Yes, the lot across the street is property of Irvine company. Using that has a few issues. One, it would need to be rented at a great expense each week. Second, with there not being an crosswalk right there, you know people will jay-walk (as they do now) rather than go down to the crosswalk at either end of the street. There would be lots of foot traffic going back and forth across the street to get to the food and restrooms. So this presents safety hazards, as we know some people don’t follow the rules when leaving the lot. Thirdly, it would have to be monitored, staffed, cleaned up, etc.
In regards to Frank’s (and Max) arguments. Generally speaking, I try to stay out of these threads. However I see both sides of this argument as valid. This is strictly in regards to marques. For instance, there will be lots of excited people tomorrow when they get a chance to see that large number of NSX’s. Others, will care less and walk right past them. It would be one thing if Marques were every week, but they aren’t. They are once every couple of months. With the show being EVERY week its ok to mix things up and have “special” weekends. Ultimately marques get approved by John Clinard. So if he thought it was a big deal or didnt agree then he wouldnt allow them.
In regards to which cars should be allowed into the show. I feel no car should be turned away. However, I also agree with Max and Frank in that the show space is very limited and most weeks is at capacity. Therefore it is essential to ask yourself when planning to show your car, the same questions Frank posed.
* If your vehicle is there for the sole purpose of selling some of your products or services, you should ask about sponsorship options before coming to the show. Hint: There aren’t any.
* If the only thing that makes your car “show-worthy” is a set of 22-inch rims, a 10-inch lift kit, 20 vinyl decals, a body kit or Lambo doors, don’t bring it here.
* If you have a brand new hotly anticipated vehicle that you think everyone wants to see but isn’t a supercar, park in the show lot for a couple of weeks and then take it out back.
* That means cars like the EVO X, BMW 335i, Mustang GT, Mazdaspeed3, VW R32, Subaru WRX/STi, Dodge Charger/Challenger/Magnum, Chrysler 300, smart, MINI, et al. Cool cars, but I see hundreds of them all over the place now.
Seeing cars like the GT1 is what makes Cars and Coffee special. You don’t see cars in person like that everyday. Like Frank said, all the other cars are cool, but they are everywhere, in every workplace and mall parking lot, and therefore not very special. It may be special to you as the owner, but not to everyone else.
Max, your thoughts?