Cars and Coffee Fuel Conversation
For some, a car is just a way to get from Point A to Point B. For others, it’s part of their identity, a proud possession, a reminder of a memorable time in tangible form. For those reasons everyone can enjoy a morning strolling around special vehicles at a Cars and Coffee gathering, cup of coffee in hand.
On Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, car and coffee lovers convened on a warm, sunny day when Paradise Valley Estates hosted its second Cars and Coffee on the top deck of the garage. More than twenty cars registered to participate, with eight owned by PVE residents and the balance belonging to non-residents. This year marked a significant increase from the 13 cars displayed at our first Cars and Coffee in November 2016.
Chronologically, this year’s cars spanned the decades, including:
- 1928-32 Model A Ford
- 1940 Chevrolet 2-door sedan
- 1955 Chrysler 300
- 1966 Ford Mustang and Corvette
- 1967 Austin-Healey
- 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle
- 1971 Pantera
- 1972 Porsche 911-T
- 1984 Cobra replica
- 1997 Mazda Miata
- 2003 Jaguar
- 2011 Porsche Carrera S
- 2017 Tesla S-75D
- 2018 Dodge Charger and Honda Clarity
Cars and Coffee events are spontaneous gatherings of car owners who visit with each other and discuss their personal vehicles with participants. The get-togethers began in Southern California decades ago and have spread throughout the United States. Typically they establish a regular place and time to meet rain or shine. For example, there are two Cars and Coffee each month in Vacaville, each a set Saturday morning. There is no admission, no organization as such, just socializing around a common interest in an accessible public place.
Cars and Coffee at PVE is unique in that it is held in a private community and registration must be made in advance to accommodate those driving in from outside our community. In addition, our coffee is free to everyone attending, and this year — donuts — were added to the refreshments. At PVE, visitors are also treated to soft background music and colorful balloons fly from the garage to help visitors find the event location. We even provide chairs for those who want to rest while taking it all in. Not your average Cars and Coffee!
Small wonder residents began asking us during this past winter, “When are you going to host another Cars and Coffee?”
PVE is fortunate to have Len Hartnett, an Austin-Healey owner since 1970, as a resident. Len and his wife, Marge, have attended Austin-Healey Club rallies in Europe and club events at their annual West Coast Rendezvous meets. When the Cars and Coffee idea first took hold in the summer of 2016, Len was the first call I made. Without Len, it doesn’t happen. Kudos, Len!
