferraris, the 812 had sold out its Australian allocation within a few days of orders being opened. We think we’ll have one in 'Blu Tour de France' please. A late 2017 Giallo 812 spot: |
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What is it: Mercedes Benz AMG GTR
When was it spotted: January Where was it spotted: Melbourne Airport Who spotted it: Josh Kline Why we love it: Customer Mercedes AMG GTRs have been spotted all throughout the latter half of 2017 in a range of different colours; white, black, Hyacinth Red, and Green Hell Magno. This one pictured is of course the latter, which we think only the GTR could pull off. This car was the first of the GTRs to arrive in Australia, and was of course a press car and still wearing German number plates. The GTR is to the GTS what the SLS Black Series is to the SLS – a more extreme, track focused version. Nothing says this more than having the launch colour named after the legendary Nurburgring circuit itself (known as the ‘Green Hell’); you can read about how Mercedes went about transfusing the circuit into the blood of its latest offering here. Spots of delivered GT Rs: |
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What is it: Ferrari LaFerrari coupe
When was it spotted: June Where was it spotted: South Melbourne Who spotted it: Martin Liu Why we love it: Melbourne's (ex) resident Ferrari LaFerrari was a MCS follower favourite - often seen at various car events, such as the Ferrari Club Australia Annual Concorso D'Eleganza, and the 70th Anniversario Celebrations, it was essentially a photo magnet. Seeing and hearing it rolling onto the Spirit of Tasmania here is great - the owner giving a little sample of that singing V12. To the dismay of car enthusiasts in Melbourne, this LaFerrari had to return to its home in Europe due to strict Victorian legislation. Check out our video from Australia Day, where we get up close and personal with this very car. |
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What is it: Porsche 911R and 911 991.1 GT3RS
When was it spotted: February Where was it spotted: Domain Road, South Yarra Who spotted it: anonymous Why we love it: Knocking off two birds with one stone, this spot juxtaposes Porsche’s two divergent philosophies with its range-topping 911s: one, the 911R, designed as the purest, unadultered 911 to ever be built; and the other, the GT3RS, the most hardcore and tech-filled track-bred 911 there is (sans the GT3 Cup car). Same 4L flat-six engine, one has a manual gearbox and minimal other creature comforts, the other a mesmerising PDK automatic and almost as much aero trickery as an F16 fighter jet (you can read about one we were fortunate to get our hands on in December here). Controversies surrounding the 911R aside, it certainly is a beauty; we have a handful in Melbourne with a range of specifications, from green to red stripes, an all silver one without stripes, and even a PTS Medium Ivory crème one which was here temporarily. |
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What is it: McLaren P1
When was it spotted: March Where was it spotted: On a trailer, Hume Highway Who spotted it: Michael Why we love it: Rounding out the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’, and the rarest of the trio of hypercars in Melbourne, this McLaren P1 is probably the most elusive but desirable car in Victoria – which is remarkable considering that Volcano Yellow is far from understated. Does it ever get onto the road? Does it live on the Peninsula? Is it just a figment of our wishful-thinking imaginations? It certainly is a real car, having been spotted only twice ‘on the road’, and once at Philip Island for a track day (with its Bugatti Veyron housemate). One can only dream what it feels like to stretch the P1’s legs on the main straight at the Island… Other spots: |
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What is it: McLaren 720S
When was it spotted: June Where was it spotted: Malvern Who spotted it: Josh Dudley Why we love it: Speaking of McLarens, here's one that illustrates what spotting is all about - being in the right place at the right time, with a bit of luck! This car pictured was the first 720S to arrive in Australia, and was doing the rounds for prospective buyers. Of course, there are now several 720s McLarens on our roads, and in a variety of colours. It's rumoured that the 720S is actually faster around a circuit than the P1, too; an amazing feat for a useable and easy to drive supercar. Other 720S spots: |
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What is it: Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster
When was it spotted: May Where was it spotted: Melbourne Airport Who spotted it: Brandon Hinneberh Why we love it: What MCS list would be complete without an Aventador? Here we have the range-topping Aventador SV, in roadster form no less. This was when the SVs began entering the country and menacing Melbourne's streets - if you are lucky enough to see one, you'll likely hear that distinctive V12 first! Other spots: |
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What is it: Porsche 911 993 GT2RS
When was it spotted: July Where was it spotted: Dromana Who spotted it: Bill Why we love it: An exceptionally special find back in September: it’s not often that we see this Porsche 993 GT2RS on the road. The post attracted comments ranging from ‘one of the rarest and most phenomenal classics of our time’, ‘a true unicorn’, to simply ‘wow’ - no one could really believe that it resides in Melbourne, including us. We’d say a combination of the curvaceous body shape, the flattering colour choice, desire to kill the driver, and the cult following that the car has all contribute to its popularity today. Fingers crossed that it makes more appearances in 2018… Other spots: |
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What is it: Mercedes Benz McLaren SLR 'Stirling Moss'
When was it spotted: April Where was it spotted: on the road(!), Tullamarine Who spotted it: Will Anderson Why we love it: Again, another spot of pure fate; when Will Anderson was driving along the freeway, he probably didn't expect to come alongside a Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss! Brilliant to see one in motion as opposed to sitting in a museum, the SLR SM is quite a unique car in Melbourne, especially considering that it doesn't have a roof. Without a windshield too, the two occupants probably wish they had a pair of goggles on... The Stirling Moss was built to commemorate Stirling Moss' 1955 Mille Miglia win; the car was only offered to current SLR owners (Lindsay Fox, in this case). Other (warehouse) spots: |
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What is it: Porsche Carrera GT
When was it spotted: January Where was it spotted: EastLink Who spotted it: Jake Gabriele Why we love it: Arguably the most sought after Porsche in Victoria, this is one of two Carrera GTs in Melbourne. We've been following this car with particular interest since first spotting it last year, especially due to its value and allure. Of course, being left-hand drive, registering these cars is difficult - thus, the frequency of spotting them is few and far between. Sports Car International named the CGT the number one on its list of 'Top Sports Cars of the 2000's' beating out the Ferrari Enzo and Ford GT, and number eight 'Top Sports Car of All Time'. Other spots: |
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What is it: 1980 BMW M1
When was it spotted: May Where was it spotted: Lygon Street Who spotted it: Con Pap Why we love it: The BMW M1 is an ultra rare car by anyone's standard. So rare that we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have one in Melbourne. In fact, just one other resides in Australia. It's black in colour and resides over the border in South Australia. This one is understood to have been sourced from Switzerland. Cool fact: the last three digits on its registration, 377, refers to its build number/VIN. Another spot: 
Photo: John Akritidis
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What is it: Lamborghini LM002
When was it spotted: August Where was it spotted: South Yarra Who spotted it: Adam Kapitan Why we love it: Rounding out our list of the best of 2017, we couldn't leave this beast off: the Lamborghini LM002 - the original 'Toorak Tractor' before the Range Rover Sport and the Mercedes G63 AMG. The LM002 was originally destined to be a military vehicle, but it was decided that the Countach V12 was minor overkill. The most unbelievable stat about this car? Fuel consumption sits at an eye-watering 35.7L/100km! Thankfully it has a 290L fuel tank as a result of its military orientation (imagine the cost of filling that thing up). Only 301 were made, making it quite a rare car too, making it more than deserving of its spot here. Other spots: |
editor's choice
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Not necessarily the most popular spot, nor the rarest of car, the Editor's Choice is chosen based on the quality of photo, including the subject car, the setting in which it was captured, and general 'wow' factor. This year, we are pleased to announce that it was this stunning spot by Hudson Pavlou that won the Editor's Choice for 2017.
A cold winter evening provided exquisite, soft lighting for one of the most beautiful subject matters you could hope to find in Melbourne: A Blu Pozzi Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta with a tan interior. Hudson sent in a number of photos, and choosing just one to post was no small task. Although multiple other photos were posted with a more 'beautiful' backdrop (a beach sunset, or a dewey Yarra Valley morning to name a couple), we feel that this photo captures what Melbourne Car Spotters is all about; bringing a love for cars and a love for our city together. Being a weekend spot, it doesn't show the usual hustle and bustle you might expect to find on Exhibition Street. The comment with Hudson's submission was "Is it even legal to have a car this awesome?!?!? Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta on Exhibition Street this afternoon." Additional photos included in the submission: |
