Cars & Coffee Irvine new rules

[sideache]

Over the past few months - more and more late model cars and unauthorized car clubs en-mass have been descending on Cars and Coffee. Many great great cars are being turned away. Today was particularly egregious and the days events promoted the organizers of C&C to come to this conclusion. Much of the lot was take up by two makes of late model cars, They asked that this be posted on as many car forums as possible. I am only the messenger.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]All,

I just returned from Cars&Coffee. Way too many "normal" cars in the display area. We had to close the "Display" lot at 7:15am because of overcrowding. Today was not the vision of C&C. We have decided to "re-calibrate" Cars&Coffee, starting next Saturday Feb 7th and future Saturdays, only "pre" 1978 and "Special Classic Automobiles" will be allowed into the "Display" lot. All others will be directed towards the "Spectator" lot and parking structure. There is a new "Every Saturday" car show starting in Orange County that may appeal to many enthusiasts starting March 7th at the "Orange County Market Place". Please pass the word.

Freeman[/QUOTE]

 

[vagt6]

That's a tough decision to make, but I don't blame them for it.

After all, it's THEIR club, thus they decide the rules, no?

And, "pre-'78" seems appropriate, making such cars 30+ years old.

You Californians have all the fun in wintertime! Around here this time of year, our fun cars are cocooned in the garages!

 

[GregW]

It isn't that tough a decision and I'm glad they made it. There has been a group of Mustang guys that have been coming since the venue was at Crystal Cove. Five or six of them with the same bolt-on superchargers and shiny cold air ducts. A shame that a 98 Mustang gets a spot, but the 67 2000GT Toyota doesn't.

 

[Steve]

I agree with their course of action. No ifs, ands or buts.

 

[Bayless]

I agree fully. I just wish we had something like that here in Oklahoma where it was necessary to make that "tough" decision.

 

[Brosky]

It's their club and their event and their rules.

If some people don't care for their rules, it's too bad, but they want things to be a certain way and I would respect them for that.

 

[Sherlock]

Agreed... They have the right to make rules

We do have a big weekly car cruise night here in Calgary (at least May through September), it is all ages of cars but we easily have enough room for all the cars anyway. There are a number of newer model cars, but they are still mostly in the minority, and to my knowledge there have never been any issues.

The one thing that does happen occasionally is guys doing burnouts when they leave, which is generally looked down, of course...

 

[AngliaGT]

It's nice to see the older cars - unless it's
something special ( a one-off,normaly not imported car).
People get tired of seeing the same old cars,week after-
-week.Why not let the "new people" in,instead of the cars
that show up every week?
When the California Mille comes to our area,we look
for the rare,or not seen before cars,rather than "another
Red Ferrari" that's been there year after year.It should
be treated like a special event - have a little respect
for the "new guys".Who wants to see a "Sea of Mustangs"
that all look pretty much alike?

- Doug

 

[PC]

Wow, that’s really unfortunate. I can certainly see their point, especially after yesterday. That was just way too much.

I guess I’m just too idealistic. I love the diversity. I’m really going to miss the egalitarian “anybody can bring anything” approach. I hate the thought that somebody has to judge whether a person’s car is “appropriate.”

Sure, there are always cars I personally find really boring, pointless or even offensive. But I’m sure <span style="font-style: italic">somebody</span> feels the same about the cars I’ve brought too.

The simple fact is that there’s only so much space in the lot. And I’m sure most people who attend (including me) aren’t particularly interested in seeing the umpteenth late model whatever that you can find any day of the week in any supermarket parking lot.

It’s sort of ironic that I found the perfect parking space for our ’85 Mazda on what might be the last day I can bring it.

pc.

 

[Stewart]

Holy cow after reading up on what happened all I can say is WOW. I can see why they are doing it as the last time I went there was a ton of modern cars. Hopefully C&C will still be around the next time I can go. I also hope they will loosen up on the 78 date as there is a ton of neat stuff out there that was built after that but I agree they need to start to control the modern car crowd and the vibe that they bring. It's sad they had to bring the foot down in this manner but it had to be done.

 

[Brooklands]

Popularity does have its problems and caused growing pains. I am sure that there will be a relaxing of this if there are lots of requests. Maybe 20 exception cars each week in a special lot. Maybe you need to request and receive a special dated pass for an exception car. It is best to make a firm rule, and then relax it over time...

 

[sideache]

The organizers (Ford Execs) have been extremely gracious. They love to have an eclectic show , something for every one. And that is the problem, some groups are selfish. When car clubs crash the gate with an enormous amount of cars, it becomes about them. No more eclectic show. No more something for everyone. They do nothing to help the organizers, nothing to add to the show experience - they show up in mass to say look at us. Having late model cars there that are cool was fine. Everything could be absorbed by the lot. There are over 500 spaces after all. That is not the case anymore. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90 cars of one make or model of a car of car that can be seen in a supermarket lot, - that is hard to absorb.

The show is being over-run by Imprezza groups, Supra groups, Late model M-series groups, Mazda 3 groups. WrX groups, Honda groups, late model Mustangs that are stock, even newer stock MINsI. I have a cool new Mini, but I will never park it in the show lot. There is an attitude of entitlement with some of these groups. They are not there to hammer down the signs, pull out the trash cans, set up the cones. It's the Ford guys that do all that. One wife stands and greets the folks and bids you a good day when you leave. It is there time, effort and personal sacrifice that makes this show as great as it is. The only rule was no burn-outs. That was not honored. Well now there has to be rules because the graciousness of the hosts have been trampled on.


I find it absolutely perplexing that on some forums the organizers are being trashed. The people that are at fault are the ones that can't seem to moderate themselves. Which has caused the organizers to do the moderating.

This past Saturday was a disaster. I was asked to help out at the entrance and saw much of what went on.

The show needs a reboot.

 

[bugimike]

That sounds like a real shame! I hope all gets worked out, as I have become so accustomed to your great posts and drooling over the "special" cars (and your fine photography!)that are showcased. Good luck with the rules and I hope things get straightened out!!

 

[NutmegCT]

That happens in many places I'm afraid; the moderators feel the heat, when the problem is caused by the childish part of the crowd. The "cool" guys with the cold air intakes and spinning LCD wheels have to show their stuff somewhere.

But why not start your own "real" classic show in another location at the same time? You'll probably never move the Mustang and Honda crowd; maybe that'll satisfy both sides?

Just a thought.
Tom

 

[PC]

The show exists in it's current location thanks to the graciousness, dedication, hard work and generosity of the location's <span style="font-style: italic">owners</span>. They're an integral part of it. Leaving it to the party crashers isn't an option.

If Cars & Coffee were to change venues, the current location would simply cease to be a gathering place for anybody.


pc.

 

[bugimike]

Well, hopefully the rules can be enforced and the non-complyers can find a new venue!!