Targa Classica competitors roll into Melbourne to kick off Grand Prix weekend
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A convoy of 100 modern and classic sporting cars arrive in Melbourne this week – here's where to see them.
Australia's take on the infamous Targa Florio road rally, the 2025 Targa Classica concludes its 2025 event with a display of all competitor vehicles this Thursday March 13 at Melbourne Olympic Park.
The 200-odd competitors, fresh from four days and over 1250km of touring and competition stages will gather for public viewing at Garden Square (behind Rod Laver Arena), at the Melbourne Park Tennis complex, between 3:30 and 7:30pm Thursday afternoon.
The Targa Florio road rally has been run in Sicily since 1906, and in 2017, with the support of the Palermo Car Club, the Targa Florio Australian Tribute was launched. It became the first event to ever carry the famous name outside of Italy.
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Starting from Albury in New South Wales, the seventh-running of the Australian Targa event (the third under the Targa Classica name) has seen competitors travel in and around the Snowy Mountains, then through central Victoria and on to Melbourne.
Numerous time trials, including a course at Winton Raceway near Benalla, are incorporated within the largely touring rally, making it an event suitable for vehicles and drivers of any age or skill level.
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Speaking with Drive, Targa Classica spokesperson James Lawson said "Targa Classica is an event that lends itself to all enthusiasts and open to drivers and vehicles of all levels and experience."
“For the first time, we're heading north into New South Wales, bringing Targa Classica to a new region. It's a chance to experience incredible roads, great hospitality, and the kind of driving adventure that stays with you long after the engine is off.”
Competitor vehicles range in age from a 1927 Bugatti Type 35 B to a 2024 BMW M3 Touring. There are two classes (pre and post 1980) and a range of marques including European stalwarts of MG, Porsche and Jaguar as well as some classic Australian muscle taking part.
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If the idea of spending four days touring some of Australia's most spectacular roads sounds like your kind of a good time, entries are now open for the 2026 Targa Classica event. “If you have a car you love to drive, Targa Classica is the perfect place for you,” said Lawson.
The arrival of the rally fleet kicks off a big weekend for motorsport fans in Melbourne, with the on-track activity for the 2025 Australian F1 Grand Prix at Albert Park set to get started from Thursday March 13.
Stay tuned to Drive for full event schedules across the weekend.
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