Perth's Classic Cars and Coffee
Writing by Josh | Photos by Nick
Looking behind the scenes of this well-oiled machine
As automotive enthusiasts living in Perth, few things excite us more than seeing a fleet of unique cars, each with their own story, owned by people who share the same passion as we do. So, when we had the opportunity to sit down with Jason Pearce and Justin Walker, two of the organisers behind Classic Cars and Coffee (CC&C), we knew we were in for a treat. Their event has become a monthly pilgrimage for gearheads and families alike, showcasing everything from vintage Land Rovers to hyper cars, beautifully surrounded by the University of Western Australia (UWA).
Jason and Justin’s journey into the world of classic cars started long before they became involved with CC&C. Both have deep roots in the media and advertising industry, running their agency, Media Junction | Interact Digital, which partners with businesses across Australia to service their marketing and business goals.“We’ve been in media all our lives,” Jason told us. “Before starting our agency, we worked in various marketing roles, mostly with car dealerships. We began as a creative agency servicing the majority of all motoring in Perth, we then branched into digital marketing, TV production, and eventually, event management.”
Justin Walker (Left) and Jason Pearce (Right)
Justin added, “We’ve always been passionate about cars, so when the opportunity to become involved with CC&C came up, it just felt right, we were attending every month already.” Besides CC&C, Jason and Justin also coordinate numerous other automotive-oriented events in Perth such as Supercar Sunday, The International Festival of Speed, and Subi to Swan.
Classic Cars and Coffee, started back in 2016 as a Porsche Club event. What started as a small run of 60 to 70 cars down at Cottesloe beach quickly grew to something bigger. “Paul Blank and Deryck Graham organised it for five to six years before we took over from Paul and partnered with Deryck” Justin explained. Prior to taking over, Jason and Justin had a working relationship with Paul, partnering on events such as Celebration of the Motor Car and Perth Classic Car Show. Their hands-on experience in organising these types of gatherings is why they believe Paul ultimately approached them when it was time to pass the torch.
As Justin put it, “It’s one of those scenes where you have to find the right people to take over. You need someone who’s A. a little bit crazy, B. super organised, and C. most importantly, someone who loves cars — “love” being the biggest thing because you can get it so wrong”. As it stands today Jason and Justin are still partnered with Deryck. Jason added, “Deryck is the other half of CC&C and has put considerable effort into starting the event. He is our partner and has supported our considerable input since taking over Paul’s share and evolving the event to what it is today.”
If you’ve ever attended Classic Cars and Coffee, you know that the venue plays a huge role in its appeal. The UWA campus offers more than just space; it’s central, scenic, and full of character. We were curious to know why CC&C chose UWA as their flagship location. “It’s the perfect spot,” Justin said with a smile. “You’ve got the river in the background, Kings Park not too far away, and those beautiful trees that line the car park. We are granted access to the space through UWA’s community engagement program. That makes it easy for us to focus on what matters: the cars and the people.” We couldn’t agree more, the lush surroundings of UWA make for a picturesque setting, and the fact that the university generously supports the event only strengthens the bond between the event and the community.
As the event has been running for several years now, we asked the team if there were any standout moments or challenges they have faced. “Definitely the Bugatti Chiron,” Justin laughed. “It was one of those rare moments where the owners reached out to us to rope off an area, not because they didn’t want the car touched, but because they wanted everybody to be able to get a decent photo — that was nuts. People were running across the parking lot just to catch a glimpse.”
Justin went on describing another memorable event: “Besides the Chiron, for me, it was the tribute we did for Ukraine. We had 140 cars lined up in alternating blue and yellow. The drone shots of that line up were incredible. It was one of those events that went beyond cars — it really touched the community.”
Of course, no event comes without its hurdles. “The first event we ever organised after taking over was a nightmare,” Jason said with a shake of his head. “It hailed — thunder and lightning — and we were just standing there, wondering… what have we gotten ourselves into?” Despite the weather, they persisted, and CC&C has continued to thrive and grow.
We discussed what keeps them motivated to continue hosting CC&C each month, their passion for the event and its community was palpable. “We love seeing how much the community supports it,” said Justin. “The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and the fact that people come out every month to share their love for cars, that’s what keeps us going.” Jason added, “It’s more than just a car meet — it’s an experience. Families come, people bring their dogs, and you see all walks of life coming together. It’s a special kind of energy.”
As our conversation wound down, we asked how people could help support the event or get involved. “We don’t charge spectators — never have, never will,” Jason said. “We want this to be a community event where everyone can just show up, enjoy the cars, and connect with others. But we do partner with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, so donations to that cause are always appreciated.” Deryck was the motivation behind partnering with Prostate Cancer Foundation, as sadly his brother passed from the disease. Justin suggested, “Spread the word, bring your friends and family, and most importantly, come out and enjoy the event.”
By the end of our chat, we had a new appreciation for the inner workings of Classic Cars and Coffee in Perth. It’s clear that Justin, Jason, and Deryck’s passion and dedication allow this event to thrive in the local community. If you haven’t yet attended a CC&C event, you’re missing out on more than just a car show. You’re missing an experience — one fuelled by the love of cars, coffee, and most importantly, community. Whether you’re a die-hard car enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a morning spent admiring beautiful machines, Classic Cars and Coffee has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for the next event, grab your keep cup, and let yourself be swept away by the sound of engines and the spirit of community.
