Car meets have a rich history dating back to the early days of the automobile. These events bring together car enthusiasts from all walks of life, allowing them to show off their prized possessions and connect with like-minded individuals.
One of the earliest known car meets was held in London in 1900, when the Automobile Club of Great Britain organized a "Concours d'Elegance" (a French term meaning "competition of elegance") to showcase the finest vehicles of the time. This event was attended by members of the wealthy upper class and featured a parade of cars through the streets of London, followed by an awards ceremony.
In the United States, car meets gained widespread popularity in the 1950s and 60s with the rise of muscle cars and hot rods. These events were often informal, with car owners meeting up at a local diner or parking lot to show off their vehicles and swap stories.
As the years went on, car meets began to evolve and take on different forms. Some became more organized, with pre-planned routes and destinations, while others remained informal gatherings of car enthusiasts.
Car meets have a long history in Japan as well. In the aftermath of World War II, Japan was in the midst of an economic boom and the number of vehicles on the road began to increase rapidly. As a result, car culture in Japan began to take off and car meets became a popular pastime. The introduction of Honda's S500, S600, and S800 were a part of that.
One of the most well-known car meets in Japan is the annual Tokyo Auto Salon, which has been held every year since 1983. This event, which attracts thousands of visitors, showcases some of the most impressive and unique vehicles in the world. From modestly tuned sports cars to heavily customized "tuner" cars, the Tokyo Auto Salon has something for every car enthusiast.
In addition to the Tokyo Auto Salon, there are many other car meets that take place in Japan throughout the year. These events, which are often organized by car clubs or enthusiasts, bring together people with a shared passion for all things automotive.
Whether it's a formal car show or an informal parking lot gathering, car meets are a place for car enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their shared passion.
This is why we continue to host car meets several times a year, we want to continue this tradition. See you at the next car meet!