Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from Caffeine and Octane: December 2017.
Dec 7, 2017
Wow, 2017 is really coming to an end. Caffeine and Octane held it's final show... of 2017. Held at the Perimeter Mall outside of Atlanta in Dunwoody, Georgia, Caffeine and Octane allows car enthusiasts from all over to bring their cars and to show them off and also to.e joy some prestigious vehicles.
Despite the foggy, dreary weather, Caffeine and Octane had a great turnout. It doesn’t matter if you show up in a classic Chevy Nova SS, a Lamborghini Huracan Performante, a Gulf Edition Porsche Carrera, a Mercedes AMG GT-R, the blue wrapped Lexus LC500 on Vossen Wheels that I was reunited with at SEMA, or one of the many other vehicles that still allowed those that admire cars to appreciate them for the beauty that they are.
I know it's been awhile, but let me backtrack to October's post. I didn't post November's Caffeine and Octane photos because to be honest, I didn't go since I was recovering from SEMA. To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Octane: December 2017 gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from the 2017 SEMA Show
Nov 15, 2017
Everyone in the automotive industry knows that the last couple of days in October into the early part of November is special. The Speciality Equipment Marketing Association trade show allows those in the automotive industry to see what’s new and the latest trends as well as how the product enhances the look of a vehicle, network with companies, learn how to grow your business in various ways, and also hobnob with some celebrities in the automotive world. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, attendees from as far as the other side of the world gathered to celebrate what was SEMA's 51st show...
...And I'll give you one guess who was there to take it all in. The 2017 SEMA show was my eighth show, but compared to some attendees (i.e. Chip Foose- whose first SEMA show that he attended was ironically the same year I was born), I'm still considered a newbie. I'm always like a kid in a candy store when arriving at SEMA. Once I'm done crying tears of joy, I dive right into the chaos- I meet great people who share some of the same similarities as I do and photograph great vehicles while enjoying some great weather. Like I've said for the past couple of years, I live for SEMA.
This year was different- normally I arrive in Vegas the first day of SEMA. I wanted to shake things up by landing the day before the show started, which was really interesting. I had the opportunity to watch the crew scramble to get everything together in time for the next day. I watched as Forgiato wheel company move cars around, Liberty Walk applying decals to the vehicles in their booth, contractors laying down carpet, detailers washing cars, owners putting that final coat of tire shine on their prized possessions. Yes, I was in the way of many people, taking in all the energy. In light of a recent, tragic event that created the #VegasStrong movement, security was uber tight, so I had to wait until the next day to view the vehicles indoors.
This year, I noticed a lot of wrapped vehicles, full-sized pickup trucks, vehicles on Pirelli and Toyo Tires, vehicles on Forgiato, Savini (they didn't even have a booth), and Rotiform wheels, wide body cars, and just in case you ignored me before- there were a lot of full-sized pickup trucks- either lowered to the ground or had raised suspension. Tire stickers were pretty popular as well. Also some companies (Vossen, Giovanna and Vosteiner wheel companies) had off site booths in hotel suites or they took over a luxury car dealership, referring to Giovanna Wheels.
All in all, I had a fantastic time while in Vegas and I will be back next year for my ninth show. So to see photos from SEMA, click on the links for each day- SEMA Sneak Peek, SEMA Day 1, SEMA Day 2, SEMA Day 3, SEMA Day 4 (including the cruise and SEMA Ignited), the Giovanna Wheels takeover, Auto Collections, and Corsa Rally galleries.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from Caffeine and Exotics: October 2017
Oct 19, 2017
It's official, 2017 is officially coming to a close. Last Sunday, Caffeine and Exotics held their final show of the 2017 car show season. Held in the main parking lot of Atlanta's Lenox Square Mall, Caffeine and Exotics is the younger, more flashier sibling of Caffeine and Octane.
Caffeine and Exotics had plenty of high end vehicles for spectators to admire. From the abundance of Ferraris (especially the 488), to Chevy Corvettes, Nissan GTRs, Rolls Royce Dawn, Lamborghini Huracans and Aventadors, McLaren 720s, and the one of the stars of the show- the Barbus Mercedes Benz 4x4 Wagons (they shared the spotlight with the Butler Tire customized Ferrari 488 GTBs).
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Exotics: October 2017 gallery. And now I am officially ready for SEMA.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from Caffeine and Octane: October 2017
Oct 6, 2017
Last Sunday, Caffeine and Octane held their tenth show of 2017. Held at the Perimeter Mall outside of Atlanta in Dunwoody, Georgia, Caffeine and Octane allows car enthusiasts from all over to bring their cars and to show them off.
As the months go by, Caffeine and Octane’s attendance (in both spectators and vehicles) has been growing more and more. It doesn’t matter if you show up in a classic Ford Mustang, a multi-colored Lamborghini Huracan, Porsche Carrera S, a lowered Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a vintage Chevrolet 3100 truck, or one of the many other vehicles that still allowed those that admire cars to appreciate them for the beauty that they are.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Octane: October 2017 gallery, but to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I will make it to next month's show. I'll probably will be recovering from SEMA.
Bernies Return Trip to the Petersen Automotive Museum
Sep 28, 2017
My trips to Los Angeles will never be fully complete without going to this particular place. I absolutely love the Petersen Automotive Museum. Although this is my fourth time gracing this location, it always feels like the very first time... and no I'm not going to sing the song.
The museum showcases over 100 vehicles spread out on four floors. The ground floor focuses on automotive artistry. The second floor is principally concerned with industrial engineering—including design, performance, and a collection of interactive teaching exhibits. The third floor chronicles the history of the automobile with an emphasis on the car culture of Southern California. And then there's the basement, which is the home of the Vault- over 150 additional Hollywood, race, and ultra rare vehicles. Sadly, photography isn't allowed in the vault.
The featured exhibit during this particular visit was the High Art of Riding Low, which features a staple to the Los Angeles' automotive culture, the lowrider. Walking in the building, I was greeting by no other, but Gypsy Rose, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala that happens to be the world's most famous lowrider. How famous is she? Glad you asked. Gypsy Rose is so famous, the Historic Vehicle Association inducted her into the National Historic Vehicle Register, where her specifications, photos, detailed scans, entire life story will be archived for all time by the Library of Congress.
All in all, the Petersen Automotive Museum gives enthusiasts a chance to emerge themselves in some much needed and always appreciated automotive culture. To see the rest of my photos, check out Bernie's Petersen Automotive Museum gallery. Until next time, Los Angeles...
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Long Beach Swap Meet: September 2017
Sep 21, 2017
After I left Sunset GT, I rushed over to Long Beach to go to my first swap meet, a milestone in my life. I found out about Long Beach Swap Meet from Glasses Malone, a rapper/producer who happens to have a deep love for street racing-- and also building cars to race in. Fast forward a few weeks later, and on September 10th, I was pulling up to Long Beach Veterans Stadium for their monthly meet.
I didn't know what I was in for. First of all, this was my first time at a swap meet. New York doesn't refer to them as swap meets. We call them flea markets (and they sell everything) and they're held indoors, seven days a week. But this was different, every vendor sells automotive items... Plus this wasn't just a swap meet, it was a car show too. California has an unique automotive culture and many enthusiasts build their cars. The venders at Long Beach Swap Meet actually sells every part of the car you would need to build one. I've seen motors, seats, doors, hoods, side fenders, bolts, steering wheels, screws, headlights, bumpers, paint, etc. You name it, there's someone there selling it.
Although I did have a grand time at Sunset GT, I wished that it didn't overlap with Long Beach Swap Meet. I was only able to spend the final 90 minutes of the show photographing cars, meeting people, and of course... Shopping. Believe me when I say that I will be back.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Long Beach Swap Meet gallery. Did I mention how much fun I had?
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: O'Gara Coach Presents Sunset GT: September 2017
Sep 20, 2017
One day after the Arts In Motion car show, I decided to get an early start and attended O'Gara Coach's monthly Sunset GT meet up. Sunset GT (short for Gran Turismo-- of course) is like Caffeine and Exotics on steroids. Held in West Hollywood, car enthusiasts (and some lucky owners) gathered around early Sunday morning and gawked at what was pulling in.
So once I've navigated through the crowd, I was fortunate to see some cars that I do see in Atlanta- like the Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Huracan, Nissan GTRs, BMW M4, Bentley Bentayga, etc. Ohhhhhhhhhh, but I had the opportunity to see cars that I don't see in Atlanta- like the LaFerrari and my luxurious love of my life- the Tiffany Blue Bentley Continental GT Speed.
I could only stay for a little over an hour because I needed to leave to head to my next location. However, Sunset GT left a lasting impression on my heart. I will be back, I don't know when, but I will return. But when I do return, I hope Sunset GT doesn't occur on the same morning as Long Beach Swap Meet.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's O'Gara Coach's Sunset GT gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: 2017 Arts In Motion Show: Anaheim
Sep 18, 2017
I just returned from my annual trip to Los Angeles, where I emerged myself in their automotive culture... but everything didn't go as planned.
I usually plan my trips around a "main show" and this year's main show was Extreme Autofest in Anaheim but there was a schedule conflict with the location (The Day N Night festival was held at the Angels of Anaheim stadium, which is where Extreme Autofest was going to hold their show). Thankfully, Extreme Autofest was promoting a Hawaiian based car show called Arts in Motion. Arts in Motion is a show that is mostly geared towards the import/tuner/JDM world with a sprinkle of lowriders. I didn't know what I was in for, since I've never been to Hawaii and I'm unfamiliar with their automotive culture. But there's one thing about me- I don't have any issues emerging myself in other cultures and unfamiliar locations.
On September 9th, I've attended my first Arts in Motion located at the Anaheim Convention Center. All in all, I had a good time especially seeing a lot of cars that I've never seen before. I'll definitely return... to the Hawaii location. I really want to go to Hawaii.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Arts in Motion: Anaheim gallery. Stay tuned for the rest of the photos from my trip to Los Angeles.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Caffeine and Octane: September 2017
Sep 6, 2017
My how the time has flown by. This past Sunday, Caffeine and Octane held their ninth show of 2017. Held at the Perimeter Mall outside of Atlanta in Dunwoody, Georgia, Caffeine and Octane allows car enthusiasts from all over to bring their cars and to show them off.
For the past few months, Caffeine and Octane’s attendance (in both spectators and vehicles) has become more and more grandiose. It doesn’t matter if you show up in a Lamborghini Huracan, Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird, a Golf Edition Porsche 918, Ford Mustang Mach 1, a classic Hotrod, or one of the many other vehicles that still allowed those that admire cars to appreciate them for the beauty that they are.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Octane: September 2017 gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from Caffeine and Exotics: August 2017
Aug 23, 2017
On August 20th, 2017, Caffeine and Exotics held their third show of the year. Held in the main parking lot of Atlanta’s Lenox Square Mall, Caffeine and Exotics is the younger sibling to Caffeine and Octane.
Caffeine and Exotics had plenty of high end vehicles for spectators to admire. From a Panda Inspired Rolls Royce Ghost, Lamborghini Aventador SV, a Liberty Walk wide body Maserati, a few Ferrari 488s, to even a Porsche 911 Carrera S that was a rolling piece of artwork, there was plenty to drool over.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Exotics: August 2017 gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Classic Cars from Coffee and Chrome: August 2017
Aug 17, 2017
Last Saturday, I actually woke up early enough in time to make it to Coffee and Chrome. Coffee and Chrome is a morning car and motorcycle show that's every second Saturday right outside of Atlanta, in Hapeville, GA.
I would best describe Coffee and Chrome as a smaller show, however the cars that do come are seasoned vehicles that you really don't get to see everyday, especially in the condition that the owner keeps it in. Let's be clear, the owners of the vehicles keep them in such an immaculate condition.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Coffee and Chrome: August 2017 gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from Caffeine and Octane: August 2017
Aug 11, 2017
Sorry for the delay. On a gorgeous first Sunday morning of August, Caffeine and Octane put on their eighth car show of 2017. Held at the Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Caffeine and Octane allows car enthusiasts from all over to bring their cars and to show them off.
For the past couple of months, Caffeine and Octane's attendance (in both spectators and vehicles) has gotten more and more celebratory. It doesn’t matter if you show up in Atlanta's favorite car- the Chevy Chevelle SS, Lamborghini Huracan, Cadillac Coupe de Ville, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a show stopping pink Dodge Challenger, or one of the many other vehicles that still allowed those that admire cars to appreciate them for the beauty that they are.
To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Caffeine and Octane: August 2017 gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from the 2017 King of the South Mega Show
Jul 21, 2017
On a hot July 16th (exactly one day after the V-103 Car and Bike Show), the good guys at Street Whipz held their famous King of the South mega show. Held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, car enthusiasts got to show off what their cars are made of in three ways- how the car looks, how it performs on the race track, and how it sounds- meaning the audio systems.
Best in show... |
The most important thing is that I had a great time and I'll be back next year. To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's 2017 King of the South Mega Show gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Photos from the 2017 V103 Car and Bike Show
On July 15th, Atlanta radio station V103 had their annual Car and Bike Show. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown Atlanta, The V103 Car and Bike Show always gives spectators a two-for-one special- meaning they get to look at some great looking cars and enjoy live entertainment from such acts like Wale, Sevyn Streeter, Crime Mob, and more.
The Pink Trap House is going on the road...
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To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's 2017 V-103 Car and Bike Show gallery.
Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Individuals Car Club Anniversary Picnic
Jul 7, 2017
Last weekend, the Atlanta chapter of the Individuals Car Club celebrated their anniversary. The celebration started Friday, June 30th with a Meet and Greet, Saturday June 1st was the car show (which I missed due to the weather), and after Caffeine and Octane (July 2nd), the Individuals Car Club put on a nice family picnic.... with plenty of eye candy.
Although it was the Atlanta anniversary celebration, members from all over the country came to celebrate. And by all over the country, I mean- Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, California (of course), Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Texas, Kentucky, Alabama, and the most important state- New York (What? You thought I was going to say Georgia...). Even though it was the Individuals Car Club anniversary picnic, other car clubs showed their support as well. I hope I have all the clubs- but what I could see- Latin Low, Chino Loco, Justified, Street Mentality, Obsession, Majestics, Low Life, and Royal Legacy clubs came out and made this picnic a show to enjoy.
As we all know, I do love a good car show and I also have a special place in my heart for lowriders. To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Individuals Car Club Anniversary Picnic gallery. And yes, I'm still mad at myself for missing the car show.
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