MORNING OCTANE
at the Pasadena Rose Bowl

Words and pictures by Reed Berry Some things seem to go together. When I say cars, the first thing that pops into your mind probably isn't coffee, but cars and coffee do pair quite nicely when you attend a car show at 8 am on a cool, overcast morning. A decent crowd has turned out in a perimeter parking lot at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for a monthly event called Morning Octane which, according to organizers, is designed to be "a morning of supercars, friends and coffee." This is not a huge car show, nor is it designed to be. Lasting just two hours, this is more of a casual automotive meet-up that brings together an array of impressive vehicles and those who either collect or appreciate them. Several decades of automotive design are represented here. There's plenty to look at, ranging from classic muscle cars and late model supercars to an eye-catching, beautifully restored vintage truck.

If you're a Lamborghini lover, there's a colorful group to explore. If you prefer a late-model, no-nonsense muscle car, the Shelby GT500 is represented here. And while I can't afford to park a stylish Maserati in my own driveway, I can certainly admire them here. For those into vintage rides, a number of pristine Porsches and Ferraris are certain to impress. For those in the market for a new car, there are even some pricey new luxury cars on display from the event's sponsor, Rusnak Auto Group in Pasadena. On the web: rusnakonline.com/morning-octane