Spring Racing Carnival: Four cars to show up in style

Champagne and Spring Racing go together like Moët and caviar, so what better way tospend your day at the track than with a bubbly lunch in the Nursery. But it is November in Victoria, so the number of people wanting to sit on the damp ground will be few – at least at the start of the day.

It’s at this point where the type of car you drive to you picnic becomes as important as the basket you pack your food in - especially if you’re there to be seen. We picked a few cars on sale in Australia that’ll be the perfect steed for your drive-in date to the Spring Racing Carnival.

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE

First and foremost is Rolls-Royce’s speedboat-like Phantom Drophead Coupe, which will set you back a cool $1,075,000... or more, depending on how many options you throw at it.

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The number one reason this car makes the list is because of its split-tailgate, or “picnic boot” as labelled by Rolls-Royce. It offers space for a hamper and can turn into a seat for two people – no need to pack a couple of folding chairs.

As a bespoke car that can be customised to suit your tastes, you can also option a built in coolbox and drinks cabinet, because according to Rolls-Royce this car is “as much about entertaining as it is about driving”.

BENTLEY BENTAYGA

Next in line comes the Bentley Bentayga. This ultra-luxe SUV is the supreme ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mode of transport. Not only has it earned the title of ‘world’s fastest and most expensive SUV’, but it also comes with a bunch of extra accessories and features that make it the perfect choice for your ‘Made in Chelsea’ day at the Cup.

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On top of the $423,600 price tag, you can opt to include a $250,000 Breitling clock for the dashboard – bargain buying, compared to the megadollar Rolls.

But the accessories that’ll really come in handy on race day include waterproof wool-mix quilted seat covers (which we assume would also be champagne-resistant), a Bentley-branded cooler bag and portable fridge to keep those snacks and drinks cold, and, of course, the Linley Hamper by Mulliner accessory which includes a Bulga exterior with six different interior trims, embroided name or logo, and a tray docking mechanism to stop it moving around. Posh and practical.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

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Not only does this tough adventuring car have plenty of space in the boot to carry all the things you’re going to need for race day - marquee, umbrella, seats, a few eskies of food and drink, a folding table and the rest - but it offers a split tailgate which can double up as a loading bench for serving the goods. Add to that the badge on the front, and you’ll fit right in to the flock.

RANGE ROVER SVAUTOBIOGRAPHY LONG WHEEL BASE

If you thought the Land Rover Discovery was cool, why not climb a little higher and drive the car of Royalty. Literally.

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The Range Rover Autobiography is the transportation of choice for the British Royal Family and only costs around $200,000. Yeah, it’s got the split tailgate we’ve mentioned a few times now (and which is at the perfect height for plonking your posterior), but this choice is all about getting there in style.

With the Rear Executive Class seating offering the ultimate in comfort for the two rear-seat passengers, your friends can make the most of the massage seats and power recline when the day at the races becomes all too much and you just want to chill out and watch a movie on the rear seat entertainment screens. For the record, you can also option an umbrella holder, electric cool bag, deployable tables for the back seats, and tailgate event seating which offers two seats that connect to the boot!