Caffeine and Classics Take Two

On March 8th 2020, the famous Container Yard once again opened its gates to car enthusiasts from all over. The third Caffeine and Classic’s event was a smashing success. News of the event had spread far and wide. Within the first hour, the main lot was already jam packed and the overflow lots needed to be opened up. Within 30 minutes of that, cars and motorcycles were taking any available spaces on the street around the property. Much has happened in the last month. Within a week of this event, the city of Los Angeles and the whole United States was shaken up by the Covid-19 pandemic. Easily over 300 people gathered at the Yard with no fear. Within hours of the event, social distancing measures began to take place. This event would be the last major car show to occur in the Los Angeles area for the foreseeable near future. In the spirit of getting strait to the goods, you can read more about our first visit to the Container Yard (where we dive into its storied history in detail) by clicking the button below. After that, enjoy our visual storytelling below.

It’s not every day a Tesla Driver experiences the smells of gasoline and burning oil so powerfully. The juxtaposition is rather entertaining if you ask me. In today’s age of electric vehicles and constant environmental projects, it’s important to remember that the past still has a place in the future.

Seeing these incredible vehicles rumble and roll down the road was a tremendously entertaining time.

People drove from all over Los Angeles County to attend this remarkable event.

Arriving at the Container Yard is an experience in itself. After crossing the fourth street bridge and turning down the old Art District road, enthusiasts are greeted with a mural covered compound with a sturdy gate pulled wide open to welcome them inside.

Impalas represent a keystone of the East Los Angeles lowrider and Mexicano cultures. A few pristine Impalas rolled through the gates.

All kinds of vehicles were in attendance. Take a look at this amazing Packard.

Having entered the artistic compound, a team of volunteers craftily find a place for every car to be parked. This tasteful custom Chevy Stepside truck is owned by the head organizer of the event. Take special note of the harsh ramp many cars had to negotiate to park in the beautiful upper levels. A few scrapes were left that day.

Having made it up the arduous ramp, spectators and drivers are immediately greeted by an incredible work of art. This mural stopped me in my tracks a few times.

The car community is huge and tiny. I almost purchased this Mercury about two years ago. The car’s new owner has done incredible work though.

When you see the Hoosier logo, you know a car means business.

Yellow high beam headlights are a growing trend amongst hot rodders.

The caliber of cars in attendance combined with ambiance of the Container Yard created a memorable time for all.

The Container Yard’s unique design resulted in a playground for artistic creation. The way the light and shadows dance amongst the architecture was spectacular.

Without the passion of the people who give life to these incredible pieces of history, the future of these classic cars is a bleak one. We at Blacktop Ranger are truly thankful to those who dedicate their time to proper restoration of automobiles of bygone eras.

One of the most endearing aspects of the Rat Rod culture are those participants who deep dive into the scene. Car owners with rolled up blue jeans and leather shined boots shoot the breeze overlooking the event from the upper walkway.

Looking the part. Three friends overlooking the organized chaos below.

Having such a wonderful backdrop for these vehicles brings a level of spectacle unavailable to the traditional car meet. Notice how the exposed rafters reflect beautifully off the chrome front bumper.

I love these custom tail lights.

The main lot was a gathering place for the many enthusiasts who took part in the third Caffeine and Classics.

Every inch of the Container Yard is covered in remarkable artwork and every inch of the yard was filled with cars. Creative parking was required.

Every car was worth the attention. The subtle touches done to this Chevy result in a beautiful build overall.

Don’t let the metallic paint blind you on the way in.

Oldsmobile engines may not be as ubiquitous as the Chevy 350, but uniqueness makes this rat rod special.

Bikers make up a significant portion of the enthusiast community, so of course they were welcomed in as well.

With the main lot and the upper parking full as well, cars soon took to the surrounding streets to take part in the occasion.

Parking 101. Do it cool or don’t do it at all.

To handle the overflow of cars, the Container Yard opened up their back lot parking. Take a look at these remarkable portraits.

Talk about a proper sled. the 1958 Cadillac El Dorado, 20 feet of American exceptionalism.

Crash safety was not a primary concern back then, giant chrome embellishments lined these beasts.

The famous Donco. A car as unique as its owner.

Quick! Punch your buddy.

The lovely ladies of the Holiday Gentleman’s club posed with cars and added some flair to the festivities.

Soon, even the backlot was overfilled. The Arts District was filled with color that day.