Targa Classica pins Surf Coast for 2024

A FOUR-DAY car festival will roll through Torquay from tomorrow afternoon with cars of all makes and models providing residents with an opportunity to get up close with hundreds of classical car.

The Targa Classica, featuring over 300 cars, will pass through the Surf Coast on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21, as part of its 1,200km route from Creswick to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road.

Targa Classica manager James Lawson said the Targa Classica has yet to explore the South West region and Great Ocean Road, providing a unique opportunity for its participants to enjoy the unrivalled views of one of the country’s great attractions.

“Our family business took over this event in 2019, so we’ve run it since then, rebranding it as Targa Classica at the start of 2022 and replicated it similarly to the classic irregularity events in Italy which has over 100 years of history backing it,” Mr Lawson said.

“What started as a speed event in history has since turned as a regularity event, and rather than speed, it’s now a precision event.

“This is the sixth year we have held this event, but it is the first time we get to explore the Great Ocean Road which is really exciting.

“We like to showcase the regional towns around Victoria and we like that community feel that can come with an event like this with residents lining the streets, similar to the Italian events – but with an Australian twist.

The participants will be conducting a pair of slow time trials at Spring Creek Reserve over both days for residents to watch (Wednesday 3pm to 5pm and Thursday 8.30am to 10.30am).

The Targa Classica will also conduct a car display between 1.30pm and 3pm at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie in Anglesea on Wednesday and a drive-through of Torquay’s Bell Street/The Esplanade between 3pm to 5pm

that afternoon.

“We absolutely encourage everyone on the Surf Coast to head down to these events whenever they can,” Mr Lawson said.

“Participants will also be staying at The Sands Torquay on the Wednesday night, who have been great to us.

“We’re really excited to see how this year’s event goes.”

For the full rundown of local events from this year’s Targa Classica, click HERE.