Trancas Cars & Coffee - Deep Pockets Trump Car Craftsmen

[CDXXVII]

Maybe I am just too sensitive but this was a pretty negative experience for me.

Malibu is a great place to cruise to in California with several great car gatherings.

One of the more famous (Non Advertised) is the Trancas Market Cars & Coffee in Malibu on every first Sunday of the Month.

We finally got a chance to get together and make the early 55 mile trek to Trancas Market. If you are planning to find a descent parking spot plan on getting there by 6 AM.

We arrived at 6 AM and made our way to the back away from a cordoned off area with the only visible sign stating Pre 1973 only.

Here is a link to a review of the Cars & Coffee

https://petrolicious.com/articles/cars-coffee-trancas-country-market-10-1-2017

Here the location and address.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Trancas+Country+Market/@34.0324465,-118.8433946,12z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1strancas+market+cars+and+coffee !3m4!1s0x80e8180e70c8779d:0xc4d8ff1ecbb4d781!8m2!3 d34.0309898!4d-118.8427863

Here is the crap-O-gram left in our roadsters. The only two replica roadsters in attendance.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80529&d=1517950218

Here is the row we were parked at and the only two to received the special guest message.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80530&d=1517950306


What would you do? I approached the gentleman who organizes the event and he stated that he himself placed the signs in our cars. Not open to discussion. :mad:

[Driver_WT]

I would move on to another car gathering. I have owned a TR6 (in your pic) - not very special, I have not owned a Karmann Ghia (definitely not special or cool). You get to decide if you let someone else ruin your fun day.

[SerpantFL]

CDXXVII, I too would be not interested in patronizing those snooty left coast elitists (present company excepted), I think you rose above it by taking the high road (pun intended), and let them play amongst themselves with their idea of what constitutes a supercar. I have experienced snootiness in the NE, and I just gravitate to others who are more aligned with my type of fun and enjoyment. That guy's attitude reeks of jealousy and ignorance of the effort and dedication that actually goes into the construction of the Cobras. Should have put a plastic cover on the passenger seat and taken him for a bladder loosening ride. Non supercar, harrumph!

[Jdav]

I'm confused.
Did he not want your car in the show because it was a replica? Arent those a bunch of late model Porsches parked right next to you?
The note seems very focused on not sharing any info on social media - was that his main purpose?
Is it possible that others around you were regulars and already knew those rules?

[DadofThree]

If it's not fun for you, don't go. If you'll dread the entire trip to the site fearing the (very unreasonable) unwelcome attitude, don't go. It sounds like future visits would NOT be enjoyable to participate. Find an enjoyable one, or just go as a spectator (with your Cobra). It'll get a lot of attention where ever it is. Beautiful Build, and glad to see the motor is back in and running good! Dave

[CDXXVII]

His intent was pretty clear. He let me know that there was additional parking out back for cars that do not meet the “standards” originally set for this “special” car show. It really felt like it was a problem with replicas.


I'm confused.
Did he not want your car in the show because it was a replica? Arent those a bunch of late model Porsches parked right next to you?
The note seems very focused on not sharing any info on social media - was that his main purpose?
Is it possible that others around you were regulars and already knew those rules?

[boat737]

On a Positive note, you're still TOPS in my book Marcel. Keep up the good work.

[SerpantFL]

I agree with boat... BTW, I didn't see any Lampredi V12's there, so how special does he think he is?

[WIS89]

While I agree with the others who suggesting spending your limited free time where you and your awesome car will be more appreciated, it also looks like a public space. As such, they can't keep you from parking there. If you feel like it, grab even more of your friends and show up, park, grab a cup of coffee from the "sponsor's" market, and check things out.

As far as the rest of the cars, many of them look nice, but I didn't see a supercar in the bunch.

Let us know what you do moving forward.

Regards,

Steve

[FritoBandito]

I was the other participant in this with the blue FFR in the pic. It was an odd situation. As Marcel mentioned it was hard not to feel singled out. A friend of ours with a 2017 convertible corvette had parked directly adjacent the celebrity car area up front and he didn't get a flyer. Neither did any of the hoards of plain Jane late model Porsches. We had to wonder if the owner of the "real" Cobra who appeared to be a friend of the organizer was where the complaint originated. As Marcel said when we politely asked what was up the guy said "Yea, I PERSONALLY put those in your cars." Meh... just another self-important douche with a chip on his shoulder.

Frankly the dude's attitude was less of an issue than getting up at stupid o'clock in the morning just to get a parking spot in the same zip code. Some very nice cars there but that place filled up fast and ended up being more hectic than I enjoy with a lot of goofy driving by participants and passers by. That being said I intend to attend again and will park wherever I want. If another flyer shows up maybe I'll origami it into a schlong and sneak it into the organizer's car. :cool:

Mario

[slpro1207]

CDXXVII as a lifelong resident and fairly close neighbor of yours I can say that the last place you want to show your car is in Malibu. I have been to the Trancas Market gathering before and for the most part found them to be a little on the arrogant side. Not a place I would take my roadster to show. Just my 2 cents

[phileas_fogg]

I'd let the sponsor know that his organizer is hurting his business. If the sponsor didn't provide an acceptable apology, I'd light the organizer up on twitter...and instagram...and facebook (though I 'd have to create an account)...and include the sponsor's information as well. No way I'd ever go back though, regardless of what the sponsor said; clearly these aren't car guys.

But I can be a vindictive SOB at times.


John

P.S. I had a similar experience at a climbing gym in Marin County (just north of San Francisco). Some snobs are just too big for their britches.

[bingo2]

Perhaps a Replivasion is in order.

[i.e.427]

Marcel, grab Mario and come on out to breakfast this Saturday at http://www.maniac-mikes.com/. You'll see an nice collection of cars without the attitude.

Frank

Breakfast thread
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27320-Breakfast-Saturday-Feb-10-2018&p=312256#post312256

[CDXXVII]

Frank

I really truly want to make it out your way for breakfast and to check out your shop. Unfortunately, I discovered my rear axle bearing seal has failed. I changed one side a couple years ago and I can't remember if the same side failed again. Non the less, way too far of a drive slinging gear lube. Hopefully all the parts get here this weekend and I can get the job done. I am going to change both sides this time just to be on the safe side.



Marcel, grab Mario and come on out to breakfast this Saturday at http://www.maniac-mikes.com/. You'll see an nice collection of cars without the attitude.

Frank

Breakfast thread
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27320-Breakfast-Saturday-Feb-10-2018&p=312256#post312256

[wareaglescott]

Personally after being treated like that I’d be inclined to get every Cobra I knew to show up at the next one and put them on social media blast. Lol.
The arrogance to have those forms pre printed is ridiculous!

[Gumball]

Not sure I'd ever want to hang out with those guys again - at least they let you know who / what they are at the outset.

Though, I'm curious..... what was the guy who papered your car driving???

[KDubU]

He sounds like an *** to me. From the pics I am not very impressed the vehicles I can see. Sure they are older cars but nothing special in my books. Definitely would not go back and really just appears to me a big waste of time.

[ThickCobra]

Not sure I'd ever want to hang out with those guys again - at least they let you know who / what they are at the outset.

Though, I'm curious..... what was the guy who papered your car driving???

I agree with Chris. Big "Cars and Coffee" can be fun, but impromptu gatherings (and the occassional organization), which I am looking forward to this spring, work for me.
And, I've yet to meet one snooty person at these.

Jay

[j.miller]

I think ......I think.....I'm thinkin, I'm thinkin.....I say put out in add for their "cars and coffee" to all VW and Fiero based kit cars with a value of no more then 12K......1k grand prize for the "ugliest duckling" and ....and... ah! Must do a (or try) Burnout upon entry of the parking lot! That's just off the cuff. A little more time and I could make it a real hoot ! ...da Bat

[BEAR-AvHistory]

A Thunder Run with as many guys as you can round up would go in there very nicely. Would then take all the we don't want no stink'N replica flyers staple them together & hang them in the porta-john for toilet paper.

Agree on the quality. We have an open C&C in Morrisville, NC 1st Saturday of the month. Nicer collection then the pictures of Trancas Market showed & it open to anything you can get there in.

[Jdav]

I guess that I am lucky that Caffeine and Octane (https://www.caffeineandoctane.com/) is right in my backyard. Its a great event with all types of cars and no attitude that I have detected. If anyone is in Atlanta on the first Sunday of the month, make the effort to go.

[ThickCobra]

I guess that I am lucky that Caffeine and Octane (https://www.caffeineandoctane.com/) is right in my backyard. Its a great event with all types of cars and no attitude that I have detected. If anyone is in Atlanta on the first Sunday of the month, make the effort to go.

Jdav,

I'm curious whether you know Gary Dyck down your way?

[FritoBandito]

Not that I don't agree with a lot of the sentiment here but the cars you can see in the pic don't make up 1/10 of what's going on. Behind the VW bus in the pic is a small side lot where the high dollar stuff was parked. The list included the CSX3xxx, a 30's Lancia race car, Porsche 908 race car, a couple pre war coach built Bentlys, a matching pair of Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinettas, Lamborghini 400 GT, a couple Mercedes 300sl roadsters, Jaguar XKSS, Maserati Sebring, and other very *****en cars I can't remember. In addition lots of high dollar super cars were littered around including some prototype stuff not yet for sale. It was actually a little uncomfortable to view as they had the cars jammed together in that area with barely enough room to walk. If one of them were mine I wouldn't have wanted to park in there. Be the time I wanted to take pics it was swarming with people. Screw that.

The picture Marcel posted (I actually took it) illustrates how we were NOT a part of nor interfering with that business. Also a bit later a couple of those cars left and a Koenigsegg Agera showed up and they wedged him right into the "special" car area. So much for his pre 1973 horsesh*t.

So whatever. Marcel and I will go if we feel like it. Perhaps as some have suggested we'll bring a bunch of friends. Mass cruise after Huntington Beach anyone?

Mario
P.S. Thinking about doing the breakfast thing this sat. Might have a prior commitment though. Will see.

[Jdav]

Jdav,

I'm curious whether you know Gary Dyck down your way?

I do not.

[ThickCobra]

I do not.

I was just curious. He's a great guy and loves going to octane and caffeine events.

[scottiec]

That is just unbelievable. Lite him up on social media. It'll be a good time.

[steno]

I agree with Chris. Big "Cars and Coffee" can be fun, but impromptu gatherings (and the occassional organization), which I am looking forward to this spring, work for me.
And, I've yet to meet one snooty person at these.

Jay
And a great Reuben sandwich thrown in to boot!

[MPTech]

I'm actually a little surprised that a Cars & Coffee event has "rules" like that. Our local events get a huge variety of cars and that's one of the things I enjoy about it. Rat-rod pick-ups, military duece&half, vintage Firetrucks, hot-rodded Triumph Spitfire, etc etc. Besides the normal vintage, muscle car, VW, exotic, stuff.
Yeah, I'd say he has a stick up his butt about something, his note is just evidence that he's an A$$. His comments about sub-standard and cool cars, just further demonstrates his character.
Don't let him ruin your day. (although, I don't think I could walk away from his "challenge")
I wonder if other participants have the same opinion?

[broku518]

That is very unfortunate. I have yet to finish my build, and already feeling discouraged by going to any of these shows. Heck, the amount of time and money spend on my build, I am in a class on my own! :cool:

Like you bringing out a step child or half a** car that no one wants to see. Wrong, they are very special!

[Frank Messina]

I wouldn't lose a minute's sleep over this wanker one way or another. Have you ever gone to lunch with the Tri County Cobras in Oxnard? They just did a lunch and then a run last Saturday from Ventura to the Rock Store in guess where? Good bunch of guys.

Frank

[CDXXVII]

Don't be discouraged. What happened at Trancas is not the norm. Cars and Coffee events are supposed to be easy going and all inclusive. This particular organizer is just an unhappy jerk.

We take our roadsters out most weekends and for the most part get nothing but praise. Pretty much a given that on every outing you will get several thumbs up and tons of smiles. You will always run into the occasional snob but to the hell with them.

Sometimes at car shows it can be a little off putting because there really is not category for our cars. Even then, at the last show I received best paint which was pretty cool.


That is very unfortunate. I have yet to finish my build, and already feeling discouraged by going to any of these shows. Heck, the amount of time and money spend on my build, I am in a class on my own! :cool:

Like you bringing out a step child or half a** car that no one wants to see. Wrong, they are very special!

[ej95Cobra]

Cars and Coffee is really a great gathering; the Trancas meet seems to be contrary to what I have experienced. The following quote is from the C&C Richmond Va website.

Cars and Coffee is an informal biweekly car show of car enthusiasts, of all kinds. It's not about the car you drive but about how much of a car enthusiast you are!

Broku518; don't be discouraged by the arrogant ringmaster at Trancas. Check out the C&C videos on Youtube. You'll see a number of great and varied cars; all with a common thread of attendees being car guys.

[Straversi]

Take a deep breath and let it pass....

The few who own original GT-40's, Cobras and Porsche 356 Speedsters don't like reproductions, continuations or tributes. They don't like being asked if their $M+ investments are kits. They don't like to here people say, "Oh, my neighbor has one of those, but in red". Same goes for the owners of original steel body, original frame hot rods. It's just the way it is and if I were in their shoes, or tax brackets, I might feel the same.

Fortunately, I'm not building my MK-IV for their affirmation or approval. I'm building my car for the experience and my own satisfaction. I appreciate that there is a small forum community that understands the thought, planning and effort that goes into each assembly and/or modification but if you all were not out there I'd still be enjoying my build.

Please yourself, take satisfaction in your own accomplishments and go drive the wheels off your baby every chance you get.

My 2 cents.

-Steve

[chmhasy]

I think you would have more fun turning it into a motorcycle show

[DadofThree]

Yep....That's some "Hi-End" Stuff...I wonder if the "Yugo Guy" got a flyer. It looks like they welcomed him. And it also looks as though they've welcomed a Cobra Replica before.


https://youtu.be/I3IuxXNKNB8?t=4m49s

[Al_C]

Wow. Just wow. Lots of great points listed here. As for me, I agree with Phileas that you should go - assuming you return - to the sponsor and show them the leaflet. I think I would be more interested in how they respond than what they actually do say. The sponsor may not care, but then again, they may not know what the organizer is doing. It just depends how much energy you want to expend on this one!

[Mark Eaton]

I am loving this thread! We are a community. Marcel, you need to blast out of that place and don't look back. Go to car shows where your brethren hang out, people that understand and appreciate what you've done. Screw that guy and his snooty get together. Besides, people that buy those cars don't understand them, they don't "FEEL" them, not the way you do when you spend countless hours laboring to build you dream car. Blood, sweat and tears Man! THATS what makes it matter.

[Big Blocker]

Marcel,

I've been to quite a few Cars & Coffee's in quite a few different places and I'm thinking that this might NOT BE an "official" Cars & Coffee as the theme of those and every one I've been to is this quote from above: "Cars and Coffee is an informal biweekly car show of car enthusiasts, of all kinds. It's not about the car you drive but about how much of a car enthusiast you are!" These A-holes are NOT following the true meaning of the C&C organization at all.
I also find it funny that they don't want Social Media coverage or public notices but have ALL the icons at the bottom of their web site, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook & Vimeo . . . looks like they are fully covered.
I wouldn't give these guys ( or maybe just the organizer ) the time of day. I looked at the website and there are plenty of Hum-Drum cars allowed.
You and your "perfect example of what a Cobra should look like" shouldn't waste your time and effort with these low-life types. Find a group that understands cars, not a bunch of pansie-assed creeps that probably don't know the first thing about their cars, get them repaired/serviced by experts for mucho $$$. These are the guys that would NOT know what to do if stuck on the side of the road except call AAA.

Just my 2¢ an not worth a plugged nickle . . .

Doc

[videodude]

Marcel and Mario,

This kind of crap is just one more reason I'm glad we moved from CA to Las Vegas. The weekly Car Show on Eastern (which is right down the street from my house) welcomes EVERYTHING! No attitudes, no hype, no garbage, just a bunch of car guys and their cars. Everyone gets along and no one gives anybody crap. Put it behind you, and move on from those folks that obviously think they are too good to rub shoulders with the "likes of you".

There are better places to hang out. Like Las Vegas (LOL!).

Video

[Itchief]

Do you think that they may have been upset because your cars were making theirs look bad

Rick

[FritoBandito]

Do you think that they may have been upset because your cars were making theirs look bad

Rick

Yea... that's just a theory. We don't really know that he had any issues with us.

Mario

[CDXXVII]

Just want to say thanks for all the support. This is truly a family.

I did end up writing a letter to their main sponsor expressing my concerns. I also included a copy of the flyer left in our Roadsters along with the photo in the original post.

While I do not believe my letter will amount to anything it does make me feel better. I do plan to keep my options open to attend again in the future and I will be parking in the same place. Last I checked it is a public space.

[ThickCobra]

Just want to say thanks for all the support. This is truly a family.

I did end up writing a letter to their main sponsor expressing my concerns. I also included a copy of the flyer left in our Roadsters along with the photo in the original post.

While I do not believe my letter will amount to anything it does make me feel better. I do plan to keep my options open to attend again in the future and I will be parking in the same place. Last I checked it is a public space.

Sometimes the smaller get togethers are more rewarding. Just a thought.

[BigUgly]

CDXXVII,

If you would like me to find you, say a 1971 Ford Pinto here in the Northeast that has been subjected to 47 years of winter road salt as well as Ocean salt air, that has enough rust to scare the bejesus out of anyone looking at it and ship it to you, so that you can take it to the Trancas Cars and Coffee on a regular basis, just let me know. I would be happy to do it for an FFR brother. :p;):cool::D

BigUgly

[slpro1207]

FYI I looked up “cars & coffee” and came up with another gathering in Malibu, every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month 7 to 9AM. Actually co-sponsored by the City of Malibu. And it’s not at Trancas market. Public parking lot at Malibu Bluffs. Might check it out next week.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Can't speak regarding Marcel but in Mario's case maybe it wasn't the car that was the problem :p

You know I'm just messin with ya' ;)

Blow it off and don't go back.

Jeff

[FritoBandito]

Can't speak regarding Marcel but in Mario's case maybe it wasn't the car that was the problem :p

You know I'm just messin with ya' ;)

Blow it off and don't go back.

Jeff

Hey that is none of your business and I'll thank you to stay out of my private affairs. :mad: Besides since the surgery my pants fit so much better and women and horses don't run away in terror anymore. It's nice. :p

Mario

[edwardb]

Blow it off and don't go back.

Jeff

That's my vote as well. That's one of the most obnoxious and arrogant stories I've heard. Won't even initiate a discussion but throws a flyer in your car and runs? Crazy. Very unlikely (impossible...) that you'll change anything. There are lots of great events so why bother with it? I've attended a bunch of shows, cruise nights, cars & coffees, etc. over the past years with my builds. For the most part, participants and spectators are positive and supportive. Lots of great conversations and sharing that I enjoy. But occasionally the "it's not a real one" and/or "just a kit car" sentiment kicks in. I'm not into smart aleck comebacks or banter. I just ignore it and don't let it spoil my fun. Life's too short to try to change people who don't want to be changed. My observation is that the real car guys -- ones that actually do the work, not just have deep pockets -- appreciate our builds for what they are and we get along fine.

Kind of related, I was talking to a neighbor last night who was asking my builds. He tinkers with restoring cars and was curious how much Factory Five cars cost. He said he heard "they were expensive." I talked round numbers for kits and how much a finished build could cost. He said that was way too rich for him and he could never afford such a thing. It's all a matter of perspective.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Kind of related, I was talking to a neighbor last night...was curious how much Factory Five cars cost.

Straying a bot off topic here but I get that a lot. My favorite answer is one I got from my dearly departed old friend Wade Chamberlain; "They start at about $15 a pound and go up from there". You can usually see the wheels in their heads turning as they try to do the math :)

Jeff

[Frank Messina]

You only think of this stuff after the fight is over, but how about just walking over and casually dropping that notice onto the seat of one of those Porsches?

Frank

[Bobby Doug]

Just want to say thanks for all the support. This is truly a family.

I did end up writing a letter to their main sponsor expressing my concerns. I also included a copy of the flyer left in our Roadsters along with the photo in the original post.

While I do not believe my letter will amount to anything it does make me feel better. I do plan to keep my options open to attend again in the future and I will be parking in the same place. Last I checked it is a public space.

You could be that guy and do a long smoky one when leaving.:cool:

[GoDadGo]

Move To Louisiana & Enjoy Our Southern Hospitality, Great Food, Lower Taxes, Mardi Gras, Go-Cups (NOLA Only) Along With Many, Many Other Fun Filled Activities!

Our car events have everything and anything Except Snootie People so come on down and we'll even show the best places to eat, play and to hoist a few too:

http://www.patobriens.com/patobriens/default.asp

http://www.mrbsbistro.com/

http://www.acmeoyster.com/

http://www.kpauls.com

https://nolamotor.com/

http://www.cafedumonde.com/

https://www.gulfportdragway.com/

https://cruisinthecoast.com/registration/

https://www.commanderspalace.com/

[DadofThree]

It appears that the Trancas Cars and Coffee is no longer an event to attend.

http://mycarquest.com/2018/03/trancas-cars-coffee-no.html

[CDXXVII]

Could not have happened to a better group.


It appears that the Trancas Cars and Coffee is no longer an event to attend.

http://mycarquest.com/2018/03/trancas-cars-coffee-no.html

[Joee]

I generally don't bother with that type, some folks are fixated on the concept of factory produced, just move on. F them, most of them are posers lightly driving something they spent too much money on. When I get questioned I laugh say of course its not real, its my hand built race car.