2023 Monterey Car Week Plus

Monterey Car Week (actually 10 days) is just around the corner. So get your calendar out and mark off the events you want to see. If you live close enough to make day trips good for you but if you need to book a room do it as soon as possible; they are going fast and they are pricey.

I am not going for the whole week this year. In fact I am only going for one day - Saturday, August 19th, for the Concours d'Lemons. I've entered my '95 Chevy Lumina known as the Luminati. If you're in the area stop in and see me. 

My event listings comes from What's Up Monterey (https://whatsupmonterey.com/). Here's their list:

 FRIDAY   AUGUST 11, 2023 

• Monterey Car Week Kick-Off

 SATURDAY   AUGUST 12, 2023 

• Monterey Pre-Reunion

 SUNDAY   AUGUST 13, 2023 

• Monterey Pre-Reunion

 MONDAY   AUGUST 14, 2023 

• Automobilia Monterey Expo
• The Porsche Monterey Classic

 TUESDAY   AUGUST 15, 2023 

• Classic Motorsports Magazine Monterey Kickoff
• Automobilia Monterey Expo
• Acura in the Park

 WEDNESDAY   AUGUST 16, 2023 

• Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
• Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
• Motorlux
• Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
• Little Car Show
• Automobilia Monterey Expo
• Concours for a Cause

 THURSDAY   AUGUST 17, 2023 

• Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
• Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel
• Legends of the Autobahn
• Monterey Jet Center Auction
• Mecum Monterey 2023 Auction
• Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum
• Pebble Beach RetroAuto
• Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance Presented by Rolex
• Prancing Ponies Women's Car Show
• RM Sotheby’s Monterey
• Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

 FRIDAY   AUGUST 18, 2023 

• Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
• Monterey Jet Center Auction
• Mecum Monterey 2023 Auction
• Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions
• Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum
• Pebble Beach RetroAuto
• Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally
• Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
• RM Sotheby’s Monterey
• The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
• Werks Reunion

 SATURDAY   AUGUST 19, 2023 

• Exotics on Broadway
• Mecum Monterey 2023 Auction
• Monterey Motorsports Festival
• Annual Ferrari Owners Club Gathering
• Concorso Italiano
• Concours d'LeMons
• Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions
• Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum
• Pebble Beach RetroAuto
• Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
• RM Sotheby’s Monterey

 SUNDAY   AUGUST 20, 2023 

• Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
• Pebble Beach RetroAuto

For more information on any event check their website.

From the folks at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance "One of the primary objectives of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is giving back to the community and those in need. Through our annual Charity Drawing, a select group of charities can raise much-needed funds by giving donors the opportunity to win cars donated by our generous sponsors—and the charities get to keep 100% of the proceeds."

Many of the events raise funds for local charities. Support them, buy tickets if you can. 

Most of the events have an entry fee but there are enough free events to satisfy most folks. The auctions are a great place to see some fantastic vehicles and they are not too pricey (depending on what your idea of pricey is). Gooding & Company, and RM Sotherby's have the largest selection of what I think are the drool worthy cars. Bonhams has many excellent cars, and Mecum has the most cars. Broad Arrow Auctions in conjunction with Hagerty Motorlux was new last year - it is cars, jets, food, liquor and wine, food, and great people watching. 

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca recently spent $20-mllion on upgrades, they once again host the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the great historic race car gatherings on this continent. There is the Pre-Reunion event the weekend before the big show that is more affordable for those on a budget. Either way you are going to see some great race cars from days past.

If you have the means you must go to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. General Admittance is $475 and yes that's a sizeable amount but you will see hundreds of cars that are museum quality. if you are a real trooper get there early, just before dawn, to watch the cars drive in. But dress warm.

New this year is the Monterey Motorsports Festival, sponsored by Mecum Auctions at the Monterey Fairgrounds and Events Center. Here's how they describe it: "Monterey Motorsports Festival provides eclectic experiences for everyone, from gearheads and tech enthusiasts who love big toys to those who just want to soak up the excitement of revving engines in an engaging, all-inclusive atmosphere." Check it out at https://montereymotorsportsfestival.com/

On a sad note the Concours on the Avenue, one of the greatest free shows, is no more.

If you go remember to be nice to the locals and workers. As much as I've always enjoyed the Week I've always been aware that it is a blessing and a curse to those who live and work on the Monterey Peninsula. Try to patronize area businesses, tip well, and be courteous.