Draft:Cars & Coffee

Cars and Coffee
Cars and Coffee is a series of informal gatherings of car enthusiasts and collectors that take place in various locations around the world. These events are typically held on weekend mornings and provide an opportunity for car lovers to showcase their vehicles, socialize with other enthusiasts, and enjoy a cup of coffee together.

History
The origins of Cars and Coffee can be traced back to the early 2000s in Southern California. Barry Meguiar, founder of the car care company Meguiar's, began hosting informal gatherings for fellow auto enthusiasts at his home. These events, along with another car meet called Donut Derelicts in Huntington Beach, California, inspired the creation of a similar gathering at the Crystal Cove Promenade parking lot in 2003.

The Crystal Cove event quickly gained popularity due to its visibility from the Pacific Coast Highway, with word of mouth spreading rapidly. Early events were referred to as "Croissants & Coffee" or "Croissants & Cars."

Growth and Popularity
The popularity of Cars and Coffee events grew significantly with the help of television shows such as "Car Crazy," hosted by Barry Meguiar and Robb Mariani, and "Chasing Classic Cars" featuring Wayne Carini, both aired on the Velocity channel.

Since 2006, Cars and Coffee has expanded from its casual beginnings in Southern California to hundreds of monthly events attracting thousands of car enthusiasts throughout the United States and around the world. These gatherings bring together collectors and fans of various automotive genres, including vintage racers, classic American muscle cars from brands like Dodge, Pontiac, Plymouth, Chevrolet, and Ford, as well as modern supercars from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, and Porsche.

Event Format
Cars and Coffee events are typically informal and loosely organized, often taking place in parking lots or other public spaces. Attendees are encouraged to arrive with their vehicles, regardless of make, model, or age, and to share their passion for automobiles with others. The laid-back atmosphere and diverse range of vehicles on display contribute to the unique appeal of these gatherings.

Impact on Car Culture
The success of Cars and Coffee events has had a significant impact on car culture, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts and providing a platform for showcasing and appreciating a wide variety of vehicles. These events have helped to promote the automotive hobby and have inspired the creation of similar gatherings in cities and towns around the globe.