By Compass Contributor Christopher Tobutt
The streets of central George Town came alive on 30 Nov. as Cars & Caffeine, organised by Tony Williams of Tony’s Toys, rolled into town with more than 140 vehicles gleaming under the lights.
From exotic supercars to lovingly restored classics, the event was less about horsepower alone and more about community, charity and the artistry of car culture.
Williams summed it up best: “This is all about cars and community. At the end of the day, all of this is for charity.”
Entry fees and donations went to Inclusion Cayman, YMCA of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, with Tony’s Toys matching every dollar collected. Last year, the event raised more than $8,000 and this year’s turnout promised even more.
But beyond the fundraising, the cars themselves told stories.
Local automobile enthusiast Keiron Ebanks drew a crowd with his 1997 Honda Civic EK – a modest hatchback transformed into a ‘beast’. He explained the magic of his K24 engine swap, grinning as he declared: “K’s the way … the torque, the power. There’s no going back.” For the uninitiated, that meant his Civic now packed the kind of punch that could rival modern sports cars, thanks to a bigger engine and a turbo kit that made the car roar.
Nearby, Ivan McKein from Tony’s Toys showcased two vintage Toyota Corollas from 1986 – one red, one silver – restored so meticulously they looked like they had just rolled off the showroom floor. The silver boasted a turbocharged upgrade, while the red kept its naturally aspirated heart, both fitted with new suspensions and brakes. They gleamed like jewels, proof that nostalgia and innovation can coexist.
Then there was the 1994 Toyota Mark II. Inside, the car was a revelation – red leather upholstery so fine it evoked a Ferrari, topped off with a golden crown perched on the top. It was flamboyant, regal and utterly unique, a rolling testament to personal style.
The event wasn’t just about the machines, though. Families mingled among the rows of polished chrome and carbon fiber. Mark McLaughlin, attending with his wife Loida and their children Jay and Jayli, captured the spirit of the evening: “I like this event. It’s family friendly, and it brings the community together.”
That’s the magic of Cars & Caffeine. It’s where ordinary people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with owners of exotic Lamborghinis and gleaming Jeeps. It’s where every car – whether a turbocharged Civic, a vintage Corolla or a crown adorned Toyota Mark II – is celebrated as a work of art.
And at the heart of it all is the joy of sharing that passion, not just for the thrill of speed or the shine of paint, but for the chance to give back. Cayman’s car culture isn’t just about engines – it’s about people, pride and community.
Christopher Tobutt is a freelance journalist who has written for various publications in the Cayman Islands since 2003.
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