If you’re an admirer of American cars – then you’re in for a treat at this year’s Tractor Fest.
The UK’s largest tractor show is taking place at Newby Hall, Ripon, on Saturday 7 and Sun 8 June.
The annual tractor, engine and car extravaganza is expected to bring more than 12,000 visitors with over 2,000 machines on display – and American vehicle enthusiasts from across the country are prepping their cars ready for exhibiting.
Philippa Rawsthorne, from Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, is a regular at Tractor Fest with her pink Ferguson TEF20 tractor. This year, she is also showing her Ford 1934 coupe hot rod.
Philippa said: “I’ve always been into cars, racing and anything with an engine really. Newby Hall is one of the premier venues for a vintage gathering and Tractor Fest has something for everybody.”
Joining Philippa as part of the American cars display is engineer Richard Wray from Thirsk, North Yorkshire. A lifelong vintage vehicle enthusiast, Richard is exhibiting at Tractor Fest for the first time with his restored 1926 Ford Model T pick up.
The pick up was a wreck when it arrived from America where it was found in the desert on the Nebraska/Kansas border complete with bullet holes having been used for target practice.
Richard said: “I completely restored it mechanically but cosmetically I left it in its own clothes. Too much provenance can be lost when you overdo a restoration – the history needs to be kept alive.”
Among this year’s highlights will be celebrations of three anniversaries – 100 years of the American Caterpillar brand and the rare German tractor marque, Kramer, and 80 years of the Fordson E27N tractor.
A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer at the show and admission includes access to Newby’s gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Tractor Fest is sponsored by Europe’s leading agricultural and machinery auctioneer Cheffins, Econ Engineering and Brockhills. The show is also supported by Ripon Farm Services.
To find out more and to book your tickets, visit the Newby Hall website here.