The inaugural Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance took place in March 2019 at Lindesay, a National Trust Property in Darling Point, built in the Italian Gothic Revival style in 1834. Highlights featured the first Bentley ever to run at Le Mans in 1923; the 1933 Mille Miglia-winning MG K3 of George Eyston and Count Johnny Lurani, later driven by Tazio Nuvolari; the international debut of 1953 Jaguar XK120 re-interpretation by Justin Hills, of which the Head of Jaguar Design said, “Sir William Lyons would have approved, I am sure”, and the southern hemisphere launch of the 2019 Ferrari Monza SP1. The event was a finalist at the International Historic Motoring Awards in London in October 2019.
In March 2020 the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance moved from Lindesay across the road to the larger Swifts, built in 1875 with its glorious Victorian period lawns and gardens. Highlights amidst this setting of incomparable grandeur included rarities such as the 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost London to Edinburgh Continental; the ex-Dorothy Paget 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon; 1950 Bristol 402; 1954 Muntz Jet; 1964 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso; an amazing 1987 Porsche 959; and no less than three important pre-war Lagondas. Swifts was again our home in 2021 when we were a finalist in the Concours Event of the Year category at the Historic Motoring Awards.
The Sydney Harbour Concours was once again a finalist at the 2022 Concours Event of the Year when the event moved to the UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of contemporary Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks. This extraordinary testament to the living legacy of colonial Australia was again the home for the Southern Hemisphere’s leading concours d’elegance in March 2023.
In 2024, the Sydney Harbour Concours crossed Sydney Harbour to host the Island Edition on UNESCO World Heritage site Cockatoo Island.
Anglo-Italian James Nicholls is a broadcaster, writer and photographer living in Sydney, Australia.
James’ stories appear in many magazines around the world, including Motorsport, Octane, Auto Addicts, Robb Report, The Spectator, Retromotive and Magneto, for which he is the Australian Editor. As writer, presenter, and executive producer of the successful TV show “Car Chronicles” on Discovery Turbo, he is currently working on another programme coming to our screens in the near future.
James is the founder and curator of the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance. He has also been a member of the Jury at Chantilly Arts and Elegance in France, the Zoute GP in Belgium, the 21 Gun Salute in Delhi and the official Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concorso d’Eleganza at Maranello in Italy. He has also, amongst other engagements, been a guest speaker at the Dubai International Motor Show.
As well as being an International Ambassador for the Bernina-Gran Turismo Hill Climb in Switzerland, James is also a Delegate for the Riva Historical Society with classic boats another one of his passions.
Alessandra Giorgetti was born in Milan on June 24, 1973—the same date Alfa Romeo was founded, marking a destined connection with automotive history.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in vintage car culture through their spare parts business, AFRA, established in 1946, Alessandra’s passion for cars began early.
Alessandra has served as Vice President of the Registro Internazionale Touring Superleggera and contributed significantly to the renowned Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este since 1999. She also served on the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (RIAR) board from 2006 to 2017 and organised the “RealAlfa” Concours, celebrating originality and preservation in Alfa Romeo cars.
An esteemed figure in the automotive community, Alessandra has judged at numerous prestigious events, including the 21 Gun Salute Concours in India, Salon Privé, and Zoute Grand Prix. She holds titles such as President of the Jury for the Sydney Harbour Concours in Australia and the Concours d’Elegance Swiss.
Her dedication to automotive history and excellence makes her a distinguished leader in the field.
