waterfowler76

I’ve been perusing over and participating in forums for years as a small part of my overall activity in the automotive space for over almost two decades now. I’m not sure I have ever seen such an out-of-sorts reaction as this one. Either this poster has not really read and understood the discussion, or is just stirring the pot at the expense of those a little more serious about enjoying seeing great, rare cars.

Allow me to break it down: It is not “elitist” in any capacity to want to see rare, classic, exotic or specialty cars at an informal show that was created out of a desire to display and see exactly that. The fact that this small gathering has grown into the event it has, with multiple (and appreciated) copycats all over the country, would clearly imply that it is serving needs or desires in a substantial way. It’s popularity has grown to the point where certain, simple guidelines needed to be put in place due to very real (not imagined nor arbitrary) space constraints. From what I’ve seen, the organizers have shown extreme non-bias and impartiality on a personal level to those who wish to attend. Those who bring cars that attendees would find particular interest in seeing are given lot parking preference over those bringing mass-produced cars with typical bolt-on modifications, especially on busier days. True, that, and wisely so.

This concept doesn’t at all imply that enthusiasts of any particular make or model look down their nose at any other, although individual preferences will surely differ amongst people. While I’m not a fan of certain car models, I can appreciate the work that goes into a full custom job someone has spent years creating and toiling over. I have even seen some that left me questioning my original objections, as they have showed me that car in totally different light. But these are far from milder, more pedestrian examples that are better placed in the parking structure, regardless if they came in a pack of 10 or 20.

If the idea of Cars and Coffee does not suit you, then you have the right to exercise your opinion and protest by not attending. I really don’t imagine the city council or anyone else, for that matter, will take much notice of your ranting, if you so choose to do so. Do you think they might order a refund of your entrance fee? Or, better still, start your own event (without expecting any sort of compensation) and show us knuckle-draggers all how it should be done properly. Then, you can field the inevitable complaints from those that have yet to try organizing one on their own.

Lesson: The view is often very different on the playing field than it is from up in the bleachers.

Cheers,

Chris

@cerebrix 76924 wrote:

interestingly enough, I go to car shows all the time in between my track days. yet somehow I never managed to make it down to a cars and coffee event. scheduling just never worked out for me.

as I come on here to check the info, I find this thread. ive changed my mind about going in the morning.

I don’t want to be a part of, nor support anything that even resembles an elitist, anti-American, discriminatory event of any kind.

southern California invented the automotive aftermarket after WWII. these were largely aviation mechanics looking to use their skills one things they love. cars. they bled motor oil, and drank gasoline (not litereally). they loved, modified, and accepted cars of all kinds, from any country, with any pricetag. just as our great country welcomes all those regardless of race, color, creed, or religion. I can’t think of anything anti American, than an elitist event that only further points out whats wrong with south orange country. An area, as an OC native, I avoid like the plague.

I’ll continue to frequent the car shows I’ve been going to, and explore those on the socal car culture website I haven’t been to yet.

the only difference now though, is i’ll be making a concerted effort to discourage the turners and enthusiast I encounter at the road courses to refrain from supporting this event.

anything that discriminates and polarizes our community, the community I live in is another shining example of one of the problems with this country. One i’ll be brining up at the open minutes during the end of the next city council meeting.

as far as im concerned, an event like this needs to go away and i’ll be letting our elected representatives know whats going on in their city, congressional, and senate districts.