Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props — Runway Noise and the Red Baron
Report by Jeff Silver Photography
29 September 2026
Sunday at Sywell Aerodrome was a change from the serious racing events we usually cover. Sywell Pistons & Props was a celebration of motoring, with historic race cars, hot rods and dragsters taking to the racing runway and sprint strip. But the relaxed atmosphere did nothing to slow the drivers and riders down when it was their turn to head out.
The runway brought together machinery that would rarely share a paddock, let alone the same stretch of tarmac. Classic Minis ran alongside historic racers, while the hot rods and dragsters brought a very different sound to Sywell. One moment we were following a car through the camera; the next, we were looking up.
The vintage biplanes were a wonderful part of the air display, but the red triplane inspired by the Red Baron was especially hard to miss against the grey sky. Seeing those aircraft above the motoring action gave Sywell a character all its own.
Ground Show and Highlights
Back on the ground, Oklahoma Willy made sure nobody missed its appearance. The 1958 VW pickup spent much of its earlier life on a farm in Oklahoma before receiving a complete nut and bolt restoration. That would be a story in itself, but its builders then fitted a Rolls-Royce Viper 535 jet engine. The 5,000 bhp jet-powered VW on the runway is quite a contrast to the humble pickup it started as.
Away from the runway, the show ground offered a change of pace. The Mudmunchers brought their Land Rovers, and the other owners’ clubs gave visitors the chance to get close to an impressive mix of vehicles. The stalls made it easy to spend time wandering before the next engine note drew everyone back towards the action.
A Day of Excitement
That mix made Sywell Pistons & Props such an enjoyable day out. It may have been less serious than a race meeting, but there was no shortage of pace, noise or commitment on the runway.
From classic cars and jet power on the ground to the Red Baron overhead, Sywell gave us plenty to photograph and plenty of reasons to stay for one more run.
