Getting back in the swing of things! — Rob Borrett Photography

Caffeine and Machine - A sunset and a Focus RS

It’s October! That is mental. In two weeks Fee and I go on our annual October Half-Term holiday. Well, we go away in the UK for a week, and even that is still not 100% safe I guess! Car culture has taken a really big hit during Covid, with so many shows we all love and look forward to being cancelled. In July, as the UK began to think about coming out of lockdown and we were given hope that restaurants and cafes could open again. Not usually an opportunity for car enthusiasts and a car brand, but when Caffeine and Machine exists and is opening, hope lives eternal. Could we dare to dream that a drive event could be possible?

After a chat with Phil at C&M, an idea was born, we were on! The ‘Lotus out of Lockdown’ event would go ahead. 2 days of press drives and 2 days of C&M opening back up to the public with a large Lotus presence. What a few days!

Phil, Dan and the team have created something really special at their place. No egos, no elitism, no turf wars between rival MX5 and Z3 clubs and if there are, the offending customer is swiftly and politely asked to leave though the car park. Everything about this place is for inclusion, for parity, for fun. I love it there. The most impressive part of the weekend? Jack’s Mk2 Golf and a young lad, not old enough to drive yet who owns a ‘Bolf’ (a Bora fronted Golf) and has better car knowledge than most adults I have met.

After the C&M event life quickly turned to looking at what other events might manage to work or which might still fall prey to Covid. Two events that were either very lucky or expertly planned? London Concours and the Concours of Elegance.

Two events, where elitism and egos run supreme, but what a brilliant way to spend a few days, checking out some seriously impressive and valuable metal! My favourite of the events? The 1970 Le Mans winning Porsche 917k. What a beauty.