The chrome was polished, the hood ornaments gleamed, and the tail fins shone at the Cars and Coffee event in Turlock.
The annual event held in October is put on by Winton-Ireland, Strom and Green Insurance Agency and brings together hundreds of car enthusiasts and collectors to view all the classic and restored automobiles.
“We had a great turnout, over 118 registered vehicles, and the featured mark was a huge success — 15 Porsches on the lawn,” said event organizer and WIS&G Insurance Broker Jeremy Benjamin. “It was one of the best varieties of cars on display at the event.”
Cars and Coffee are events held around that world that are designed to bring together collectors, hobbyists and those who admire the craftsmanship and dream of owning their own special automobile. Some events are built around a fundraiser, while others, like the Turlock gathering are free to the spectators. The Turlock event drew more than 500 people, according to Benjamin.
WIS&G was approached by Hagerty Collector Car Insurance (who helps sponsor the event) about hosting a Cars and Coffee event seven years ago because they had numerous car collectors insuring their automobiles through the company. The idea delighted Benjamin, who is a car enthusiast and had 20 automobiles to his name by the time he was 26.
“I thought it was a great idea and was inspired to make it a fun event for everyone,” Benjamin said.
The featured autos for the Turlock event were Porsches through the various years. The event also had hot rods, motorcycles, restored work trucks, sports cars, Model Ts, and a few early model vehicles, like the 1932 Ford Roadster brought out by Hilmar resident Jerry Barlow.
“It’s fun getting to see all the cars and talking to the people about them,” Barlow said.
“The cars are the icebreakers,” Benjamin said. “The real fun are the people behind the cars and their stories.
“I want to thank WIS&G, Hagerty Insurance, drivers, WIS&G team members, and all the volunteers for making this year a success,” Benjamin said.
The 209 area has other Cars and Coffee events happening on a regular basis. There’s one in Stockton that meets at 9 a.m. the third Sunday of the month at Espresso Coffee at March Lane and Pershing Avenue. Modesto is home to different Cars and Coffee events. For upcoming events and locations visit carsandcoffeemodesto.com. ■
