Winners are Grinners at Sylvanvale's Pre WWII Vintage Car Show

 Now that we have all had time for the dust to settle after the spectacular Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Car Show I can report that Sunday's extravaganza went off without a hitch.

I must admit that I breathed a sigh of relief when my alarm woke me at 0400am. I took a quick look out my bedroom window to be greeted by a sky full of glittering stars. 

The BIG day had finally arrived, in less than 3 hours our team would be ready to hit the ground running all primed up to start welcoming the 1st Vintage Cars and earlybird spectators that would be arriving in the Car Park in Sutherland around 0700 am. 

This year's event was in full swing by 1000 am, all the exhibitors' cars were parked neatly on the asphalt in the Sutherland Shire Council Car Park. The vehicles looked magnificent in the early morning sun because by now many 100's of people were already admiring and mingling around these treasures from a long gone era at their leisure.

I cannot thank you all enough for supporting this wonderful event to raise money for the clients at Sylvanvale, all funds raised this year will go towards purchasing a new wheelchair accessible vehicle for the exclusive use of people Sylvanvale supports. 

Special mention to all the volunteers from Sylvanvale, Qantas and the Chrysler Restorers Club, without their help and dedication this event would never have happened. 

Kiaran Drew (Paramedic) and his offsider were in the background just in case we had a medical emergency, thanks a million.

By now you have probably heard and read about my inner circle team that I have mentioned in various emails over the years, without the expertise and knowledge of Trevor-John-Geoff and Chad our electrician, Sylvanvale's Pre WWll Vintage Car Show would have never eventuated, these guys definitely keep me on the straight and narrow.

I must not fail to mention Julie Everton (Operations and Corporate Events) at Sylvanvale, we have successfully been working alongside each other now for 8 years, her networking skills and contacts within the Sutherland Shire Council along with organising the Politicians to show up at our event is pure GOLD which gives our unique Vintage Car Show credibility.  

I could ramble on here all day long, however l am not going to bore you stupid as l normally do, l have decided to include some photographs that were taken at our event on Sunday by another friend and colleague John Stanley. I had the pleasure to work with John for 34 years at Qantas Airways as a 'Trolly Dolly'. In case you are not aware, John Stanley is also a very accomplished Motor Sport photographer as you will see by the quality of the photos in this email. Please click this link to view all of John's incredible images. 

John has been photographing and covering motor sports in Australia since the fabulous motor racing days in Australia since the fabulous 60's

" A picture is worth a thousand words".

 

lsn't love Grand.  (This is one of my favourite photos from the Weekend).

 1931 Model A Ford  2 Door Tudor Delux Sedan.  Jill Ashman-Shackleton enjoying one of Henry's Fords babies.         

Happy Volunteers.

Younger generation checking out this 1931 Model A Ford Sedan. Notice how the rear door opens, they call these 'Suicide Doors'.

Jim Allinghams 1929 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan that was used in the 2004 "The Great Gatsby" movie that was made here in Australia. ( Uber anyone).

Ken's latest arrival. 1923 Oldsmobile "Six" 2 Passenger Roadster. 

Best in Show:

Ray Schwarze 1934 Nash 4 door Tourer. (Overall winner on Sunday, Best in Show).

People's Choice Award:

Paul Kinder and his wife with his 1934 Morris Minor "Morrie". 

Last but not least I am very happy to inform you all that we managed to increase our income slightly more than last year's record amount and under the present economic conditions I am very proud of our team's efforts. 

It was wonderful to catch up with you all again this year, stay safe.

C.U. at our next show.

Yours sincerely

Ken Warburton.  

(Organiser and Custodian of this very unique event).

All roads lead to the Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Car Show this weekend

A BIG hello and WELCOME to all our loyal followers including the wonderful Pre WW II Vintage car entrants, spectators, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, Sutherland Shire Council and the staff at Sylvanvale. Without all these magnificent people that come together once a year to get this show on the road it would never eventuate.

As the organiser and Custodian of this unique event in the Sutherland Shire I would personally like to thank each and every one of you.

This year we clock up our 8th Sylvanvale Pre WWII Vintage Car Show, every year we go from strength to strength to raise funds to support Sylvanvale clients to improve their life style so that they are fully included in their community.

Funds raised from the Sylvanvale Pre WW II Vintage Car Show this year will go towards purchasing and modifying a new wheelchair accessible vehicle for the exclusive use of people Sylvanvale supports.

This email is a gentle reminder for everyone to join us on the asphalt in the Sutherland Shire Council Car Park in Sutherland on Sunday August 18th.   8am-3pm (see map below) to come along and enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family. There is plenty of free parking and easy access for people with a disability. If you don’t have a car, no problem because the Sutherland Railway Station is only 500 meters from the car park on Flora Street.

​

​​Map of the Sutherland Shire Council Car Park on Flora St. Sutherland.

One of the most prestigious raffle prizes on the day is for yours truly to pick up the lucky winners in my 93 y.o. 1931 Model A Ford 2 door Tudor Delux sedan ( see photo) dressed in period dress from their residence, drive them to one of the Shires best Restaurants for lunch. Once they have enjoyed lunch I will then drive them safely back home.

Now where on this Planet can you do that.

This is why without a doubt our Vintage Car Show is so unique and the most popular community events on the annual calendar.

Caption under this photo. 93 y.o. 1931 Model A Ford 2 door Tudor Delux sedan.

Yesterday I was preparing the latest addition to the Vintage Vehicle collection of the Warburton family to be displayed at the show on Sunday. This will be the 1st time that I have had the pleasure  to publicly show off my new toy.

I purchased this very rare 1923 Oldsmobile “Six” Model 30 Two-Passenger Roadster-Model 30-R late last year. This years Sylvanvale Pre WWII Vintage will be the 1st time that I have had the opportunity to exhibit this very sort after vintage motor vehicle. 

Back in the day, 101 years ago this must have been way ahead of its time, rare Australian-Delivered Right hand drive fitted with a 6 cylinder side valve engine. Older restoration, long term ownership. A lovely example of Oldsmobile’s classic model 30 series featuring the desirable Sports Roadster bodywork, the car was completely restored by its late owner in the early 1970’s. 

Rarely driven ( the odometer reads just 1,043 miles or 1,700 kilometres!), the car remains in remarkably good cosmetic and mechanical condition, testimony to the quality of the work performed. no reproduction parts were used in the restoration and fittings like the spotlight and tool kit are all original. A very stylish, usable example of this classic American 1920’s Sports Roadster. (See photo).  Nickname: Ollie.

​

1923 Oldsmobile “Six” Two-Passenger Sports Roadster.

At the show on Sunday you can  have your photograph taken in my 101 y.o. Oldsmobile Sports Roadster for a small donation.

You won’t hear from me again until after the show on the weekend, I am looking forward to catching up with all my old Rev-head friends and making new ones. 

Just remember, adventure before dementia. 

Cheers,

Warbo.
(Organiser and custodian of this very unique event.) 

Sylvanvale Pre WWll Car Show 2024 // Raising Funds for Special Purpose Vehicle

 Hello again from the engine room here in the Shire,

Just a friendly reminder to all those proud Pre WWll Vintage and Classic vehicle owners throughout Sydney. 

In less than three weeks all roads lead to our 8th Sylvanvale Pre WWll Vintage Vehicle extravaganza to be held on the asphalt in the Sutherland Shire Council Car Park in Flora Street Sutherland (see map) on Sunday 18th August '24.

Time is running out for you all to start preparing your pride and joy for probably the vehicle's yearly outing. You will need to remove the covers that have protected the Duco while the vehicle has been parked in your shed, check the oil-water-petrol- air in the Dunlops and make sure that your 6v or 12v battery has not collapsed due to lack of use or that you did not bother to have a trickle battery charger to extend the life of the battery. As you know, there is nothing worse than a flat battery because without spark you are not going anywhere on Sunday August 18th '24 and we don't want that to happen to you, especially at 0700 in the morning when you want to fire up the old girl and hit the road to Flora Street Council Car Park in Sutherland to show the punters.

This year's annual event should be up there with all our other spectaculars because we have many new and varied entrants to make our unique event once again the pride of the Sutherland Shire. It is one of the largest and most popular community events on the annual calendar. 

Featuring a spectacular array of more than 100 Vintage and Classic vehicles, B.B.Q, sausage sizzle, food stalls, Gelato Man and raffles, it's always a fantastic day out for the whole family at the right price.    ($10 per adult  -  $15 per family). If that is not a good story I don't know what is.

One of our splendid Raffle prizes is the chance to win a ride in my 100 years old Model A Ford (2 door Tudor Sedan) to a local Restaurant for lunch.

I will pick you up from your home dressed in period dress, drive you to the Restaurant, wait until you have enjoyed your lunch and return you home safe and sound. This does not happen with an UBER ride, trust me. 

(see photo. Burgundy 1931 Model A Ford 2 door sedan).

Not only that, we have 100 year old Vintage Vehicles that for a minimum fee ($5) you can be photographed sitting in, not too shabby especially if you have young children.

All proceeds this year will go towards purchasing and modifying a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle for the exclusive use of people Sylvanvale supports.  

(see photo of modified Vehicle with Emma Champman in foreground).

If you feel comfortable wearing Period dress during the day please do so because it definitely gives our show ambience-character and atmosphere as the entrants and spectators wander through the Car Park checking out the magnificent array of Vintage and Classic Motor Vehicles.

Looking forward to catching up with you all very soon, stay safe.

Regards for now.

Ken Warburton.  ( Organiser and Custodian of this very rare and unique event). 

46th Berrima Rally. 17th & 18th February 2024.

Hello again everyone,

Day 1.  Saturday 17th February 2024.

I have been a little sparse with my blog and adventure stories of late. However this weekend I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend in the beautiful Southern Highlands of N.S.W. mixing it with motor vehicles of different marques. Our Vintage and Classic motor vehicles are what brings us together as one big family from time to time and this weekend was one of those such occasions.

Once you read this account of my weekend away in the Southern Highlands you will not believe how TINNY I am, so let’s get started.

Departure time from the Insular Peninsula here in the Shire was 0700 am on Saturday morning. 

Two hours later after an enjoyable scenic drive in my 1930 Model A Ford  Special Delivery Wagon (see photo) I arrived at Mittagong Public School ( Rally headquarters for the weekend) to register and collect my weekend run pack that included my name tag and goodies that I had pre-ordered.

Ken standing with his award winning 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon.

It was great to catch up with Classic and Vintage Vehicle “Tragic’s” like my self that I hadn’t seen for a couple of years. This time last year I was away in America and could not attend this event. As soon as I arrived it was down to business, first stop was to join everyone for morning tea - homemade slices, Sao’s, tea and Coffee. After morning tea it was now time to park the vehicles  in their various categories, my “Woody” was entered in the Commercial Vehicle category class which (includes trucks, utes and tractors). A Judge would then review all vehicles to select “Best in Show” during this time.

Later Saturday afternoon most participants went on a 90 km (54 mile) run to Echo Point Bundanoon.

We all enjoyed Dinner at 6.00pm at the Mittagong (Golf Club).

Menu :  Mains - grilled fish, salad, chips or Roast Pork, chat potatoes, steam greens.

Sweats : Cheesecake or fruit crumble.

After we all pigged out on that scrumptious meal it was time to return to our accommodation to hit the sack and prepare for day two of our Rally.

Day 2.  Sunday 18th February 2024.

Sunday morning started off once again at Rally Headquarters (Mittagong Public School). 

Morning tea was provided (tea, coffee, homemade scones loaded (and I mean loaded) with home made jam, butter and cream prior to the start of our 60 km (37 mile) return trip to Kangaloon, absolutely magnificent scenery and drive. 

We arrived back at headquarters around lunchtime.

Lunch : Cold chicken smorgasbord with salads, tea and coffee.

Presentation of weekend awards afterwards after lunch.

Now this is when the real action started with yours truly. You will not believe what I am about to tell you.

Presentation of Category awards winners,  raffle draw and Gumball counting competition winner.

My dear friends Robyn and Bill Betts that support our Sylvanvale Pre-WWll Vintage Car show and have done so since its inception 8 years ago won the “ Best in Show “ Category (see photo). 

Bill Betts standing beside “Best in Show” his pride and joy a 1929 Buick that has taken him 37 years to restore. Let me tell you, this is one hell of a car. I would put it up there with any restoration that I have ever seen any where in the world, bar none. Well done Bill, you deserve it.

Moving right along, it was now time for them to announce the winner of the “Guess how many Gumballs” in the plastic container competition (see photo).

Photo showing the plastic container full of Gummballs for the Gummball competition, trophies, and raffle prize  ($100 voucher for Cole’s express Fuel & Shop).

On Saturday when I entered the competition I guessed that there were 750 Gummballs in the container, when they read out who the winner was, guess what!!! I was the winner, there were 757 Gummballs in that container, so I was 7 off the mark. Thank you very much, with a nice torch set for winning the competition.

I had no sooner sat down at my table and they announced Ken Warburton as the winner of the Commercial Category with his 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Wagon, I went back up to the stage to accept my trophy (see photo) Commercial Category trophy, smaller trophy on the right of photograph.

Again I went back to my table to sit down and listen to the other category winners. The organisers were now getting down to the nitty gritty awards, when they announced the 2024 Berrima Event “Outright Winner”  Visitor Club award my name was read out again to my amazement . 

When I went back up to the stage to accept my trophy for the “Outright Winner” (see photo, larger trophy on the left of photograph) Visitor Club award I joking said to the Club President Eamon Tierney and (M.C.) Bill Flagg  all I need to do now is to win the raffle. When you’re on a roll, I always say go with it. Once again I went back to my table and waited patiently for the raffle draw.

Bill Flegg could not believe his eyes when he read out the name on the butt of the winning raffle ticket, number 53.(see photo, $100.00 fuel voucher at Cole’s).

Yes, you guessed it correctly.  Ken Warburton. 0438 692 737.

It is amazing when all the holes in the cheese line up and if you are fortunate enough to be there at the time I will take what ever they want to dish out to me. Successful weekend.

Hang in there folks because I am about to write another blog story about my Son Nathaniel and myself flying over to Perth to purchase a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser, original, one owner, 29,000 kms on the clock, 11 seat Troop Carrier.

On the way home we also decided to drop into Port Lincoln in South Australia to swim with the White Pointers.

This is a story that you will not want to miss.

Cheers for now, stay safe.

Warbo.

 

The “Squire reporting live on the Magical Mystery Tour of Tassie.

 The “Squire reporting live on the Magical Mystery Tour of Tassie.

We are now more than half way through our extravaganza here in Tassie. 

I decided to put pen to paper so that you wouldn’t think that I had grown 3 heads. 

The weather has been so very kind to us, a couple of days ago here in Hobart we experienced a few hours of rain and that is it for over a week now.

It is almost impossible to tell you everything that has eventuated so far. I have decided to forward more photographs that hopefully will fill you all in on and where we have been since my last email.

Chrysler Car Club members on board the ‘Lady Launceston’ Tamar River Cruise.

The drive down the east coast of Tassie was sensational, perfect weather  (see photo) and the roads magnificent. I enjoyed morning tea  on the wharf with local fishermen at a little town called St Helen’s a costal resort village

Anglers enjoying their early morning fish at St Helen’s. Check out the glassy water.

At Helens to Hobart was an enjoyable 250 kms or 155 ml. drive in the old language.

Arrived at the Discovery Holiday Park in Hobart late afternoon for a well earned rest.

Mark Donnelly from our Chrysler Car Club wanted me to deliver some car parts to a friend of his here in Hobart so on Friday I did just that. His friend Dan spoilt me rotten, I spent the whole day with him. We drove south on the scenic drive to Cygnet & Huonville with a few surprises thrown in. We stopped at a small bakery along the way for morning tea. (see photo of morning tea).

In Cygnet we also visited an old flame of mine that I traveled the world with for 2 years in a V.W. campervan way back in the late 60’s early 70’s. She was not expecting to see me, so hence it sure shocked the pants off of her. Excuse the pun.

Dan also took me to a close friend of his who has a world famous collection of motorcycles way out in the sticks. His collection of 49 motorcycles is one of the best in the world ranging from 1919-1985 models.His passion includes Motto Guzzi -Ducati - Norton and many other brands (see photo).

Yesterday being such a beautiful day weather wise I decided that I would take the ‘64 Plymouth/Valiant for a drive to Mt. Wellington (4,169 ft or 1,271 mts). The view from the top takes in the greater Hobart region, Bruny island & the south west wilderness. (see photos).

View from the summit of Mt. Wellington looking down to the famous Hobart bridge.

At the summit of Mt. Wellington there are still small remnants of snow on the ground.

Yours truly the “Squire” enjoying the view of Hobart from the summit of Mt. Wellington.

This morning our troops are off for a day trip to Lake Pedder. Lunch stop at the Wilderness Lodge Restaurant overlooking Lake Pedder. 

Our fearless leader Brian Kelleher better known as “King Pin” & his wife Maria will be my chauffeur today. Brian asked me yesterday if I would like to join them today as a passenger. I gladly accepted their invitation.

Tomorrow we depart Hobart after 3  glorious days here in the south of the apple 🍎 isle, we travel from Hobart to Strahan a distance of (300 kms or 186 mls).

I am really looking forward to the next few days here in Tassie, we visit Strahan - Cradle Mountain and  especially our Gordon River Cruise on Thursday.

 

Stay safe. 

Warbo.

The ‘Squires’ Magical Mystery Tour of Tasmania . October 22nd-November 4th.

Reporting live from the Olde Tudor Hotel in Launceston, Tassie.

I am away touring Tasmania with the Chrysler Restorers Car Club on our 2023 Spring Tour here in the magnificent Apple isle.

Where do I begin!!

We departed the Geelong Port in Victoria the Captain of our ship the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ announced over the P.A system that he had an announcement to make that would not make all of his passengers too happy.

The voyage would be very, very rough with 4 - 5 meter swells with huge winds for our crossing to Devonport. He suggested that if you get sea sick it would be advisable to take your medication immediately because we were in for a bumpy ride.

Wait until you read this yarn from the ‘Squire’.

It takes approximately 3 hours to leave the Port before we sail out through the heads into the open seas & then the fun will begin.

Everything was as smooth as a baby’s bum until we ventured out into the open seas, I had my dinner & a few schooners before retiring to exclusive Captain’s cabin at around 10 pm. My cabin was midships on the 8th deck (best place to be) trust me. Most of the other Car Club members were located up towards the bow or towards the aft of the vessel. I thought to myself, good luck.

By the time I put my jammies on the ship was starting to really rock and roll, I could hear the propellers cavitating as we went up and down the huge swells, when I looked out my port hole window there was water being sprayed up all over my port hole on the 8th deck, that’s how big the seas were.

To cut to the chase.

I decided it was time for me to hit the fart sack, I set my alarm for 5 am because I wanted to be on deck for arrival into Devonport at 6.30 in the morning.

Guess what, my alarm went off at 5 am I jumped out of bed, jumped into the shower, got dressed, packed my bag and proceeded upstairs to our meeting point before disembarkation.

I ran into most of my fellow Car Club members that were waiting to get off the Ship.

WELL! You should have heard the stories. They told me these horrific tales that some of them had been thrown out of bed during the night, their cabin stools were thrown around the cabin along with their suit cases and hardly any of them had slept during the night.

Guess what!! The ‘Squire’ from the Shire slept through all this upheaval during the night and absolutely knew nothing about what had eventuated during the evening.

This is a true story, God’s honour.

We arrived on time at Devonport at 6.30 am to be greeted by a glorious day, blue skies, no wind, plenty of sunshine 23C or 74F. (see photos) and I was none the wiser of what the others had experienced over night.

Onwards and upwards, I drove my 1964 Plymouth/Valiant sedan off the ‘Spirit’ and commenced my road trip towards Launceston in absolutely glorious weather.

The back roads that I drove on for 75 kms or 47 miles towards Beaconsfield Mine and heritage centre was just spectacular.

I am sure the organisers of the annual Targa Tasmania would have used this section of road in one of their Targa Rally’s.

My 1964 Plymouth /Valiant 2 door sedan performed gallantly, I was using the apex of the corners like Shane Van Gisbergen at Bathurst.

All I could think of was ‘If only’ I was pedalling my 911 on this road I would be in heaven OR dead.

For all my Rev. head and petrol head friends this island is awesome for driving off the main roads, for just a few moments I thought of how Juan Manuel Fangio’s must have felt in his prime. (stretching the imagination just a little, don’t you think ‘Squire’).

After all that excitement it was now time for what I had actually come to the island for, sightseeing. We spent many hours at the famous or infamous Beaconsfield Mine and heritage Centre (see photos) then later in the arvo visited the Cataract Gorge here in Launceston. The weather is still superb as I type this story 15c or 50f at 10 pm, no wind, what’s more.

Day 2: Highlights:

* National Automobile Museum of Tasmania.

* Launceston Planetarium.

* Penny Royal Adventure Park.

I hope that you all have enjoyed my 1st day adventures here in Tassie and my overnight voyage on board the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’.

Stay tuned, I still have another 13 days of my Magical Mystery Tour to go.

Stay safe.

Cheers for now.

Warbo 

Looking towards the Headframe of the mine.

Inside the Museum, 1928 Manchester Truck. Side valve 4 cyl. 2.5 litre engine.

Beaconsfield Headframe in the background.

Signage for the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre.

Arriving into Devonport this morning, check out the blue sky and sunshine.

Arriving into the port of Devonport at 6.30 am this morning.

1885 12 H.P. Eclipse Traction Engine displayed in the Museum.