For one weekend, the UNESCO-listed island was transformed into an international showcase for automotive culture, featuring more than 70 vehicles including vintage cars, supercars, hypercars, motorcycles and boats.

Over 50 vehicles competed in the official concours, while more than 2000 visitors arrived by boat to attend the event.

The numbers are significant for an occasion that deliberately cultivates exclusivity, attracting collectors and enthusiasts of luxury lifestyles.

Italians stood out across several categories. The 1972 Maserati Bora received the ASI Award for best Italian car, the RIAR Trophy for best Alfa Romeo went to the 1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring Spider and the Touring Superleggera Award recognised the 1964 Lancia Flaminia GTL.

Lancia also claimed two class victories: the Flaminia Sport Zagato won the Disegno Italiano category, while the 1960 Flaminia GT took first place in the Carrozzeria Touring class.

The international judging panel was led by Italian expert Alessandra Giorgetti, heading a team of specialists from several countries.

More than 50 restored and preserved vehicles were assessed according to criteria combining authenticity, condition and historical significance.

The Best of Show Pre-War award went to the 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with Freestone and Webb coachwork, while the Best of Show Post-War title was awarded to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

Two awards highlighted different approaches to conservation. The Best Restoration prize went to a 1971 Toyota Celica GT, while the Preservation Award was presented to a 1989 Alfa Romeo ES 30 SZ, maintained in its original condition.

The car was exhibited by Italian collector Umberto Galloni, taking part in the Concours d’Élégance for the second time. This year, he transported his SZ from Italy to Sydney, having previously showcased a rare 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C at the event.

Among the themed classes, The Ashes, dedicated to the historic rivalry between British and Australian cars, was won by the 1971 Ford XY Falcon GTHO Phase III.

The Catch My Drift category awarded the 2011 Lexus LFA, while the Generation Alpha class highlighted contemporary performance with the 2023 Ford GT.

The Ladies Choice Award, selected by female attendees, went to the 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT.

The setting remains one of the defining elements of the Concours d’Élégance, as the island’s 19th-century industrial warehouses and harbour docks provided a striking backdrop for the exhibition.

Before the official opening, around 30 vehicles crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in convoy, bringing the spectacle into the centre of the city.

Alongside the display, visitors enjoyed a premium hospitality experience with champagne, fine dining and the presence of luxury brands including Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.

Event founder James Nicholls noted that the concours continues to grow each year, while reinforcing Sydney’s position as host of one of the nation’s leading automotive events.