Jacksonville Car Culture events calendar:
The next Caffeine & Octane is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. The entire parking area will be available. The Jacksonville Mustang Club is the official First Coast Car Council featured club. And brand new — contact C&O if you’d like your car club to be featured in its first ever car club celebration! The first three clubs to reach out will be provided with a section of parking in the central lot — message C&O at https://www.facebook.com/caffeineandoctanejax.
Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot.
Past events:
Take an aerial tour of the 10th annual San Jose Car and Truck Show at Dupont Station, done by Bill Bortzfield: last Saturday, at Dupont Station, raising a record $13,000-plus in funds for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors – found by Joe DeSalvo 10 years ago – he’s the guy on the ladder!
Upcoming events:
Clay County Fair Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. Thursday, fairgrounds at 2497 Florida 16, Green Cove Springs. Check here for ticket and event information.
Hot Rods for Hope Car Show at Relay for Life: 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday,, on Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. Free for spectators and $25 registration for show vehicles. www.relayforlife.org/glynnga.
The Brumos Collection Saturday Social: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the museum at 5159 San Pablo Road. The $24.99 ticket gets admission to the collection, with extra cars displayed outside; a Porsche concours from the Florida Crown Region of the Porsche Club of America, and Jaguar concours from the Jaguar Car Club of North Florida. There’s charity and automotive vendors; the UNF’s Osprey Racing Team with Formula SAE car; and food trucks.
St. Augustine Cruisers Car Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S./Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine.
Low ‘n Clean Jacksonville: 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, at Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Spectator admission is $15 per person in advance; $35 for show vehicles: $55 VIP Registration.
Manx in the Sunshine: Saturday and Sunday (until 3 p.m.) at Kraft Athletic Club, 961023 Buccaneer Trail, Fernandina Beach. A dune buggy events open to all fiberglass buggies, rails and Bajas.
Fourth annual Hometown Heroes Ride: 11 a.m. Saturday from Adamec Harley-Davidson, Outlet Mall Boulevard in St. Augustine. A police-escorted ride that benefits Builders Care, $25 per rider, with a suggested passenger donation of $20.
Morning Motor Social: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles, all makes and models welcome. Ferrari Club America – Jacksonville Chapter is the event’s Diamond Title Sponsor. And Extreme SIM Racing & REViT SIM Racing will bring state-of-the-art racing simulators onsite.
Welcome 2 Savageville Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at 813 W. Ashley St.
Fourth annual Easter Showdown: 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday April 19 at Dames Point Park at 9101 Dames Point Road – under the Dames Point Bridge. More details to follow.
Destination Church Car Show: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the church at 88 Arlington Road N.
Wings and Wheels Airplane and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport at 700 Airport Road. Free for spectators ($20 parking donation), and $35 per show vehicle.
Highland Estates Academy for the 4th Annual Autism Carnival and Car Show: 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Highlands Estates Academy at 1000 De Paul Drive. Admission is $20 per person and $20 per show vehicle.
Hillcrest Baptist Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the church at 7673 Collins Road. Free for spectators, and a $20 registration fee for show vehicles.
Courtesy WW Rumble at the Ranch
Rumble at the Ranch 4: 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at the WW Ranch at 1445 Otis Road in Jacksonville. The event includes a car show, burnout contest and more.
Jacksonville SSR Round-Up: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Golden Corral at 9070 Merrill Road.
15th annual Rev It Up! Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Spectators free, and $25 pre-registration for show vehicles.
Troop 77 Car Show: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church, 8964 Old Plank Road. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
12th annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run: 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Flamingo Lake RV Resort at 3640 Newcomb Road. Hosted by American Legion Riders Chapter 9, Post 9 Jeep Brigade and Flamingo Lake RV.
King of the South/Import Warz Car Show: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Spectator admission is $20 per person in advance, and varying entrant fees depending on competition entry – tickets at facebook.com/events/2254148474985115.
Annual Memorial Day Rod Run: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at 449648 U.S. 301 in Callahan – free for spectators and $20 for show vehicles. All proceeds benefit Barnabas Families in Transition program.
Mind Over Metal Mental Health Awareness Benefit Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at Maceo Elk Lodge at 712 W. Duval St. Free for spectators and all cars, bike and tuck show entries – donations accepted for local mental health awareness charities
Connect Cruisers Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Connect Church at 13056 Perdue Road. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
Cars & Coffee: Previewing The Paddocks Car Condos: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Classic Nine Motorwerks at 7223 Golden Wings Road in Jacksonville.
Wings ‘n Wheels 3: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Northeast Florida Regional Airport on U.S. 1 in St. Augustine. Spectators are $20 per adult and $10 for teens with free parking -show vehicles are $50 for trucks, $40 for cars and $30 for motorcycles.
Summer Volksfest #11: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. Fre for spectators and VW show vehicles.
Kathleen’s second annual Car Show: 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Cracker’s Bar and Lounge at 1241 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park. Free for spectators and $15 per show vehicle, or $10 and a new toy – proceeds benefit Wolfsons Children’s Hospital.
Ultimate Car Show, presented by the Town of Hilliard: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5th at 37328 W. First St. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
R.A.W. Music Festival and S.A.W. Kustomz Cars for a Cause: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Flamingo Lake RV Resort at 3640 Newcomb Road. Free to spectators and $20 for show vehicles, process benefitting the MS Foundation.
Cars of Purpose Rev Out Cancer Pink Out Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, at the Clay County Fairgrounds at 2463 Florida 16 in Green Cove Springs.
The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Moto Park): Open Track Days held most weekends at the road course and rally course at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.
All the Cruise-ins…
Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.
Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.
Mod Talk Tuesdays: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 10915 Baymeadows Road. For car, truck and bike enthusiasts.
Rides and Brews Monthly Car Meet: Monthly Type R/Type S meet, this time from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at World Of Beer Bar and Kitchen, 5105 Butler Blvd.
Cancelled – 1937 Spirits and Eatery Cruise-in.
Players Grille Mandarin at 10140 San Jose Blvd., 4 to 7 p.m. every third Wednesday.
New – Fernandina Beach Car Meet: 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Famous Quick Lube, 1707 8th St. Fernandina Beach.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave.
Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.
Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, now at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.
Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event. Park on the walkway at Latham Plaza.
Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.” And J-Tech will be holding events to coincide with C & G with staff on site to give tours of the campus.
New location – North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.
New cruise-in – Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elks Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.
Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.
Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.
First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.
Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan. The next cruise-in – Sat. Aug. 10 – is the event’s 10th anniversary.
Downtown Kingsland Cars & Coffee: New summer hours – 8 to 11 a.m. each second Saturday at the Historic Downtown Kingsland Homegrown Market at U.S. 17 and Georgia 40.
Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.
New cruise-in: 1 p.m. every third Saturday at Hardee’s at 6852 Wilson Blvd.
Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.
Brunch with Cars: noon to 3 p.m. every third Sunday at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1567 University Blvd. W.
Cars and Gars: noon to 5 p.m. every 1st and third Saturday at Allusion’s restaurant and bar at 5045 Soutel Drive.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island.
Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd. This starts in April.
Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; 2 to 5 p.m. every second Saturday at Tom & Betty’s in Orange Park. 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at various sites; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.
Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.
New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.
New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.
Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.
Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.
Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.
Wait, there’s more…
Maybe a hint of the C9 Corvette?? – General Motors has expanded its global design studio footprint with the official opening of a new advanced design studio in Royal Leamington Spa, about 20 miles from Birmingham. And as part of that grand opening, GM shows off an advanced design study Chevrolet Corvette concept car developed by the UK team as part of a global design project involving multiple studios that will see additional Corvette concepts revealed throughout 2025.
GM’s design teams regularly work on conceptual design studies. With the opening of the UK studio, GM continues to demonstrate its commitment to Europe as the company scales its Cadillac electric vehicle business there, while also preparing to launch Corvette sales across the UK and mainland Europe.
The UK studio is led by Julian Thomson, an experienced automotive designer who has worked with some of the industry’s most recognized brands. The 24,584-square-foot Royal Leamington Spa studio, which employs more than 30 designers and creative team members, is outfitted for both digital and physical clay model development.
“Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles,” said Michael Simcoe, senior VP of global design. “While they collaborate within our global design network on production and concept vehicle programs, these teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM.”
The Corvette nameplate has long been leveraged to introduce experimental cars, concepts and prototypes that push the boundaries of automotive design and engineering, and the new UK design concept is no exception. While there is no production intention behind this concept, the GM UK Design team undertook this exercise to rethink what a Corvette could be with a true blank-page approach.
“As part of the Corvette creative study, we asked multiple studios to develop hypercar concepts, which we’ll see more of later this year,” Simcoe said. “It was important that they all pay homage to Corvette’s historic DNA, but each studio brought their own unique creative interpretation to the project. That is exactly what our advanced design studio network is intended to do – push the envelope, challenge convention and imagine what could be.”
The UK team’s concept subtly incorporates Corvette’s iconic design heritage into a futuristic aesthetic focused on clean forms and muscular shapes. The design draws inspiration from the aviation industry, both in the sculptural and functional elements.
“One of the most unusual and significant aspects of our concept’s design is a feature known as Apex Vision,” said Thomson. “A nod to Corvette’s centerline focus, and inspired by the iconic ‘split window’ 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, this feature emphasizes a singular vertical central spine that is also a structural element, also providing a panoramic view of the road and surroundings.”