Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend my first coffee & cars event. Such events have been featured here many, many times over the years, but attending one in person was a first for me. On a sunny Saturday morning, fresh coffee in hand, I hit the parking lot to take in the sights. Take the jump below to see what all the fuss is about.
It turns out that 417 Coffee & Cars was first organized by a kid, just 18 years old. He wanted to do it, and no one else had. Well, it’s growing every month, and turning into quite a big event. Well done, kid.
The coffee is really good, the crowd is friendly, the hosts are gracious, and the cars are as varied and interesting as any event I’ve ever seen.
What is coffee & cars, you ask? The first thing to know about a coffee & cars event is that it’s about as far from a one-make car show as you can get. It’s open to anyone and everyone. There are no year restrictions, no make restrictions, no registration, and no judging. How much better can it get? Second, there’s a completely different atmosphere. Many car shows have vendors and sponsors that are expecting something for their time. Coffee & cars isn’t like that – you show up, have some coffee, and hang out.
For now, let’s take a look at some of the cars, shall we?
This Marauder looks great in a deep shade of plum, almost purple. These cars are real sleepers.
My favorite car at the event was a truck. A 1966 Dodge D-100, to be exact. 100% original.
The import scene in Springfield isn’t huge, but this JDM Skyline proves that there are a few here. As soon as I saw this, I said “I know a few guys on Hooniverse who are going to love this.”
They said they would let anything in, and they meant it. This 240 had no back seat and a completely rusted out floorpan, but it got lots of looks.
Remember, kids, always hoon responsibly. I hope you enjoyed this roundup, and I hope you’ll check out a coffee & cars event near you.
[Photos Copyright 2015 Hooniverse/Marcal Eilenstein]
417 Coffee & Cars – The Craze Hits the Queen City
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If there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s duals with chrome tips sticking out, like the Dodge in the first picture. I’ll bet it also has fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror (another thing I can’t stand).
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But I do like that D-100.
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100% original wood log parking brake, too. Cool photos!
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It’s 100% original, right down the broken 1966 parking brake cable.
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Good eye. I noticed that, too.
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I love our local cars and coffee group. Always an eclectic mix. This week we had 11 last generation Cougars (there was a meet in town), a couple weeks ago there was a mid engine Jetta kit car, before that a Panoz Esperante and on and on. The best part is it’s just guys who love cars and not much pretense. A guy was polishing the wheels on his beautiful 74 Monte Carlo, like you see a lot of at most shows, and it seemed so out of place there.
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That’s what I like about it, too. There’s no shortage of variety, and everyone is laid back.
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i know it’s 200% cliche and i won’t feel the same once i start seeing them everywhere, but man, the thought of owning an RHD R32 GT-R is so cool. i want one.
i don’t want one for the prices they go for, but i want one. -
Actually the Jr. West Coast mirrors on the D-100 are aftermarket. The originals were much nicer.
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