2018 Motorclassica OCKA Exhibition

Motorclassica, Australia’s International Concours d’Elegance, presents some of the most beautiful and significant cars this country has to offer. If you’re not familiar with it, the event has been held annually at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building for the past nine years.

From some of the earliest examples of motoring, to the latest machinery from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini and McLaren, there was plenty to see at this year’s show, but something a little different from the norm graced the outdoor display area.

OCKAs make an Impact

As part of Motorclassica, the ‘Club Sandwich’ display, sponsored by Lorbek Luxury Cars and presented in association with the Targa Florio Australian Tribute, sees car clubs of all persuasions present their member’s cars for public appreciation in the grounds surrounding the Royal Exhibition Building.

Normally, this display is made up of owner’s clubs covering well-known marques like Mini, Renault, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, MG and Citroen, but this year the O.C.K.A. club rocked up with a sweet selection of half a dozen early LandCruisers.

Now it must be said that vehicles like this are a rare sight at Motorclassica and this writer can’t recall a group of LandCruisers ever being part of the Club Sandwich display before. As such, they certainly made an impression. Giving these vehicles a closer look over, many of them were well-used – just like a LandCruiser is supposed to be!

Kicking On

O.C.K.A. stands for Old ‘Cruisers Kicking Arse, and it’s the name – and motto – of a club that has been around for a decade.

Nearly all the club vehicles are 40 Series Cruisers, in various configurations (SWB, Troopy, ute) and in varying condition, with a couple of them packing some surprises under the bonnet, too. If their videos are anything to go by (look them up on YouTube), they like getting them out and getting them dirty.

The Victorian High Country is where this crew likes to play and they hold their annual invitational gatherings there each August. Last year’s event saw 60 examples of the 40 Series turn up and take part in a weekend of trail bashing, exploring and just getting together to talk and enjoy Cruisers. A handful of 55 and 60 Series tagged along, too.

This year, numbers were up to 90, with more Cruisers meaning more fun was had in the High Country. If you’re a fan of old 40 Series Cruisers, look up O.C.K.A. online and make sure you check out their videos. These guys aren’t afraid to get some scrapes, dents and dings on their vehicles – and they look like they have a hell of a lot of fun doing it.

Words & Photos: Mike Ryan