Cars & Café – June 5, 2010
Another month means another gathering for Cars & Café out at the AutoMotorPlex in Chanhassen. As I woke up at 5:50 am to get ready and then hop into the 300ZX, I looked out the window to see rain coming down. I instantly decided taking the 300ZX was not happening – not this month.
By no means did this mean I was not going, rather I just did not feel like taking the 300ZX out in the rain. I went back to bed, because the reality is if you do not plan on showing a car, getting to the AutoMotorPlex ridiculously early is not a huge deal. After getting a little more sleep, I found myself pulling into the event at 9 am. Things were already hopping. There was a line of cars still flowing into the complex, although a few Porsches were actually leaving. As I was walking down the hill, a Carver County Sheriff pulled in and asked if he could show his car (jokingly of course). Gotta love the panther cars!
The fact that the weather was not amazing did not stop car lovers and onlookers alike from flowing in and filling up the AutoMotorPlex. In fact, certain cars ended up being turned away to park at the top of the hill due to the sections filling up. Notably missing (at least I did not see it) was the Scion XB with the taped on LED strips to the headlights. I also did not see the 240SX with the zip tied body kit. That was all fine because the first thing I saw was a black BMW Z8 and I just love that car. The license plate on the Z8 read HOUSPMT, and while I did not meet the owner the car was in great condition.
Other notable cars included a terrific looking Saab 900 (I assume a Turbo but it was debadged and the hood was not open). I was really digging the car – until I saw the rear which has what can only be described as – you know those aftermarket lights that can go on trucks, with four squircles to make it look similar to a Corvette? Yeah, those! Anyways, they were um …well ugly compared to the traditional taillights or even some other aftermarket options. The rest of the car, I lust after. A very nice R Design Volvo C30 was in attendance with the license plate BORK. That is just classic. I really loved the Audi GT Coupe with great blue paint. A very nice black 300ZX Twin Turbo was there – and while it may be fast its not Uncs Z (that story is coming someday).
A 1964 Volkswagen 1800 convertible was being shown and it was just classic. A true Michelle Naranjo vehicle if I have ever seen one – she probably dreams of it now that I sent her a picture of it. Another cool car I had yet to see in the flesh was a Shelby GT500 Super Snake. Blue with a black and white interior the car was just gorgeous. Other cool appearances included the VW Bus that been at all three Cars & Café’s so far this year. I spoke with the owner and he mentioned a new paint job would be coming towards the of the summer. Sad, because I actually dig the current look.
Overall, the turnout was great. Even though it rained the lot was packed. Good times, donuts, coffee and great people – all with a common passion. Maybe next month we will get sunshine instead of clouds and rain. Until next month, heres to good motoring and safe driving.
