With much of Australia caught in the grip of a terrible drought, it seems strange to report that MTA Queensland’s Cars & Coffee gathering, normally held on the last Sunday of every month, should have been cancelled in August thanks to the forecast of a torrential downpour.

There’s always something going on in the car enthusiast community, however, and MTA Queensland member business Seven82 Motors put on a Cars & Coffee event of its own at the beginning of September, taking the opportunity to raise money – through coffee sales, a sausage sizzle, donations and an auction – to help assist rural communities with drought relief.

Seven82 buys, sells and offers consignment, mechanical and restoration services for classic Australian and American cars, and always has some beautiful vehicles in its showroom. For the Cars & Coffee meeting, those magical motors were joined by some very special guests, with members of the Gold Coast Muscle Car Association thundering in to make the event a petrolhead’s dream.

“We’ve been talking about doing this event for a while,” said Ben Atkinson, owner of Seven82 Motors. “People can always come into our showroom but not into the build shop, so this was about creating a day where people can get a look at the mechanical side of things as well.

“When we started talking about raising some money for drought relief, the coffee guys and our friends from the Gold Coast Muscle Car Association got involved and we got some real traction.

“I’ve just got back from a trip out west to Lightning Ridge, and they are doing it tough out there. It’s nice to be able to give back a little bit.”

With a spectacular following on social media, Ben and Seven82 were able to get the word out about the event and attendance was strong on the day.

“The turnout has been really good,” said Ben. “We do hold functions here, but this is probably the first time when we have said anybody can come along, have a hot dog and a coffee and have a look around. And it has been great.”

Seven82 Motors will hold their Cars & Coffee meeting on the first Saturday of every month.

MTA Queensland’s Cars & Coffee will return on Sunday, September 30, from 7:30-9:30am at the Association’s head office in Eight Mile Plains.