The concept of a “Cars & Coffee” event is not unique, as similar events started in car-crazy Los Angeles, CA, and have gone on for many years elsewhere in the United States. However, I fell in love with the idea after enjoying a similar “breakfast club” for car enthusiasts in the Naples/Ft. Myers, FL area, where I lived since 2005. After moving back to Columbus, OH, I focused on establishing Columbus Cars & Coffee in 2009 (Lanctot, 2009).
The ingredients for this group are simple: Pick a time and location that works, and invite any automotive enthusiasts to grab a cup of coffee and relax with other motorheads. Whether you’re a student, tradesman, professional or family-focused, we have meets every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Why not do your weekend the right way with other automotive enthusiasts over some great cars and conversation (Lanctot, 2009)?
Analysis
On Saturday, September 7, I visited the Cars & Coffee car show at The City Apartment on Olentangy River Road. During that visit, I saw many cool cars displayed at the event, and the people there were all very casual and kind. I asked a father who brought his young kid to the event why they visited this car show. He answered, “This car show is casual, and everyone is welcome. Personally, although I didn’t own any cool cars like any of them here, my kid and I still love to come here every weekend to see some cool cars.” When asked would he want to purchase luxury cars, like some displayed in the event, he answered, “Luxury vehicles are nice, but I have to put family first; their space is pretty limited; and moreover, they are out of my budget.”
This visit to the Cars & Coffee car show is a precious experience for me. Although I didn’t know the car culture and details well, the event was casual and welcomed everyone. There were so many eye-striking cars at the event, and it was nice to see some vehicles that are rare to see on the road in daily life. Most importantly, the small conversation with the father-son duo tells me that some people might be drawn to the aesthetics and attract of luxury or rare cars, but their personal background or social context might not allow them to purchase such vehicles. Despite this, events like Cars & Coffee offer a space for everyone to appreciate and enjoy these cars, regardless of whether they own one or not.
Reference
Lanctot, C. (2009). About CC&C. Columbus Cars & Coffee. https://columbuscarsandcoffee.net/about/
