Top 5 Greatest Moments of 2023

The year of 2023 has been one filled with many more highs than lows. Here at Hillside Auto, throughout the past year we have experienced some incredible opportunities, leading to unmatched memories. In this feature, we take a look back at some of our favourite moments of the year of '23.

Number 5 - Experiencing the Adelaide Hills in a McLaren 12C, 911 Lightweight and 911 Targa

To kick off 2023, a photoshoot had been organised for a group of three friends, all with fantastic cars. After an initial scouting session, a location nestled in the picturesque township of Stirling in the Adelaide Hills was selected. A warm, overcast morning greeted the cars as they rolled into the location, their engine hums overlapping the chirping of birds throughout the valley. After directing the cars into the preferred positions, I was let loose to capture the subjects in all their beauty. While all three vehicles were special in their own right, my eyes were instantly drawn to the beautiful McLaren 12C; its layered cherry red paint accentuated by the soft sunlight. In an opportunity to photograph the interior of the 12C, I approached the door in what was thought would be a simple task to open it. How wrong was I? Very. After a twenty minute period of dabbling the spot where the door latch should be, a YouTube tutorial was necessary to gain access to the cockpit. In a somewhat humourous way, the hand must glide under a panel, which allows for the wide butterfly doors to be extended. Onto the next location, I found myself riding shotgun in the 12C, after an embarrassing struggle to get over the high doorsill. The Adelaide Hills came alive with the sound of power, as the 12C propelled itself forwards. The twin turbo V8 engine, producing over 600 horsepower packs a punch, and pushed me back in the seat as a grin emerged on my face. The next location had the cars lined up in formation, with long shadows contrasting a soft light. After more content production, it was time to wrap things up - however the experience had only just began. Next up, I took to the passenger seat of the immaculate 911 Targa. Taking the scenic route, we weaved throughout the winding roads deep into the Adelaide Hills. With the roof down, an hour in the 911 Targa is the greatest way to experience the Adelaide Hills, and is sure to result in a lifetime memory. 

Number 4 - Club Hillside Spring Gathering

Another of my favourite moments of this year has to be our second gathering. While we did organise the inaugural Club Hillside back in February, our second Spring event was the most significant. With a large variety of exotics and luxury cars, Club Hillside v.2 was the perfect environment for owners to meet likeminded individuals in an exclusive yet welcoming atmosphere. With everything from the all new Lotus Emira, to an iconic Porsche RWB, the event was diverse and enjoyed by all. After the event, one of the attendees and I had organised a private shoot, with the Aston Martin Vantage being the star subject. 

Number 3 - Track Day at The Bend Motorsport Park

In early October, I was given the tremendous opportunity to accompany a client to one of his track days at The Bend Motorsport Park. On this occasion, he was to take his both his McLaren and his absolutely bonkers three-rotor time attack Mazda RX-7. While temperatures were high, the car still ran well and had no problems. For the first of the half day, I had been acting as the garage photographer, documenting the day's incredible events. However, after several hours I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to ride passenger with the owner in the mind-boggling RX-7. While I had imagined this to be astounding, what occurred was more than I could ever comprehend. After being buckled in extremely tight, the deafening engine erupted into life, blocking out the many other noises present at the track. Now it was getting serious. As we trundled through the pitlane, I grew increasingly ecstatic. There it was. The pit exit. Onto the straight and into the first corner. Wow, that grip! The car propelled itself forwards, the squeal of the sequential paddle shift gearbox battling the ferocious scream of the engine. Three laps and we were back into pit lane. What an experience. My hands shook as I struggled to get water down my throat, all the while grinning from ear to ear. 

Number 2 - Covering the 2023 Adelaide Motorsport Festival

The announcement that the return of the Adelaide Motorsport Festival was to be in 2023 sparked excitement and international interest, with star cars and drivers from all around the world featuring in various categories and demonstrations. Luckily enough, I had the privilege of working closely with the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, both in the leadup and during the event. Some of my favourite moments within the weekend include the East End Street Party, in which a ludicrous display of historic Formula One cars and thoroughbred racers took to the streets of Adelaide, with crowds in their thousands lining the streets. The atmosphere was electric, with a party vibe coinciding with the ferocious power of motoring. The Festival brought in some massive names, with most of which I was able to chat with. From ex-Formula One star Stefan Johansson, to Supercars legend Craig Lowndes and even current Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas, the AMF was full of interesting people. On track, categories included historic F1, GT style, demonstrations of the latest supercars and much more. It was a great experience to get involved with the running of the event and I am counting down the days until the 2024 Adelaide Motorsport Festival!

Number 1 - Shooting an Aston Martin DB6 at a Historic Manor

Coming in at number one is the greatest and most momentous photoshoot we have ever had the privilege of conducting. There is no better combination than that of the gorgeous and iconic Aston Martin DB6 with one of Adelaide's most historic houses as the setting. While weather conditions were blisteringly warm, the lighting was immaculate, with a soft glow piercing through the leafy trees surrounding the manor house. The scene could have been straight out of a movie, and it felt unreal as the timeless curves of the DB6 were accentuated by the Federation style building. As the evening grew on, the shoot became even more fantastic, and I found myself in disbelief of the spectacle. The model we had the pleasure of featuring was the DB6 Vantage MK II, with the particular specification being extremely rare due to the factory manual transmission and coming off the production line in right hand drive. Succeeding the photoshoot, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime - a golden hour cruise through the CBD and surrounds. With no air conditioning and 30 degree temperatures even with the sun going down, the ride was somewhat stifling, however this was disregarded when the spectacle was realised. The greatest moment of 2023.