Cars & Coffee
Across the nation, there’s a shift happening in automotive events. While there are still a large number of annual events that draw huge numbers, smaller, more casual events are increasing in popularity drastically. And the appeal of such events is clear. Most occur with much more regularity, typically weekly or monthly, are completely free for both participants and spectators and allow everyone to come and go as they please, not having to worry about getting there before a specific time or having to stay for the entirety of the event.
Not surprisingly, given the significant automotive community in the valley and across the state, this is the case in Arizona as well. In fact, the Scottsdale Pavilions car show is actually the longest running weekly show in the nation. And it’s not the only such event in the area. Evolution Motorsports in Tempe hosts a monthly gathering at their shop on the first Thursday night of every month and Scuderia Southwest (SSW) along with the Scottsdale Exotic Car Club (SECC) host a monthly get together on the first Saturday morning of each month at the Gainey Village in Scottsdale.
Nearly two years ago, the SECC kicked off their very first Cars & Coffee followed by a short car cruise and a few months later, Scuderia Southwest started their own event. One coming on the first Saturday of the month and the other on the last. Both events were an immediate success with great turnouts initially and quickly increased in popularity and quality. Now, years later, the two gatherings have merged and considering the nature of the event, feature an unparalleled number of quality cars. A recent Cars & Coffee saw upwards of 125 cars, including such gems as a Ferrari 575 Superamerica (one of 599), Enzo (one of 399, of which only five are black/black), a Porsche 959S (one of 29), a Ferrari 365 Daytona, lime green Lamborghini Miura, Porsche Carrera GT, C6 Corvette ZR1, Mercedes-McLaren SLR and a myriad of other Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, exotics and classics. Part of the beauty of an event like this is the variety. In addition to the usual exotics and classics, things like Ford Model As, Saleen S7s, De Tomasos, Rolls-Royces, Alfas, Lancias, Astons, hot rods, muscle cars and more aren’t uncommon sights.
Over the years, the event has seen a handful of particularly special cars drop by. Cars as significant as a beautiful blue 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, the second GTO produced and one of very few factory team cars. The event was also host to, what was at the time, the largest gathering of Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradales in North America, with seven red Stradales in attendance in May, 2008.
If you enjoy seeing and hearing great cars, particularly Italian cars, enjoying great weather and talking with genuine enthusiasts, the Scuderia Southwest and Scottsdale Exotic Car Club’s monthly Cars & Coffee is the place to be.