MONTEREY CAR WEEK!
The Monterey Car Week starts next week and I won't be there. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't go. There is always something for everyone even though it is car week (I mean c'mon it's on the Monterey Peninsula - you've got great seafood, the beach, cars, beautiful people, cars and cars). So in alphabetical order here's the events I usually attend (there are always others going on). The web sites give you dates, times, prices and locations.
Automobilia Monterey
Automobilia Monterey is a great place to browse and buy those auto memorabilia pieces you've been dreaming about.
Automotive Fine Arts Society
Great are isn't just at the Louvre; it is also at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you are going to Pebble be sure to visit the AFAS exhibit. It isn't just auto art; it is art.
Bonhams: Quail Lodge Auction
Bonhams always has a great selection of memorable cars to auction. If you can't afford to bid you can always look and dream.
Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours On The Avenue
http://www.carmelconcours.com/home.html
The bargain of the week - a free car show on Ocean Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea. Go to see the cars (and people) but patronize the shops as well (there's some great food in Carmel).
Concorso Italiano
The show for everything Italian. The focus is cars but you'll find boats, bicycles, motorcycles, food, memorabilia, parts, fashion and more beautiful people.
Gooding & Company - The Pebble Beach Auctions
In my opinion Gooding holds the best auction of the week. Going to their auction is like going to a high society event.
Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival
Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center (airport) is one of the must attend events of the week. Cars, airplanes, food, drink, and the rich and famous - what else do you want?
Mecum Auctions
Mecum was the new kid on the block, now they are the mega kid on the block. Mecum usually has something for everyone it seems. Predominantly American cars you will find some extraordinary cars spread out on the Hyatt's golf course.
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Pebble poster by AFAS member Barry Rowe
Pebble is not just the fantastic and not to be missed Concours d'Elegance but an almost week long celebration of great cars. If you can't afford the ticket to the Concours find a spot on the Tour d'Elegance to watch some of the most historic vehicles on this planet drive by.
Rick Cole Auctions
Rick Cole is the new kid/old guy on the block. Rick Cole started the first auction during Monterey Week and now he's back. Expect to see some great cars.
RM Auctions Monterey
RM Auctions has been putting on a first class auction in Monterey for years. Great cars and a lot of action. If you can't afford the price to get in just stand out frot of the Portola Hotel & Spa.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is the premier event for historic race cars. This year for the first time in a long time the CanAm cars are back. If you've never heard a CanAm race engine echoing off the hills of this spectacular racetrack you have something extraordinary to look forward to. But make sure you watch as many of the other races as possible.
Russo & Steele
Russo and Steele moved to the Monterey Wharf parking lot a few years ago and have never looked back. They were primarily known for their muscle cars but recently they've had some pretty high end foreign cars too.
The Quail - A Motorsports Gathering
The Quail is more than just a car show; it is an event. Cars, fine food, excellent drinks all laid out at Quail Lodge.
Remember that even though some of these events are pricey you can still see many of the most important, most gorgeous cars being driven around the Monterey Peninsula. And some of the auctions either allow the public to come and see or have public viewing areas. Sports Car Market has a great digital list of every event, see it at http://www.sportscarmarket.com/digital-issues/2014-montereydigitaleventguide/
So get yourself down to Monterey next week and enjoy yourself. After all you are worth it.
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