A McLaren Vale event celebrating classic cars - and now motorcycles - has given back to its community to the tune of many thousands of dollars. 

McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic representatives Trevor and Sandra Sharp handed over a $15,000 cheque to the McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital on 31 July, at the local business and tourism association’s AGM.

The donation will go toward renovations of the hospital’s in-patient rooms. 

The hospital has now received more than $50,000 from the event, which has been running for 14 years.

Trevor and Sandra Sharp from the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic committee handing over the $15,000 cheque to the McLaren Vale and Districts War Memorial Hospital’s Bill Dollman, Melanie Redaway and Emilee Westover.

The committee also contributed $300 each to the McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat CFS units.

The success of this year’s event, held over Saturday and Sunday 6-7 April, enabled organisers to almost double last year’s $8,000 donation to the hospital.

The 2019 event broke new ground, with classic motorcycles invited to participate for the first time alongside classic cars. Participants were also encouraged to dress up in the era of their vehicles, with prizes given out for best dressed.

There were more than 500 entries in the parade along Kangarilla Road and Main Street and more than 20,000 spectators lining the streets. 

City of Onkaparinga mayor Erin Thompson rode with Peter Whelan in a 1934 Packard.

The oldest car to take part was an immaculately-restored 1906 Cadillac and the 'Mayor's Choice' of the vehicle Mayor Thompson most wanted to take home was a blue/green 1964 Ford Thunderbird driven by Andy Velodze.

There were a good range of motorcycles entered, including Harley Davidson, Ducati and Norton, which the organisers would love to build on next year. 

Following the parade, vehicles were displayed at 11 different wineries which also hosted live music, food and wine. A charity dinner and auction were held on the Saturday night, featuring motoring legend John Bowe.

“It’s amazing to see how much the event has grown over 15 years,” Trevor Sharp said. 

“We can only raise these funds at the charity dinner thanks to the continued generosity of many local businesses.”

Trevor also thanked the City of Onkaparinga for its faith and ongoing support.

Next year’s event will be held on Saturday and Sunday 4-5 April. Organisers encourage everyone to save the date and get revved up.

For more information, visit the event website or follow the Facebook page.