with Stephen Gummerson

The Clarendon Classic is run each year on the third weekend in September , and seems to be getting bigger . Whilst you normally hear a jet engine or two from the RAAF base opposite Clarendon Station , the showground was buzzing and roaring with nearly 1,000 trucks , and a huge collection of running stationary engines , tractors , tracked military vehicles , and even a 5-cylinder radial aircraft engine from the 1930s .

The beautiful restored green and black radial was brought down from Queensland by a collector who brings a different aeroplane engine each year .

This annual machinery , model , and unique vehicle show had plenty of shiny classic motorbikes , Chryslers and other

cars , and models that families came to see . Rally Co-ordinator , Steve Muscat , said it was not just the clear weather which made the event a great weekend , but the hundreds of volunteers and exhibitors who brought their trucks or machinery to display .

The Kenworth Klassic is part of the Clarendon Classic experience and that alone brought 700 owners of Kenworth with their trucks from across Australia . Many people came from outside the Hawkesbury to descend on Clarendon . Six visitors came from New Zealand to see the collection of rare old tractors , such as the exceptionally rare 1904 Ivel , along with other makes like Hart Parr , Massey Harris , Chamberlain and Ferguson .

Although the event is hosted and co-ordinated by the Sydney Antique

Machinery Club Inc , the fact that they welcome so many other clubs who want to bring their running vintage engines and vehicles to the rally really makes the event so memorable .

Most antique engines are single cylinder farm engines , preserving the farming history for generations to see in future , with some run with wood burning steam power , and others with kerosene , petrol , or diesel .

The biggest is Tiny . It ’ s not a 5litre V8 but a huge 8-cylinder Blackstone diesel engine at a 106 litre capacity . There were all manner of engines running throughout the weekend , even down to tiny model metal miniature steam engines , and static displays of cream separators , kerosene lamps , and a lineup of midget racing cars .

The display of fire engines has its loyal followers , as does those who preserve and restore military vehicles , with several army tanks and ‘ half-tracks ’ playing in the huge sand pit in the showground where tractor pull competitions were held . No one really knows or cares who wins , the fact that all these classic machines are still saved , cared for , and running preserves a history that is worth the visit .

Over 6,000 people thought it was worth the trip . If you have some classic gadgets or machinery you don ’ t know what to do with , there will probably be some collector somewhere willing to rescue it from you .

New members are always welcome , and if you want to donate visit the website www . SydneyAntiqueMachineryClub . com .