A visit to the number one C & C in the area: Katie’s Cars & Coffee in Great Falls, Va
It looks like the bat mobile and has a price tag that would make even Bruce Wayne wince. A loud revving nearly $600,000 Lamborghini Aventador was the most hotly observed vehicle at Katie’s Cars and Coffee on Saturday.
The matte black color alone made this car stand out stealing just as much attention this time around. It’s screaming 7.0 liter V12 machine left car enthusiasts with their mouthwatering as they gazed at the impeccable engine, aside from the squared pipes of the quad-exit Armytrix system and it’s complete aero kit.
“To help bring that rear end closer to the ground, I have extended four of the fins on the stock diffuser with elongated sections and then connected with a sub-diffuser– effectively giving a second layer to the extremities,” said owner Mark Smith, looking at his car with a smile. “I hope other car lovers such as myself enjoy from my work.”
Setting next to the Aventador was the three-box runabout racer, a true collectible. A rusty but still intact white Datsun 510 Station Wagon.
“What makes the Datsun 510 an enduring platform for those who like driving is its simplicity, durability and flexibility,” owner Bill Mercker said.
Most of us think of the two-door sedan, front grille and it’s four round headlights when we think of a Datsun 510, but the station wagon has been gaining ground among collectors.
“In a time where economy meant driving around in a wheezy compact, the Datsun offered more,” said Michael Richardson, a huge fan of Japanese car. “Fully independent suspension has set the compact Datsun apart from its solid-axle competitors. It has the classic box like, Japanese domestic market (JDM) look, which makes it memorable. It is also one of the most rare Datsuns in America. I love this car so much! People don’t understand how rare that car is … it is so underrated but so beautiful! It has such great bodylines, and has the air of a classic Japanese car!”
Other creations that pulled into the special automobile assemblage were Maseratis, Mercedes Benz, Aston Martins, Porsches, Corvettes, two F-40 Ferraris, and the iconic AC Cobra 427 owned and signed by Carroll Shelby.
“What makes Katie’s so special, is that it doesn’t matter what the car is. If it’s unique and it’s a love of yours, I can guarantee that somebody else here will love it too,” said Mike Kearney, owner of Katie’s Coffee House.
It is an affluent place where different crops feel free to bring what they have and show it to other enthusiasts. There is always a mix of hot rods built by owners, costume-made designs, traditional English rides and of course, some Japanese furious that adds more flavor to the motorsports fest.
“It’s interesting to see its wonderful progression,” said Lizzy Patel, resident of Great Falls, Va.
What once started as a small group assembly, and was inspired by the early morning gathering that is popular in California, is now converted into a massive interactive family environment for everyone to come.
“I gather with friends every other Saturday to watch the wide range of pretty cool vehicles from oldie classics to modern models,”
Patel said. “It’s crazy to even think about the value that these have, not to mention the amount of money spent in such installations.”