Car lovers and Auto Enthusiast alike can tell you the joyous experience of attending a great car show. It could be the types of cars that, or even the smells of high-octane fuel blends (weather they are methanol, race fuels-blends, or even E-85) But then—there’s the sounds…
Nothing says Ferrari like "Red"
Being the music junkie-audiophile that I am, the sounds get me. To me there is not much in life as exciting as hearing the harmonious sound that a Ferrari V12 going to 9k RPM, only to have the rev’s drop rapidly before the driver hits the all-powerful throttle again only to release that V12 symphony once again. Ohh, don’t think that I’m going to leave out the magnificent scream of and LS7 motor as that v8 rockets down a track leaving nothing but “time” in its wake, and with every shift roars out of that dual exhaust the fiery scream of a beast that has given American Muscle cars there legacy. Would you believe if I told your there is a car show that offers all this and more?
Car Show
For my JDM community (I couldn’t leave you out). There is something magical about the sound of a WRX/STI boxer turbocharged 4-cylinder as it climbs through the rpm band to redline, with its turbo piercing through the air as if it was forcing every cc of life possible out of a 4-clyinder that can keep up(and pass) motors even twice its size!(I told you they were magical) If you or another car enthusiast, car lover dream of a car show like this then you have ventured to the right blog.
Caffeine and Octane or C&O is the car show that contains all this, and more. I will specifically be referring to the one in Atlanta since this is the city I live in, and closet show to me. (Caffeine and Octane or Cars and Coffee are offered in many cities around the U.S.) This show offers everything possible when it comes to car manufacturers. You will even see some off the wall of one of a kind builds-inventions-creations.
Muscle Cars
One of the highlights is the Muscle cars. There is just something unequivocally unforgiving about the sound of a v8 engine. Nothing compares to that sound of a big block 427Chevy II or Nova as it thumps by before parking its glory on the asphalt. Only for my ears to be quickly pulled to the the choppiness of a Ford 347 Stroker as it sounds like its simply going to cut off with every revolution the motor makes. As you stroll around (and if your early enough) you’ll be sure to see your reflection in the chrome bumpers of and air cleaners of all the old school rides and everyone gets in a last minute shine. There will be many candied paint jobs and even some lower riders- slammed-together.
Exotics
Keep making your way around and you will find yourself in the lot with all the exotics. Yes exotics and supercars. This is your chance to get a real good look at that Porsche 911 GT3 RS. But I promise your soon your eyes will be drawn to the luster of the Ferrari 458 Italia parked adjacent. If your lucky you’ll get to hear a few revs from the Ferrari as completes it’s parking job. I have also seen a Pagani in person… And Ohhh man, if sounds are your thing, then you will absolutely melt to the glory that exhaust note. There is not limit to what people bring to the table. As you continue your journey you will come across McLaren 720s and the shear aggressiveness of Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. The excitement and energy of these high performance daily driver cars that can achieve top speeds of 180-mph plus is just contagious. Like I said you finally have on place to come see all these exotics corral with each other. Take a peek inside and talk with the drivers/owners of these vehicles who, many are just as excited as you are to talk cars. I have even had the chance to sit in these cars and get a better feeling of what driver seat in a Porsche 911 really feels like (yep…it’s even better than you imagined) There is no shortage of these cars either. You will see the newest models and everything prior.
There certainly is room for JDM and import love at the show too. No shortage of Del Sols, and S2000’s some of which are sporting turbos. The sound they make when they spool up is just plain addictive. And, what would Honda’s be without the K-swap. Stuck on a project car? This is the perfect place to ask people who have done it. Plenty of custom and modified civics, something to catch everyone’s eyes. Strong presence of Evo’s to. I’ve see some of the craziest JDM and import builds here.
When, Where?
The show is the first Sunday of the month. (so yes, only once a month). Also, the show starts at 8am and goes until 11am. It is located at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Ga. If you do plan on attending, I suggest getting there at about 7:30am, to make sure you can park. It seems this event is ever growing in popularity. It is one of my favorite ways to experience car culture.
Along with the cars you will also find vendors with food and of course popular automotive products. Things from oil and additives to excellent care car products. A great place to question some of these representatives about there products, use, and new and upcoming products.
Probably one of the most exciting parts of this show is when everyone is leaving. People will line the sidewalks around the perimeter and at the exits. True, yes, there are Police officers at the ready in some of the intersections. Even though, the sounds of most these cars, even with mild throttle still catches the attention of bystanders. Especially when you didn’t realize how great an BMW M3 sounds. The excitement of watching everyone leave is almost worth the whole drive up there. Its like the cherry on top. After all the walking and looking, finally we can hear and see why some of these cars are so exceptional.
Closing Thoughts
For anyone interested in cars, or just getting into cars this is probably the best show to attend. Kids welcome. There is something special about seeing a kids face light up when they see a supercar. I still get that same feeling every time I see one on the road. You will see Muscle Cars, Rat Rods, JDM cars, Exotics and everything in between. I almost forgot to mention the best part. This car show is FREE. There is no price for admission, for any age. This show is absolutely worth attending. Yes, you may have to get up early. NO, YOU WONT BE DISSAPPOINTED.
Is Caffeine and Octane the best car show? Check my video on my Youtube channel and see for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY8wxU5IdYQ
