Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Chacala Vintage Car Event

Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Exchange

We are at a perfect beach, as close as one can get to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, when one shiny car after another pulls up and parks next to Chico's Restaurant.

At least six waiters are peeling buckets of shrimp, and there must be 100 plantains in their skins being cooked on the grill.

What's going on?

It's an event for vintage automobiles!

Polished, shiny and in mint condition

You probably know more about cars than I do, but these look pretty sweet to me.

White wall tires (used from the early 1900s to the mid 1970s) with the bodies polished so brightly you can see your own reflection!

These cars are parked on the campground site right next to the restaurant - very convenient for everyone!

Reminds me of the movies

An old Chevrolet truck with the running board under the door. In the "old days" vehicles had a higher clearance from the ground and these running boards made it easier to get inside.

I can imagine this truck in an old movie about the heartland of America, and the father of a fist full of kids going into town "fer supplies."

"Yes Ma'am. Be back before supper. I got Jimmy with me."

One for the mountain roads of Europe

In this car I can see Princess Grace of Monaco driving through the mountainous hills of the kingdom, or perhaps Marilyn Monroe in California somewhere. They each have their blonde hair wrapped in a silk scarf, but wisps have escaped and curl around their faces as they lean into the curves.

Oh!

I have never been in a car like this, either as a passenger or as the driver.

Maybe if I were 40 years younger, 40 pounds lighter, 5 inches taller and dyed my hair blonde, I'd have a chance!

I can see why these are called "dream cars."

This one has a VROOOM sound to it

Ok, now these sorts of cars I have seen around in my younger years and have been lucky enough to be a passenger.

Whereas the car in the previous photo gives a PURRRR sound, this one, is a "VROOOMer" to be sure.

It reminds me of Saturday nights out at the pizza parlor, and weekend drives through the country or to the beach to watch the surfers.

My memories have friends piled inside, sitting on each other's laps and no seat belts.

Another European model?

Hey look, guys. I said I didn't know much about cars, but this one also seems to have the European feel and look.

I imagine the engine is overbuilt for the car and speed is the intention.

Red leather interior, red steering wheel and speed. Let's make it very easy for the police to give a ticket!

Still, in my mind I can see an East Coast wealthy son on college break driving to the beach cottage in this baby.

This one hits closer to home

My parents had a car like this one, but it was a 4-door and painted red and white.

It brings back memories of outdoor movie theaters, waitresses on roller skates at car hops, Frisch's Big Boy and root beer floats. We'd drive to church on Sundays and then go over to Grandma's for a big Sunday meal.

Kids rolled around in the back, the parents sat in front, and again, no seat belts!

Beautiful Mercedes

Car after car drove in and parked where they could find a space. This is near the area of the large grill where the fresh fish are cooked over an open flame.

The more people arrived, the wilder the restaurant became. Live music was being played by wandering minstrels, extra tables were set up to accommodate the crowd, and seafood, beer and tequila were being delivered.

Harried waiters were running around and their eyes darted here and there to catch a raised arm from someone who wanted attention.

Money was being made by the restaurant and by the service personnel.

Everyone seemed happy on this beautiful sunny beach afternoon on the Mexican Pacific Coast. 

A handsome mustang parked among the mainstream cars of today

Behind this mustang you can see the tops of the cars that filled the campground. It was a busy day at Chico's, and certainly one that will be remembered for a while.

A few more sports convertibles lined up

Even as we left the restaurant to head back to the hotel, drivers were still arriving to attend this luscious seafood event on the beach.

Easily, there were 100 vintage automobiles some restored to their initial mint condition, and others were tricked out. All were beautiful.

It was like a beauty pageant of cars, and hard to decide which was more beautiful and why.

When we returned to our favorite restaurant in Chacala the next morning, it was like nothing ever happened.

All the tables, chairs and tarps were put away, the cars and crowd were gone, and the beach was peaceful once again!

For more stories and photos about Mexico, click here

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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