Great turnout, beautiful cars and a mix of HAMB friendly and some great Muscle Cars which I love. Some new stuff but walked past it. Beautiful setting and great drive up and down the coast.
Yes, it used to be in the parking lot in Newport Coast/Crystal Cove years ago. Sadly, this is the only time some of those cars come out (besides the perfect sunny day). I hardly see any on the road in overcast days or dry night time.
Hello, As a person who likes cars and car shows, the So Cal gatherings were pretty cool from the first one and continue to whet the appetite of many others when enjoying the cool cars, old and new. The first Cars and Coffee went all the way back to the Irvine Industrial Complex near the I-5 +405 Freeway interchange. For those out of the area, it was in the industrial building parking lot across the freeway from the old OCIR dragstrip. Since it was on a Saturday, no surrounding buildings were in session. So, the whole area was quiet as possible and the parking lots were relatively empty. When the Irvine Industrial Complex started near the OC Airport it was the start of something big coming into the future of the area. The original complex was a perfect place to teach anyone how to drive, especially a stick shift car. The buildings were quiet during the day and on the weekends empty for open roads and vast empty lots. Not any more! But, the expansion to the original Cars and Coffee near the old OCIR location was perfect, until some idiots in mustang/camaro cars ruined it for everyone. That location came to a close and over the years, moved to various locations, Aliso Viejo Town Center, Monarch Beach shopping center near the ocean and eventually finding smaller locations in San Clemente, like an empty Target Store lot. But, as usual, the idiots never learn and closed down most of the events on the weekends. We all waited to see where everything was going to eventually land. Some smaller weekend shows did try gather in various places, Newport Beach being one of them. Some of thought the giant parking lot at the Ziggurat Building in Laguna Niguel was going to be the next location. The lot was the largest fairly unused lot in the whole area and people used to use to to teach their kids how to drive there. But, eventually, the idea of a large gathering was put down due to national security for government buildings. The giant lot is still empty and now, blocked off except for employees. Note: The giant building was once considered for an elementary school, a middle school and one giant high school, all inside of the building vast offices and huge hallways! What a cool place name: The Zigggurat High School.. Here come the "Zigs..." ha! Jnaki Then finally a man and his family decided to coincide the latest Cars and Coffee with the newly constructed Outlet Stores in San Clemente. A nice set of factory company stores and yes, a huge lot(s) for almost a never ending supply of parking slots. The origins still came from the rumblings of the original Cars and Coffee in Irvine, many years ago. Now, despite the surrounding homes that popped up with ocean views, there were some grumblings due to those idiots that need psychological help making a lot of noise. But, with the help of the local sheriff's supply of enforcement and the ever present CHP, have taken it down to allow a nice show every weekend, rain or shine. mostly shine... but, quietly. It is considered the largest Cars and Coffee in the USA. But, as anyone can see, it is not just old cars, hot rods, surf wagons and cool cruisers. That makes up about roughly 10 percent. The other 90% being high end sporty cars or modern road cruisers. Despite the nice photos by @65pacecar the old hot rods and such are interspersed between the other sporty cars and modern cruising cars. It still is one of the best locations. Restaurants, shopping stores from the largest brand names, outdoor location and yes, ocean views from the parking garage top level where the weekly show goes on every weekend add to the ambience of the weekly show... YRMV
Perfect description, really enjoyed the cars and coffee, glad I made it. Got up early in Del Mar, drove to Huntington Beach for DD, then down to San Clemente for C&C, back up to HB to spend some time on beach and pier, then drove down to Dana Point for a nice PCH cruise, then to the ‘end’ of that part of the PCH, picked up the 5, back over to PCH in Oceanside and drove the PCH back down to Del Mar. Just a nice relaxing day with the wife, we love this area and visit often.
The Jalopy Journal
