Disheartening is one widespread reaction to the postponements and cancellations of large-scale car events, shows that have been annual traditions, bucket-list experiences, and sources of so much of our automotive culture. Even so, the community is getting back together, albeit on a smaller and more local scale.
If this is the new normal, we hope it continues even after the major events return.
Until our world changed six months ago, I’d all but forgotten the wonderful and intimate atmosphere of the local car gatherings that attracted me to the hobby in the first place. Now, with those events re-emerging, I find I have a new appreciation for them.
Since we staged the Future Collector Car Show back in January, my car-culture outlet has been a weekly gathering at a local Scottsdale, Arizona, coffee shop owned by a Porsche enthusiast. The cafe is called Fourtillfour, a pun on the Porsche 356.
Every weekend, these gatherings feature a different and rotating theme, but all sorts of vehicles are welcome to take part.
The first weekend of the month, of course, is Porsches, vintage and new. The second weekend, fast cars such as hyper cars, super cars, and sports cars. The third is themed “Shake Down,” which includes vintage European and Japanese vehicles. The fourth weekend is dedicated to “Adventure Mobiles,” off-road rigs and 4x4s.
Being the third Saturday of the month, this past weekend featured vintage European and Japanese vehicles. Among cars that caught my eye were a recently imported Nissan R33 Skyline custom built by the team at HKS in Japan, a show-quality BMW E30 caged and track ready, and a 2021 Range Rover Defender. With such a variety of vehicles, came a variety of people, but no conflicts, arguments, or negativity to be found.
Our car culture flourishes with such local gatherings we would love to highlight more like this. Have an upcoming show or gathering? Send us the details so we can showcase how our culture continues to flourish.
Email us at [email protected].
