In the last ten years, Monterey Classic Car Week has become the world’s most outstanding luxury automobile event.
Monterey Classic Car Week is not only an event, it’s a destination. Every year, automobile aficionados and car collectors converge on California’s Monterey Peninsula to attend prestigious events; most of them are open to the general public.
For 10 days each August, a portion of the cities of Monterey, Carmel and other surrounding localities are transformed into an international hub of automobile excellence. Over the years, I have attended all of the events of Monterey Classic Car Week and I compiled this preview guide which includes six of the best events to attend during the 2014 Monterey Classic Car Week (August 11-17).
AUGUST 13-17: Pebble Beach Auctions
The gavel first fell at Pebble Beach back in 1990 and now the Pebble Beach Auctions, conducted by the highly-regarded firm of Gooding & Company on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, are among the most attended and anticipated collector car events of Monterey Classic Car Week. The Pebble Beach Auctions are now viewed as leading indicators for the worldwide collector car and luxury car markets. The auction house has set numerous world records on the grounds of Pebble Beach, including the highest sale total in automotive auction history with $113.7 million in two days.
AUGUST 14: The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
Created to showcase the elegance of the automobile in motion, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is a parade open to all entrants in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Spectators are invited to view the Tour at key points along the route, particularly along Ocean Avenue in Carmel. The cars line up at 7 a.m. next to Collins Field uphill from The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The tour returns to Pebble by about 2:30 p.m.
AUGUST 15: The Quail, A Motorsports
Gathering For twelve years, this event has provided an unparalleled and exclusive experience for motorsports enthusiasts and collectors from around the world to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party setting on the rolling greens of Quail Lodge & Golf Club. The show also offers an epicurean journey with six international culinary pavilions. The $550 tickets can only be won via the online lottery! Featured themes for 2014 include the 100th anniversary of Maserati, India and the Great Ferraris.
AUGUST 16-17: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Automobile enthusiasts worldwide will descend upon Monterey, California, to enjoy the world’s finest pre- and post-war race cars competing as they were originally intended on the challenging road course at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Four days of Reunion action culminates with a weekend of vintage racing for over 550 historic cars in 15 race groups that span nearly every era of motorsports history.
AUGUST 16-17: Concept Cars at The Lodge
The concept lawn in front of The Lodge at Pebble Beach is, for me, the most outstanding place to see and be seen. Every year, starting on Saturday, car makers display their new multi-million dollar concept cars and most of the time, many of them are making their world debut at this event that is free to the public. This event is also the best place to meet celebrities like Jay Leno.
AUGUST 17: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Every year on the third Sunday in August, about 200 of the most prized collector cars and motorcycles in the world roll onto one of the best finishing holes in golf — the famed 18th fairway at Pebble Beach. Originally a small social event paired with a road race, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has grown into the top-ranking collector car show in the world. The 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will feature the Maserati Centennial, Ferrari 250 Testarossa, Rolls-Royce Phantom IV and Phantom V and more.
