While both events are open to anybody, Machines & Macchiatos seems to attract more of the Aussie/JDM crowd.   I’ve not been for two years  – the last one I attended was in March of 2023.

It had rained a fair bit overnight, and there were dark clouds in the sky.   Turn out this month was much smaller than when I have been there previously – probably to do with the weather.   Even with a smaller turn out it was worth a quick look.

I took my 1977 450SLC and was the only Mercedes on display.   Probably my favorite car was an early three door Range Rover.   I’m not really a SUV fan but it was such a time warp car.

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I’m not sure if the heat had something to do with it, but the numbers were down quite a bit from previous events.   There are two main parking areas that are used, and previously both have been pretty full.   This time there were only a handful of cars in the second one.

It was interesting to contrast the 280SL Pagoda with a Series 2 E-Type OTS.   The production years almost fully overlap between the 280SL and the Series 2.   While the Series 2 is not considered to be the most desirable E-Type, the 280SL is thought by most to be the most desirable Pagoda.   I actually prefer to the earlier cars, but am in the minority.

At least at the time I was buying my E-Type, a Pagoda would have been another option.   And given I’ve always been into Classic Mercedes a good one.   I probably could have purchased a nice left hand drive Pagoda for the same price too.    I did think about it, as well as Porsche 356.

In the end I went with the Series 1 E-Type because I think its the better classic.   The Pagoda is much better made, and probably more reliable and a better choice for regular use.    However, the Jaguar is more advanced, with the DOHC six and proper independent rear suspension.   It’s far more powerful and has a better manual gearbox.   They are both fairly cramped for me.   The Pagoda also drives a lot like its bigger brother, the W111 coupe, which I prefer.   The E-type is sportier and a better contrast with the other cars I own.    Plus, only the very early USA models were not spoiled by horrible side marker lights and other USA mandated nonsense.   Having said all that, they are both great cars and I would have been happy with both.

I really liked the colour of both cars.   The 280SL Pagoda had a lovely contrast with the body and the hard top, although strictly speaking the hubcaps should be the same colour as the hard top. The red interior is superb.    The E-Type looked great in that deep red with the black interior.

While the numbers were down, there were a fair number of interesting cars on display, particularly classic Holdens and American cars.

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It was a beautiful spring day, rare for 2022.   Despite that, the turnout was lower than last time.   Perhaps other car shows on this weekend.    I was parked next to a very nice Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.   I think I overheard the owner telling somebody it was a 1975 model.

It’s an interesting contrast, as both are luxury cars, but the manufacturers approached the problem in very different ways.   The DS was obviously a much cheaper car when new, although not anymore.    The Rolls Royce even used a simplified version of the Citroen hydraulics under licence.     Even though the Silver Shadow is a newer car, it was still using the older version of the Hydraulic system until it went out of production in 1980.   It would take the introduction of the Silver Spirit to move to the LHM system.

There was a good variety of cars on display as usual.   There was even one of the late De Tomaso Panteras that managed to break down while driving in.   Luckily the owner was able to get it going again.   At least breaking down at a car show there are plenty of people around to help!

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The new location is great.  There is plenty of room and all the cars park on tarmac.   I took my 280SE and it was the only W116 on display.   Mercedes were fairly light this month with three W126s and a couple of modern cars.

Machines & Macchiatos is a bit different from the other two cars and coffee events I attend in that it aims to raise money for charity.   They do a good job.   Its not as big as the St Ives event but it has more variety than the eastern suburbs meet.

The highlight of the whole show for me was the Ferrari F40.   It’s such an iconic car.  I remember when it was still current and saving up the $50 for the 1:18 scale model when I was in school.   Back then $50 was a lot and it took months before I was able to buy the Ferrari F40.   I still have it.    This car and the 300SL Gullwing were always my two favorites.

There were also a few nice French cars on display, probably because of the cancelled All French Day.

After the event I went for lunch in Cabramatta with the family and the 280SE rolled over 222,222km.   Of course, since there is a big gap in the service history the actual mileage is probably higher.   I don’t think its a high mileage car, but it is probably higher than indicated.

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I had originally planned to take the Citroen DS to this event, or if not that, my Jaguar.   In the end I took my 560SEC.   I had a very busy week at work so didn’t have time to have the rebuilt brake accumulator fitted.   With the iffy weather, I also decided to leave the E-Type at home.  It was the first event with the new AMG Aero I wheels, which look great – even if a bit muddy from the rain.

The Mercedes Club had an official event within an event at the show, so there was a nice lineup of Mercedes cars.   I wasn’t part of this as I wasn’t originally planning on bringing a Mercedes, or even 100% sure I would come.   It was good to see some of the members and their cars at the event.     Probably the most common cars there were American cars – in particular Mustangs.   There were also a few nice full size American luxury cars like an Imperial and a Lincoln Continental.  I must be odd as I was more excited about seeing an original condition Landcrab than the McLaren that was on display.

This is a pretty good event.  I was home by 9am and it was easy to get in and out.   I would certainly attend again if i’m free on a Sunday morning.

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