Sydney Machines & Macchiatos: Classic Restos - Series 46

Fletch catches up with the Sydney Machina Social Club for their Machines & Macchiatos event at Tanya Park in North Sydney. Club founder Sam, talks about the origins of the relatively new club of just five years. The club is open to all and includes veteran, vintage, classic, custom, hot rods, modern, exotic and motorcycles. He says 'if it's got pistons and wheels there welcome', today's vehicles are a great example of the diverse range of cars. The club meets every third Sunday with a great mix of people and cars. With all proceeds from these events going to the Bear Cottage, a facility dedicated to caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The monthly meet is a relaxed social 2-3 hour event that the whole family can enjoy. 

Fletch chats with club member Laurie with his 1970 Series 2 Jaguar, sporting a 4.2 litre straight six that he acquired in 1970 - it was 'love at first sight'. Restored by the previous owner and finished in a superb colour combo of black with an ox blood red interior. Initially, there were a few mechanical issues, but since rectified, it runs beautifully with that distinctive Jaguar exhaust sound. 

Next is Craig with a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283, fuel-injected V8 in an iconic black and silver combination. Once considered to be only the property of Doctors and Lawyers, Craig says 'Today, even a roofer can own one'. Bought sight unseen on eBay described as mechanically perfect and a meticulous restoration. It arrived six months later, a bucket of bolts and required a rebuild. The saving grace was that it was a matching numbers vehicle. The result is a beautiful example of the model. 

James with his 1986 Citroën 2CV, the styling of which has remained almost unchanged since release in 1948. Purchased in the UK in 2001 and underwent a full restoration in 2013. James has long admired the car from an early age. It was the vehicle's iconic design and character that he loves most and the fact that you can travel across a ploughed field with eggs in a basket with any breakage. 

Darren joins the cars and coffee run with his 1971 HQ GTS Monaro. With genuine 308 V8 4-speed in original GMH Salamanca Red with Houndstooth trim. Darren recalls buying the HQ on a Bathurst weekend, while others were watching them go over the top of Mount Panorama, he was acquiring his very own piece of Australian Automotive history, and a beautiful example it is.