If you’re in the DC area and want to check out an exceptional collection of exotic and immaculate classic rides FOR FREE, I suggest you head over to Great Falls, VA to the Cars and Coffee event that takes place every Saturday.
There are a number of Cars and Coffee-type meets that take place throughout the country (Kurt recently covered a Cars and Coffee meet in Jacksonville), and the DC-area one certainly does the concept justice.
One recent Saturday morning, I caravaned down with my buddy Paul (he was driving his monster Grand Cherokee SRT-8) and a pack of Vipers and Corvettes. It was still dark when we left for the event, but by the time we arrived, the sun was gleaming like a halo on a heavenly field of precious metal.
There was a stunning array of Ferraris, Lambos (two Countachs and a Murcielago), Bimmers, Porsches, Corvettes, Alfas, Mercedes, Minis, Lotuses, Triumphs, Scouts, Maseratis, Jags, and even a Kaiser Darrin. The cars also varied widely by model year. Keep in mind that these are vehicles owned by the locals and driven there – these aren’t all investments that spend their days appreciating in a hermetically sealed garage. Below are a few examples from that Saturday.
Dodge Vipers and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 from the morning’s caravan.
A rare gem – 1954 Kaiser Darrin (only 435 were built)
CLK63 AMG Black Series Mercedes
M&Ms – E24 M6 (!) and E30 M3
1965 or 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350
Mini Cooper and BMW 2002
Another uncommon sight – a BMW Z8, with Dodge Charger R/T in the background.
A gorgeous Jaguar E-type V12
Vettes – Stingray and Z51
I suggest that if you’re visiting to scope out the cars and you’re not driving anything that fits the bill, park around back and allow the eye candy to take the limited number of spots out front. Then grab yourself a cup of hot coffee, take out your camera, and get to work salivating. I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.
Cars and Coffee is located at Katie’s Coffee House (760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066) and takes place every Saturday from April through October between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.