Cars and Coffee, Lafayette, CO 2012

My descent into vehicular enthusiasm has been a lifelong downward spiral.  It started with growing up around the crude, yet graceful British machines that my dad lusted for, longed for, hated, and was left stranded by.  As an early driver it evolved into air cooled VW's in the form of a '74 Karman Ghia and a '73 Westfalia Bus.  The former cemented the value of owning a unique auto, the latter delivered cross-country road trips and a forced introduction into self maintenance. It also resulted in many stops by law enforcement for "burned-out tail lights." My own British cars followed with several Triumph TR6's and MG Midgets.  They simultaneously advanced both my skills behind wrench and the wheel.  I proudly championed my ability to use a small car's light weight and cornering ability as slap in the face to the American doctrine of big cars, big power, and poor driving.  British cars also facilitated the need for a reliable alternative for such annoying hassles as getting to work, school, and general transportation - things the rest of the world use their cars for. Unable to compromise the automotive values forged in rusty metal of poor quality I was left with only one affordable alternative, old BMWs.  The Bavarian car's lack of what a British enthusiast would call "soul" (observed from their stranded perch on the shoulder) is more than made up for in driving dynamics.  In my opinion, the E30 (the 1984-1992 BMW 3 Series), maintains a perfect balance between technological advancement and an involved, visceral, and connected driving experience.  The Z3-based M Coupe and Roadster only advanced this notion with more power, a more involved driving experience, and a little British inspired "soul".  On the track, the driver must come to the fatalistic realization that the M Coupe's 315 horsepower, short wheelbase, and trailing arm rear suspension all conspire in unison to promote only one outcome - his or her untimely death.  The reward of overcoming these hooligan tendencies in the name of fast lap times is pure driving bliss.  This is the lens through which I view the automotive world.

Last fall after 36 years of finely tuning my lens, I discovered a vehicular landscape only seven miles from my house that rivals the most dramatic snowcapped peaks of Colorado's Front Range.  Cars and Coffee is an informal meeting of car owners and onlookers on the first Saturday of every month.  The Northern Colorado C&C meet takes place in the parking lot of Atlas Valley Wine & Spirits in Lafayette.  I have to plug Atlas Valley Wine & Spirits because its gracious owner selflessly allowed me to use his "non-public" facility after I suffered a sudden and unexpected caffeine induced need to do so - immediately!  The great thing about C&C is the informality of its attendees.  Cars and owners of all sorts show up with six figure exotics to everyday beaters who's lack of value is overshadowed only by their questionable mechanical integrity.  Cars of vast disparities in value, origin, design, function and condition park next to each other in a level harmonious democracy that would make Andrew Jackson blush.  At first light, cars from the British, Italians, Germans, French, Japanese, and Domestics funnel in and color the white lines of the empty lot.  After a few hours of standing, story telling, coffee, and emissions violations everyone departs as randomly as they arrived with the majority of their Saturday still intact.  Perfect!

August 2012 C&C

Ferrari F430

Original Ford GT-40's

Lotus Elite

Early Triumph TR6

My E30 

Audi UR Quattro

October C&C - Colors of Fall

C&C Democracy in Action (left to right):

Dodge Challenger, Acura NSX, BMW M Coupe, BMW 325is, BMW 3.0CSi, Hot Rod

A Familiar S54 E36/8

E9 BMW 3.0CSi

E9 BMW 3.0 CS

Shogun Ford Fiesta

This one warrants a story.  In the late '80's custom Porsche builder Chuck Beck shoe-horned a 3.0 liter V6 Ford SHO engine into the back (that's right, the trunk) of a stock Ford Fiesta.  The rear wheel drive car was significantly modified to accommodate the mid-engine design and significant power increase.  The result was hot-hatch sleeper with the performance to match its outlandish body mods.  Less than a dozen were made, including one that resides in Jay Leno's garage (here).

Morgan 3 Wheeler

More Traditional Morgan

Austin Healey 3000

Aston Martin Vantage

(Ferrari) Dino

Proper Use of an Early Porsche 911

Mini Coopers

Original Mini Clubman

My Train Horn Equipped MG Midget

Classic VW Type I

American Designed, Italian Built Pantera

Iconic BMW E30 M3

Super Rare Type 34 VW Karman Ghia

Lotus Super 7 Inspired Caterham 7's

Ferrari 575

Ferrari FF

(See my FF experience here)

Ferrari 458 Italia

Active Aerodynamics

Ferrari F430

Ferrari 308 GTS

These last few shots have a story behind them.  I bought some M3 tires from this gentleman and his Chevy LS powered Cobra.  He admired the MG nearly as much as I admired his Cobra, so we did a little photo shoot in his office parking lot.  Both cars featured impressive plumbing, the Cobra's on the sides and the Midget's in the trunk!

Midget & Cobra