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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I went there in the 250SE, but I wasn’t sure if you had to register before, so I didn’t display the car.   The original event clearly did better than the organizers had hoped for as the small parking lot where it was held was soon overflowing.    I only had a short time available, but I was able to snap some of the photos that you see there.

Some of the cars that were on display at this event are now favorites to be seen at subsequent events.   This includes the dark blue Pagoda, the red 190SL and the Adenauer.   Compare these photos to the last time I was able to attend – in 2018.   That year was so big it completely filled Gough Whitlam park.   I would imagine the event will need to move to a larger space at some point.

The event continues this year on the 25th of October. Due to being late in the calendar is unlikely to be impacted by COVID-19.   For more information on the 2020 event, please see this link.    I will likely be displaying the 250SE.    I am pretty confident that the 2020 event will easily surpass the 2012 Sydney German Auto-Fest.

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