2020 has been quite the year. Everyone inhabiting planet earth has had their lives involuntarily altered in one way or another thanks to the events that have transpired. Naturally, protocols have been put in place in all parts of the globe to aid in the preservation of our species. For a select group of the world – individuals who call all things motoring their passion – the absence of regular automotive events was felt; and felt hard.
While the situation is different in every state and country, locally in South Australia, the situation has positively improved. Adelaide begun opening up for business again and while that has truly been a blessing, it was Cars & Coffee Unley’s green light announcement of their June event that really gifted a sense of reprieve and excitement to the now deprived car enthusiasts of Adelaide. Instinctively, the turnout would be superb despite any weather concerns.
Luke Jaksa, the other half of Sports Car Safari and host of Cars & Coffee Unley was present as always with his practical and off-road inspired Alfa Romeo 33 estate.
Anyone who attends Cars & Coffee events here in Adelaide understands that turning up on the dot typically results in defeat when it comes to sourcing a car park. Securing an entire row of parks at these types of events usually equates to waking up before sunrise and that is precisely what the boys and girls of In Our Element achieved, with eight cars from the group parked side by side.
There is no doubting the common theme carried amongst all of the vehicles in Element. Contemporary styling and fine execution are the greatest influence for the group. Anton Lieu’s mark 7 Golf R, with its Elderberry Purple wrap, carbon diffusers, skirts, canards, bronze-lipped Work Gnosis CVX wheels and recently fitted air-suspension is a great example of the group’s styling philosophy.
Sat next to Anton’s Golf was another bagged vehicle – Zhe’s imported Toyota S180 Crown Athlete. The silver bippu-themed sedan has worn various wheels in its life but at this point in time, resides on a set of silver Work Schwert SC1.
IOE’s Honda representation came in the form of Michael’s DC5 Integra Type S and Tung’s FK8 Civic Type R, with both cars favouring Mugen ingredients for most of their exterior touches.
As usual, attendees were constantly arriving and leaving in an elastic mix of metal. Navigating through the Unley car park to check out a specific car, then realising a completely different ride now resides in the exact car park spot after a second wander really adds to the lively and dynamic environment of the event.
Peter is a fortunate individual who was able to acquire the keys to his BNR34 Skyline GT-R prior to the price boom over the last few years. His V.Spec model features some subtle enhancements which adds to the overall OEM+ finish, including but not limited to the rare OEM gold badges, Volk TE37 wheels, Fujitsubo Legalis-R exhaust and restored exterior trim pieces. The hue of Peter’s GT-R inspired the name (Kuro Sora Blog) for the informative blog he runs which covers his automotive adventures as well as details his journey with the two black Skylines he owns.
In addition to Peter’s BNR34, GT George also stopped by in his Bayside Blue BNR34. Coincidentally, George’s GT-R also wears Volk TE37 shoes like Peter’s car but in the more traditional bronze colorway.
It’s never a bad sight to notice multiple Skyline GT-Rs present at a meet. This silver BCNR33 was wearing the larger series 3 front lip spoiler, Nismo 400R side skirts and rolling on classic SSR Professor wheels.
Events like Cars & Coffee Unley allow punters to get up close and personal to some of the latest and greatest machines, in addition to immaculate examples of classics from yesteryear.
With almost all automotive related events being placed on hiatus in most parts of the world, as well as locally here in Adelaide since mid-March, it was genuinely a fortunate blessing to be able to attend a car event again, after almost 3 months of being deprived. To admire all the amazing vehicles displayed and soak in the passionate atmosphere and vibes of the people is a feeling often taken for granted by many. If the current pandemic is a reminder of anything, it’s to appreciate how circumstances can change so hastily. Attend, support and make the most of these events when they present themselves as no one is able to predict when another round of deprivation may occur.
