There seems to be a trend sweeping the country (perhaps I should say "countries" as it includes the US and Canada) towards weekly classic car meets adjacent to coffee houses and restaurants. These are not organised car clubs, just get-togethers of like-minded people. I've mentioned three in previous blogs, including Francellis in Victoria, and the Cars and Coffee meets in Las Vegas and Irvine, California. Now, much to my surprise and great pleasure, the same thing is about to happen in Sidney by the Sea, where I live. Thomas Nottelman, the new owner of Serious Coffee, plans a 5 PM car fan get-together every Monday, beginning August 11th. Everyone's invited, classics owner or not. Like all things good it may start small but as they say, "from little acorns... "

Thomas is the owner of two vintage automobiles, one a daily driver and the other a restored gem. It was the daily driver that caught my eye when parked next to Serious Coffee: A 1947 Hudson pickup! Yes, Hudson once made trucks although it's actually car-based, like an early el camino. Thomas' pickup is no beauty in its present condition, for a previous owner had made some unfortunate suspension adjustments and given it a flat-black paint job. But the vehicle is mechanically A-1 and suitable for his short runs to-and-from work. His other car is a 1950 Nash Ambassador that he tells me is a pristine show car. I'll feature both in future blogs once I've had a chance to see the Nash in person. Meanwhile, if any viewers happen to live in our area, be sure to drop in. Serious Coffee is located on the south side of the main street, Beacon Avenue. For me, a 5-minute walk! Incidentally, credit the Brits with this concept.

[Photo: Sidney Waterfront and the new Sidney Pier Hotel]