FYI: Monterey Car Week is a top-tier event that brings together car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders for a week-long celebration of the most exquisite automobiles in the world, set against the scenic backdrop of California’s Monterey Peninsula.
Monterey Car Week: A Petrolhead’s Paradise
Monterey Car Week stands as the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts. This week-long festival, located on the stunning Monterey Peninsula in California, is renowned for its exclusive car unveilings, exhilarating auctions, and magnificent displays of vintage automobiles. Packed with high-profile events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, car enthusiasts are spoilt for choice.
Planning Your Experience
Given the vast array of activities, meticulous planning is key. Prioritize events based on your interests. If vintage cars are your passion, the Concours d’Elegance is unmissable. For tech lovers, the manufacturer showcases and unveilings on Pebble Beach’s Concept Lawn offer a glimpse into the future of automotive innovation. The camaraderie is palpable with the presence of industry leaders, celebrities, and fellow car lovers, all coming together to celebrate automotive excellence.
The Charm of Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week is not just about admiring fabulous cars; it’s also an opportunity to embrace the breathtaking beauty of the region. The combination of stunning landscapes and legendary vehicles creates a truly unique atmosphere. The event celebrates the past, present, and future of the automotive world, underscoring the passion and innovation that fuel this industry.
Monterey Car Week FAQs
What is Monterey Car Week?
Monterey Car Week is an annual celebration of automotive culture held in Monterey, California. It includes prestigious car auctions, exclusive car shows, and renowned events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders worldwide.
When is Monterey Car Week?
Monterey Car Week typically occurs in mid-August, spanning from August 12th to August 18th, and culminates in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on the third Sunday of the month.
What is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?
This prestigious event showcases a curated selection of vintage and classic cars judged on their historical significance, restoration quality, and elegance, attracting global collectors, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
What is the most expensive car auctioned at Monterey Car Week?
The record-holder is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta, auctioned by Bonhams in 2014 for a staggering $38,115,000.
Can anyone attend Monterey Car Week?
Yes, Monterey Car Week features various public and private events. While some require tickets or reservations, many are open to the public, offering diverse experiences for all automotive lovers.
How should I dress for Monterey Car Week?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around. For upscale events like the Concours d’Elegance, consider more formal attire. Layering is advisable due to unpredictable coastal weather.
How many people attend Monterey Car Week?
The event draws about 100,000 attendees annually, including car shows, auctions, and other automotive activities.
Is Monterey Car Week worth it?
Absolutely. Whether you’re into classic cars or modern models, Monterey Car Week offers a unique and memorable experience in a beautiful setting.
Highlights of the Week
Wednesday, August 14th
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion:
Held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, this event showcases historic race cars, offering a thrilling experience of motorsports history.
Broad Arrow Auction:
Get up close with rare, valuable cars before they hit the auction block, presenting a blend of anticipation and appreciation for automotive craftsmanship.
Bonhams’ Auction Preview:
Admire world-class automotive examples in a relaxed setting in Northern California’s scenic coast.
RM Sotheby’s Auction Preview:
A chance to see rare automotive icons up close, enhancing the excitement before the auction.
Gooding & Company Auction Preview:
Explore classic and rare automobiles at the prestigious Pebble Beach location.
The Little Car Show:
Celebrate unique micro and mini cars along with electric vehicles in Downtown Pacific Grove.
Motorlux:
Kick off Car Week with top chefs, local wines, rare automobiles, and more during a VIP experience celebrating Hagerty’s 40th anniversary.
Thursday, August 15th
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance:
Witness over 150 Concours entrants driving scenic routes along Highway One.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Day 2:
Further dive into motorsports history at Laguna Seca.
Broad Arrow Auction:
Continue exploring rare, collectible cars.
Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction Preview:
Another opportunity to view exceptional cars in Northern California.
Mecum Monterey 2024 Auction:
A showcase of rare, collector-grade cars for enthusiasts.
RM Sotheby’s Auction:
Experience the excitement of seeing rare cars up for auction.
Gooding & Company Auction Preview:
Examine classic and rare automobiles at Pebble Beach.
Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show:
Empowering women and inspiring girls through a unique car show with a special theme, “Rhinestone Cowgirls.”
The Preserve Concours & Cocktails 2024:
An exclusive event presenting rare automobiles in a private nature sanctuary.
Friday, August 16th
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Day 3:
Historic cars continue to race at Laguna Seca.
Werks Reunion Monterey:
A celebration of Porsches, with a variety of classic and modern models.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering:
A garden-party event featuring rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles.
Mecum Monterey 2024 Auction:
Another opportunity to see and bid on high-quality vehicles.
Gooding & Company Auction:
View a selection of classic and rare automobiles before they head to auction.
Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction:
View world-class automotive examples before the auction.
RM Sotheby’s Auction:
Witness rare cars in the lead-up to their auction.
Saturday, August 17th
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Day 4:
Historic race cars compete, showcasing motorsports heritage.
Concours d’Lemons:
A lighthearted event celebrating quirky and unusual cars.
Mecum Monterey 2024 Auction:
Finalize your bidding on rare, collectible cars.
Concorso Italiano:
Highlighting Italian automotive elegance, art, fashion, and cuisine.
Gooding & Company Auction:
Another chance to appreciate and acquire classic and rare automobiles.
Spike’s Car Radio Live:
Join Spike Feresten and guests for a live podcast recording filled with humor and automotive insights.
Exotics On Broadway:
A showcase of the world’s rarest super and exotic cars in Seaside, California.
Monterey Motorsports Festival:
Explore diverse automotive technologies and classic cars in a relaxed atmosphere.
RM Sotheby’s Auction:
See rare automotive icons up close before they go to auction.
Sunday, August 18th
Dawn Patrol:
Early risers gather to watch competing cars arrive at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Day 5:
Concluding the motorsports festivities at Laguna Seca with more historic racing action.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance:
A prestigious exhibition of meticulously restored classic automobiles.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto:
Peruse rare automotive collectibles and memorabilia in Concours Village.
Conclusion
Monterey Car Week is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of automotive culture, history, and innovation. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of exquisite automobiles, surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts and industry leaders. Make sure to plan carefully to maximize your experience and soak in the beauty of both the cars and the stunning Monterey Peninsula.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
— Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
