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Canepa Cars and Coffee | June 2016

6/17/2016

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Random Snap: McLaren P1 GTR @ Canepa Cars and Coffee

5/27/2016

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5 Cars of the Week | 5/6/16

5/6/2016

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Group 2 Austin Cooper @ Blackhawk Cars and Coffee
Photos by Downshift.io

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This 1962 Austin Cooper Mk. 1 Saloon was spotted taking up a ridiculously minuscule amount of space at Blackhawk Cars and Coffee.  What's really cool is that it was actually a Group 2 rally car that raced in Europe in the 1960's and competed in at least 10 events.

The owners found the car in a Santa Cruz mountain's creek in 1998.  It was rusted to death and actually had tree limbs growing through it.  They discovered its racing heritage and restored it to the beaut' that it is today.

Photos:
Instagram: @downshift.io
​Facebook: Downshift.io

Event:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeeblackhawk
Facebook: Blackhawk Museum 
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Renault 5 Turbo 2 @ Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo
Photo by Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo

Named one of the "Top Sports Cars of the 1980s", this Renault 5 Turbo 2 was spotted at a Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo meet.  The "GROOP B" plate hints at the model's history in the Group B class of the World Rally Championship. 

The first 400 models of the Turbo 1 version were produced to comply with the WRC rules.  The rules stated that cars competing in Group B needed at least 400 road-going versions produced in 24 months to be eligible for competition.  This car was born out of racing - much like the E30 M3.

Photo and Event:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeealisoviejo
Instagram: @carsandcoffee_alisoviejo
Instagram: @cncav
Facebook: Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo
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FD RX7 @ Charleston Cars & Coffee
Photos by laneanderson2003

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Before you dismiss this as another LSX-swapped Japanese car, take a moment to admire how neatly put together this build is.

This isn't your standard "LSX-swapped-stanced-drift-missile".  This car was built to preserve the beauty that is the Mazda RX7 FD body style while giving it more reliability and power.  

Even though the Enkei RPF1 wheels are seen on many other cars today, they don't look "played out" on this FD. They're lightweight, strong, affordable and they look damn good on this build.  

​The crowd at Charleston Cars and Coffee were a lucky bunch to witness this beauty in the flesh.

​10/10 would daily.
​
Photos:
​Flickr: laneanderson2003

Event:
Instagram: @charlestoncars_and_coffee
​Facebook: Charleston Cars & Coffee
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All of these Audi's @ Cars & Coffee La Jolla
Photos by Cars & Coffee La Jolla

We know, this is kind of cheating, but Cars & Coffee La Jolla's most recent event was dedicated to Audi's and there were just too many to choose from.  Here a few of our favorites.
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Photos by:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeelajolla
Facebook: Cars & Coffee La Jolla

More photos can be found at RENSEN Photography.
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McLaren F1 GTR @ Supercar Sunday

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We aren't sure when this McLaren P1 GTR made an appearance at a Supercar Sunday event, but we don't care.  We had to share.

Considering there are somewhere around 50 in the world, it is an extremely rare sight to ever see one in person.  Let alone at a cars and coffee meet.
Photos and Event:
Facebook: Supercar Sunday
Website: Supercar Sunday
In fact, this is only the second instance in which these cars have been sighted at a grassroots meet (and not on a racetrack).  

​Bruce Canepa brought his McLaren P1 GTR to 100|OCT's Cars and Croissants in December 2015 and he was the first P1 GTR owner in the United States.
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​Have a favorite Cars and Coffee meet?
​Show the coordinators and volunteers some love and vote for them in the King of Cars and Coffee contest.

VOTE

​Nominate a car for "Cars of the Week" by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.
​
Facebook: Downshift.io
Instagram: @downshift.io
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5 Cars of the Week | 4/29/16

4/29/2016

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Porsche 356 @ Cars and Coffee New Jersey

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We aren't very familiar with Porsche 356's, but we knew this one wasn't stock.  We love the racing livery, leather belt bonnet latches, and "X" tape over the headlights.  If this example hasn't been raced, it damn well should be.  

Top photo by:
Aymaan Ztn Rehman | Zero Tread Nation
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Bottom photo by:
Cars and Coffee New Jersey - Flickr

Event:
Instagram: @carsandcoffee_nj
Facebook: Cars and Coffee New Jersey

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R32 GT-R @ 100|OCT Cars & Croissants

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Now road legal in the United States, this R32 GT-R was spotted at 100|OCT's most recent Cars and Croissants event.  While there were many supercars (including a Ferrari Enzo) and hypercars (McLaren P1 and LaFerrari) this elderly Godzilla consistently had a crowd around it.

Photos by:
Instagram: @Downshift.io
Facebook: Downshift.io

Event:
Instagram: @100OCT
​Facebook: 100|OCT
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The Thing @ Cars and Coffee Folsom

Originally developed for the West German Army in the late 1960's, the "Thing" was eventually sold to consumers in the United States in the early 1970's.  There were roughly 90,000 produced for the US, Indonesia, Mexico, and UK markets and it's rare to see one on the streets today.

And yes, the name of this car for the US market really was the "Thing".

Event and Photos:
Instagram: @carsncoffee_95630
Facebook: Cars and Coffee Folsom
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VTEC Classic Mini @ Cars and Coffee Folsom

Another vehicle we couldn't ignore at Cars and Coffee Folsom is this Honda-powered Classic Mini.  These British machines were a blast to throw around corners, but were also terribly unreliable.  Thankfully, Honda-powered swaps have become more readily available; making an already fun car faster and more reliable. 

Event and Photos:

Instagram: @carsncoffee_95630
Facebook: Cars and Coffee Folsom
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RHD RS6 Avant @ 100|OCT Cars and Croissants

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Here's a random, yet totally cool sighting - a right hand drive Audi RS6 Avant!  This was spotted in the parking lot during a 100|OCT Cars and Croissants event.  This could be the only one of its kind in the United States.  Anyone know for sure?

Photos by:
Instagram: @Downshift.io
Facebook: Downshift.io

Event:
Instagram: @100OCT
​Facebook: 100|OCT

Have you seen a car that should be featured as a "Car of the Week"?
Let us know via email or tag us 
Facebook (Downshift.io) 
Instagram (@downshift.io) 

Cheers!

Have a favorite Cars & Coffee meet?
Show the coordinators and volunteers some love and vote for them in the King of Cars and Coffee ​contest.
VOTE
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The Show Before The Show

4/22/2016

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“Pregaming” is a common phrase around college campuses today. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it means to party before the actual party.
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The same is happening in car culture (but without the alcohol and drugs). 
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This leads to the introduction of the Bay Area Brakefast Rally; the show before the show. 
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It’s hosted by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and they average somewhere between 100-­200 cars per rally. These rallies are held to gather enthusiasts before an event, such as 100|OCT’s Cars and Croissants or Cars and Coffee San Francisco, so that the group can drive into the event together. 
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The Bay Area Brakefast Rally was started less than a year ago by Tim and Stephanie Booth. They’re avid enthusiasts and active in the Bay Area car community.

​If you’ve attended a Cars and Coffee event in the Bay Area over the last year, you’ve most likely seen Tim and his Viper (@5150vpr). 
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“The rally started out as a few people riding together because it's boring to drive alone and then over time it has grown into what it is today. Tim does what he does because he enjoys seeing other people who share a common interest in cars and driving come together and have fun and talk and become friends. We chose the name ‘The Brakefast Rally’ as a play on ‘The Breakfast Club’ because the rally attracts people from all walks of life and all sorts of cars and they come together over their love and appreciation of cars.


We would like to give a shoutout to those who have been a part of the rally from the beginning (they know who they are) and to everyone else who joins us on the rallies because there would be no rally without everyone’s support.” ­  

- Stephanie Booth 

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All makes and models were welcome -­ from Mitsubishi’s to Maserati’s. Everyone was respectful of the cars and the property the rally was staged at. That’s especially important today as social media has allowed us to witness the many “fails” of people attempting to show off at car meets.  Queue Mustang memes. 

​The rally provided a fun, laid-­back atmosphere for enthusiasts to get together and form new relationships. A big thanks to Tim and Stephanie for inviting us. 

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Car shows in the Bay Area have been increasing in size exponentially -­ not always providing an opportunity to chat with the owners of the vehicles in attendance.  It was nice being able to ask about the exhaust on a Z06, the wheel specs on a Viper, and the history of a first generation NSX before hitting the road with them. 
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Shortly before heading out, Tim thanked everyone one for coming and made the announcement that it was time to take over the freeway on the way to Cars and Coffee San Francisco. 
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Tim and Stephanie host an event that embodies the spirit and mission of Downshift - bringing enthusiasts together in person. 
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It’s not always easy coordinating, planning, and hosting an event or rally, but we appreciate those that do... 
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...because they are the ones that help keep car culture alive.
Tim and Stephanie would also like to thank the photographers and videographers who volunteer their time and do whatever it takes to get the great shots that they do.  

I've seen what these photographers/videographers do to get the perfect shot - they're crazy in the best way possible.
Check out the Bay Area Brakefast Rally on Instagram:
​@bayarea_brakefast_rally

Cheers to Tim and Stephanie Booth for bringing enthusiasts together in their community! 

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5 Cars of the Week | 4/15/16

4/15/2016

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Ferrari F40's @ Cars and Coffee Italy
Photos by Cars and Coffee Italy

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Produced in the late 1980's and early 1990's, the Ferrari F40 was the fastest and most expensive Ferrari of its time.  There are roughly 1,311 of these examples in the world and Cars and Coffee Italy was graced with a slew of them at their most recent event.  Also included in the Ferrari lineup was an F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.

Event & Photos:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeeitaly
Facebook: Cars and Coffee Italy
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Porsche 959 @ Luftgekühlt 2016
Photos by Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo

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Luftgekühlt isn't a Cars and Coffee event, but we thought that we could make an exception for Bruce Canepa and his Porsche 959 considering there are only 292 of these cars in the world.  Plus, the photos were from Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo.

According to Canepa, this particular 959 features Canepa's "Gen III Performance Upgrade" which bumps the car's power figures to 763 horsepower and 635 ft/lb of torque.  Mind you, this is in a late 1980's supercar.  We have no doubt that it could easily outperform most modern supercars.

Luftgekühlt is a cool event in itself, featuring only air cooled Porsches.  According to the write up on Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo's page, "The 3rd annual celebration of everthing air cooled and Porsche. With Patrick Long, Jeff Zwart, Patrick Dempsey, Magnus Walker, Rod Emory, Bruce Canepa, Chad McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld."

It looks like Jerry Seinfeld, a huge Porsche enthusiast, and Bruce Canepa had lots to chat about.
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Event:
Instagram: @luftgekuhlt
Website: Luftgekühlt

Photos:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeealisoviejo
Facebook: Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo + FULL ALBUM

Car:
Instagram: @canepamotorsport
Facebook:​ Canepa
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Porsche 911 @ Indianapolis Cars and Coffee
Photos by John Conklin

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This Tiffany Blue Porsche 911 was spotted at Indianapolis Cars and Coffee.  Rumor has it that this is not an RWB, and that the flares are a custom kit.

At first, I thought this was RWB Hong Kong #1 - "Tiffany", and that she had made her way to America.
Event:
Instagram: @indycarsandcoffee
Facebook: Indianapolis Cars and Coffee

Photos by:
Facebook: John Conklin
Instagram: @jvc88889
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Austin-Healey 3000 @ Cars & Coffee Richmond
Photos by Mike Lee

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Believe it or not, this car is roughly 50 years old.  

And we're willing to bet that there aren't many humans that look this good at 50 years old.

This fine piece of machinery is an Austin-Healey 3000 that was spotted at a recent Cars & Coffee Richmond event.  These cars have some racing heritage and were raced in both Europe and America back in the day.  Today, you may see some on road courses during vintage racing events around the world and prime examples like this are fetching anywhere from $60K-$100K at auctions.  

Seeing one as pristine as this is truly a rare sight!
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Event:
Instagram: @carsncoffeerva
Facebook: Cars and Coffee Richmond
​Website: Cars and Coffee Richmond

Photos:
​Flickr: Mike Lee
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R33 GT-R @ Orlando Cars & Coffee

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Carbon fiber everything!  This R33 GT-R was spotted at a Orlando Cars & Coffee event.  These particular models were produced from 1995-1998 and came equipped with a potent 2.6L Twin-Turbo I6 engine - the infamous RB26DETT.

These engines are known for their love of boost and high horsepower. 

What a joy it must be to hear and feel this GT-R spool up!

Event:
Instagram: @orlandocarsandcoffee
Facebook: Orlando Cars & Coffee

Photos:
Instagram: @jacobrohr
Website: Jacob Rohr 

Cheers!

Have a favorite Cars & Coffee meet?
Show the coordinators and volunteers some love and vote for them in the King of Cars and Coffee ​contest.
VOTE
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5 Cars of the Week | 4/8/16

4/8/2016

1 Comment

 
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Porsche Carrera GT @ Pittsburgh Cars and Coffee

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The owner of this 2005 Porsche Carrera GT brought their pride and joy to a recent Pittsburgh Cars and Coffee event.  With 604 in North America and 1,270 worldwide, it's a rare sight to see one in person no matter where you go.
​
Event:
Instagram: @pghcarsandcoffee
Facebook: Pittsburgh Cars and Coffee

Photos:
Instagram: @RJKphotographs
Facebook: RJK Photographs 
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Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 at Exotics@RTC

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A former DTM star, the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16, was captured sitting still at Exotics@RTC.

This car could be 1 of 502 in the world if it's the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II that retailed in the US for $80,000 in 1990.  Talk about rare and expensive.

Event:
Instagram: @ExoticsatRTC
Facebook: Exotics@RTC

Photos:
Facebook: RangerRingor Foto
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Plymouth SuperBird @ Blackhawk Cars and Coffee

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Somewhere around 1,953 SuperBirds were sold in America and yes, the big wing was functional.  In fact, a NASCAR version of this car hit 200mph.  

"For nearly 30 years the mathematic formula used to determine the exact height of the enormous wing was thought to be a highly guarded Chrysler secret. However, in the 1990s a retired Chrysler project engineer admitted publicly that the height was determined in much simpler fashion: it was designed to provide clearance for the trunklid to open freely." - David Zatz

Blackhawk Cars and Coffee had a Hall of Famer in their presence.

Event:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeeblackhawk
Facebook: Blackhawk Cars n Coffee

Photos:
Facebook: Gdl Adan
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E36 M3 @ Cars and Coffee San Francisco

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Cars and Coffee San Francisco attracted over 1,000 cars for its April 2016 event.  And while there were many standouts, like a Porsche 918 Spyder and a Toyota Supra that hit 190+mph in ShiftS3ctor's Air Strip Attack, this mid-90's M3 still garnered a lot of attention.

There was no shortage of variety in makes and models which meant one could easily spend an hour or two walking the parking lots filled with cars.  There was also a variety of enthusiasts; from people interested in drag racing, drifting, and road racing.  And of course there were car spotters looking for their newest hypercar Instagram picture.

This particular E36 M3 had an S54 swap from an E46 M3 along with many other track-oriented pieces.  The RPF1's were a nice touch as well; JDM bits on a German machine were a welcomed sight.  

And the carbon fiber LTW wing tied everything together. 

Owner:
Facebook: Photos by Daniel Welsey Boot

Event:
Instagram: @carsandcoffeesanfrancisco
Facebook: Cars and Coffee San Francisco

Photos:
Instagram: @Downshift.io
Facebook: Downshift.io
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Dodge Viper SRT @ Bay Area Brakefast Rally (FREEWAY TAKEOVER)

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If you've been to a car meet in the Bay Area over the last year, you've probably seen this Dodge Viper SRT and its distinct license plate, "MURHICA".  

This car was part of the Bay Area Brakefast Rally to Cars and Coffee San Francisco on April 2nd.  The rally is put on by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and has grown extensively over the last 10 months.  Keep an eye out over the next few weeks as we do a feature on "The Show Before The Show". 

Event:
Instagram: @BayArea_Brakefast_Rally

Photos:
Facebook: Treadlyfe (Rolling shot)
Facebook: Downshift.io (Still shots)
Instagram: @Downshift.io (Still shots)

Cheers!

Have a favorite Cars & Coffee meet?
Show the coordinators and volunteers some love and vote for them in the King of Cars and Coffee ​contest.
VOTE
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5 Cars of the Week | 4/1/16

4/1/2016

1 Comment

 
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McLaren 675LT @ 100|OCT Cars and Croissants

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This MSO Mexico Blue McLaren 675LT was a headliner at 100|OCT Cars and Croissants.

​Check out the owner's Instagram to get an inside look at the car: @neoprufrok

100|OCT also had two Ferrari Enzo's, a Ferrari LaFerrari, a McLaren P1, and much more in attendance.

Check out their social pages for more pictures:
Instagram: @100OCT
​Facebook: 100|OCT

Stunning photos by:
Matthieu Chollet Photography

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Honda S2000 @ Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo

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This Spoon equipped Honda S2000 appears to be comfortable on the track and canyons of Southern California.  Our bet is that it can outpace some supercars on a road course.  

"A race car can always be a show car, but a show car can't always be a race car."  
This adage rings true with this AP2 S2000.

​Spotted at Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo.

​Event and photos by: 
Instagram: @carsandcoffeealisoviejo
​Facebook:  Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo
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Alfa Romeo GTV @ Kansas City Cars and Coffee

This 1971 Alfa Romeo GTV was spotted at Kansas City Cars and Coffee.  

Photos by:
Instagram: @fromcitytocircuit & @stephencookphoto
Web: From City to Circuit

Event:
Instagram: @KCcarsandcoffee
Facebook: Kansas City Cars and Coffee

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R34 GT-R @ Nashville Cars and Coffee

This 2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R aka "Godzilla" graced our shores at a Nashville Cars and Coffee meet recently.  Having never been sold in the United States, it's extremely rare to see these in person.

Photo by:
Instagram: @cars_and_cars_only

Event:
Instagram: @nashvillecarsandcoffee
​Facebook: Nashville Cars and Coffee

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Pontiac Firebird @ Cars & Coffee Corona

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This 1967 Pontiac Firebird built by Barry White was at a recent Cars & Coffee Corona event.  It looks good as new plus a few modern touches.

Built by:
Barry's Speed Shop

Event and photos by:
​Instagram: @carscoffeecorona
Facebook: Cars & Coffee Corona 

Cheers!

Have a favorite Cars & Coffee meet?
Show the coordinators and volunteers some love and vote for them in the King of Cars and Coffee contest.
VOTE
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5 Cars of the Week | 3/25/16

3/25/2016

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Porsche 356 Speedster at Cars and Coffee Aliso Viejo

This is apparently a VW based re-creation and it recently graced a Cars & Coffee Aliso Viejo meet. With a rear-mounted engine, talk about a party in the back.
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BMW 2002 at Charleston Cars & Coffee

The car that saved BMW - the 2002.  Did you know this was the predecessor to the 3-series? This square-tailed beauty was spotted at Charleston Cars & Coffee.
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Shelby GT500 at Corona Cars and Coffee

Like it just rolled off the assembly line. Corona Cars and Coffee had a "new" GT500 rumble its way to their event. Hopefully no fans drooled on it.
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Ratrod at Cbad Cars and Coffee

Touching on rat rod culture at Cbad Cars and Coffee.  We like unique cars and this is definitely unique, wouldn't you agree? 
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Turbo Liberty Walk Dodge Challenger at Cars & Coffee Palm Beach

@justdubinit laying low at a Cars & Coffee Palm Beach meet. 

Have a favorite Cars & Coffee meet?
Vote for them in our King of Cars and Coffee Contest!

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