Monterey Car Week Kick-Off Cruise In, August 9, 2024
California’s week-long automotive extravaganza begins in style with Car Week Kick-Off, which sees 30 Historic racing cars line Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey. From here, the selection of cars will be transported to the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca circuit to take part in one of the week’s blue-riband events, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, from August 14-17. Visitors to this free-to-attend event will also have the opportunity to mingle with the drivers and enjoy live music and complementary appetisers. It runs from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb, August 10-11, 2024
Held at the world-famous Laguna Seca circuit, the Pre-Reunion affords visitors the chance to see more than 200 Historic racing cars in a relaxed setting both in the paddock and on track. Adding to the excitement is Sunday’s Corkscrew Hillclimb, where drivers complete timed runs up Laguna Seca’s most iconic corner. Bonhams will also be holding a special exhibition of cars it will be auctioning in its Quail Lodge sale on August 14-16. Tickets are required and the event runs from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
The Porsche Monterey Classic, August 12, 2024
If you happen to love Porsches (and who doesn’t?), then the Porsche Monterey Classic is a must. The event showcases an impressive array of Stuttgart’s finest, amid a vivacious party atmosphere along the picturesque coastal setting of Del Monte Boulevard. Complementing the cars is live music, beer and wine tasting, and local food trucks. You can purchase tickets by clicking the link in the heading, and the event runs from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
Central Coast Poker Rally, August 12, 2024
What better way to soak up the sun and scenery of the Monterey Peninsula than from behind the wheel of your sports car? This unique rally sees participants make five stops to collect poker hands on some of California’s most enjoyable roads, including laps of the Laguna Seca circuit. Tickets are required to take part.
Automobilia Collectors’ Expo, August 12-14, 2024
Automobilia addicts look no further: the Collectors’ Expo (now under new management) at the Embassy Suites showcases the collections of more than 27 of the world’s leading dealers. The offerings include original vintage posters, auto literature, artwork, badges, advertising signs, model cars and more. New for this year is a classic car display, and there will also be the opportunity to win a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and a Ford Mustang GT in raffle-ticket giveaways. The event is ticketed, and runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm each day.
Classic Motorsports Magazine Monterey Kick-Off, August 13, 2024
Hundreds of collector cars ranging from vintage models to modern exotics line Lighthouse Avenue in the glamorous city of Pacific Grove for this free-to-attend car show and concours. The Avenue is closed to traffic throughout the event, which runs from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. It effectively takes over from the popular Concours on the Avenue, which was renowned for offering something for every enthusiast to enjoy.
Motorlux, August 14, 2024
Formerly known as McCall’s Motorworks Revival, Motorlux is dedicated to cars, motorcycles, aeroplanes and luxury. Held at the Monterey Jet Centre, Motorlux combines rare and vintage machines with gourmet food and the finest Californian wines in a social setting. This year will be particularly special, as all attendees are deemed VIPs in celebration of Hagerty’s 40th anniversary.
The Little Car Show, August 14, 2024
Held in the picturesque surroundings of Lighthouse Avenue on Pacific Grove, The Little Car Show is a celebration of those pygmy wonders of the motoring world, and admission is completely free. All cars are welcome as long as they’re at least 25 years old and have an engine no larger than 1.6 litres. For fans of the quirkier side of the automotive spectrum, this one’s a must.
Astons on the Avenue, August 14, 2024
From 11am to 4pm the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea will be transformed into a Mecca for Aston Martin enthusiasts. The free-to-attend event sees Ocean Avenue closed to traffic so that the British marque’s greatest models can gleam in the Californian sunshine.
Broad Arrow Auctions Monterey Jet Centre sale, August 14-15, 2024
Taking place during Hagerty’s Motorlux event at the Monterey Jet Centre, Broad Arrow’s auction will see 152 varied lots cross the block over just two days. The leading lot by pre-sale estimate is a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 driven by the Roock Racing Team in the 1997 FIA GT Championship, and at Le Mans (est: $8.5m-$10.5m). A similarly impressive lot, however, is a beautiful 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi – the only Teardrop Coupé to be built on the T150 C Lago Spéciale chassis. For other consignments, click the link above.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 14-17, 2024
Held at the Laguna Seca circuit, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion is one of the jewels in the crown of Car Week and is essential to attend for at least one day. This year’s event will be especially spectacular, because it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Historic racing at the 67-year-old US race track and will see more than 400 race cars ranging from pre-war pioneers to Formula 1 racers compete across 13 classes. The centrepiece of the event is Motul’s 50th Anniversary Exhibit, which champions the drivers, teams and cars that have made their mark throughout the venue’s history. With sunshine, thrilling racing and iconic cars and drivers, the Motorsports Reunion is bucket-list material. Tickets are available via the link in the heading, and you can also follow all the action via the MotorTrend and IMSA YouTube channels.
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, August 15, 2024
The Tour d’Elegance is a yearly cavalcade of more than 150 other-wordly machines curated to contest the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world-famous grand finale of Car Week. The glittering procession of Bugattis, Talbot-Lagos, Ferraris and more begin their journey along the Highway 1 coast road that’s esconced between the azure water of the Pacific and California’s sun-kissed mountains and valleys, with segments of the route retracing the traditional 17-Mile Drive. You can follow the tour’s progress via the Torque Media Group’s coverage on the Pebble Beach website.
Legends of the Autobahn, August 15, 2024
This 300-car concours pays tribute to Germanic motoring excellence at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside. The event is organised by three of North America’s most prolific German car clubs – the BMW Car Club of America, Mercedes Club of America and Audi Club of North America – all of whom will be in attendance. Admission to the public is free of charge.
Ferrari Owners’ Club Concours Carmel, August 15, 2024
Now in its second year, the Ferrari Owners’ Club Concours brings some of North America’s most incredible Prancing Horses to Ocean Avenue and Dolores Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Ferraris are complemented by Italian motorcycles, live music and guest interviews. This free-to-attend festival of Ferrari is a slice of La Dolce Vita on the West Coast.
Prancing Ponies Womens’ Car Show, August 15, 2024
Prancing Ponies is a car show that aims to empower and inspire female enthusiasts. Held on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the event welcomes all marques and models owned by women. Adding to the occasion is a fashion show, VIP lounge and awards ceremony. Proceeds from the event support the Prancing Ponies Foundation, which allows low-income women to attend conferences to improve their careers and lives. It runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, August 15-17, 2024
Held at the Monterey Conference Centre, RM Sotheby’s 2024 auction will see some extremely special cars offered for public sale. The most headline-grabbing lot is the first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder ever built, which is expected to fetch between $16m and $18m. Other highlights include an ex-Michael Schumacher Ferrari F2001B Formula 1 car ($8m-$10m), a 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider ($15m+) and a 2015 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ($3.75m-$4.25m).
Mecum Monterey Auction, August 15-17, 2024
The cliché that ‘everything is bigger in America’ certainly applies to the country’s collector car auctions, and Mecum’s Monterey sale is a brilliant example. Held over three days at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, the vast sale will see some 600 lots cross the auction block. The vehicles on offer are just as eclectic as you would expect, ranging from historic pre-war vehicles to muscle cars, supercars and exotics. It’s the only Car Week sale taking place during the daytime, which means visitors can bask in the Californian sunshine while perusing their potential purchases. A live-stream of the auction will be available on Mecum’s website.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto, August 15-18, 2024
Located in the Pebble Beach Concours Village, RetroAuto is an essential stop for collectors looking to acquire their next piece of automobilia. The items on offer vary from art and literature to tools, official Pebble Beach merchandise and more. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Werks Reunion Monterey, August 16, 2024
Another stellar event for Porsche fanatics, Werks Reunion welcomes all Porsche clubs, owners and enthusiasts to the Monterey Pines Golf Club to peruse Car Week’s largest gathering of cars built by the legendary German manufacturer. The Werks Reunion is free to attend, and visitors will be treated to a showcase of the finest models from the marque’s storied line-up – from legendary competition cars and rare classics to the latest performance models. Owners are invited to proudly display their cars alongside other examples in the unjudged Porsche Corral. For those seeking a more competitive experience, the Porsche Judged Field allows enthusiasts to compete for the prestigious Werks Reunion Award.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, August 16, 2024
The Quail is, without a doubt, one of the headline events of Car Week. Tickets for last year’s 20th anniversary event almost ran out and were selling for big money on ticket-resales sites, which reflects how much the event has grown and how much it offers. Set in the luscious surroundings of the Quail Lodge and Golf Club, the event welcomes the world’s finest vehicles and is attended by storied manufacturers such as Bugatti, Pagani, Bentley, Koenigsegg and more. This year’s event will see 11 vehicles make their global debut, and the Featured Themes are dedicated to 100 years of MG, the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 930 Turbo, 30 years of Koenigsegg and a WRC tribute. As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s also a prestigious concours d’elegance in which cars from seven classes compete for the Rolex Best of Show award.
Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction, August 16, 2024
Coinciding with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the 27th annual Bonhams Motorcar Auction is one of the most anticipated and high-profile automotive auctions of the year. Last year’s event saw a 1967 Ferrari 412P by Fantuzzi cross the block for an incredible $30.25m. Highlights of this year’s catalogue include a 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach, a 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster and a 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione.
Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally, August 16, 2024
Held in downtown Pacific Grove, this year’s Auto Rally celebrates the 60th anniversary of an American icon: the Ford Mustang. The rally begins with the staging of participants along Lighthouse Avenue, and the startline is free to attend for spectators. The rally begins at 5:00pm, and drivers will meander along the Pebble Beach shoreline and through the Del Monte Forest before returning to Pacific Grove. Event proceeds support the Rotary Club of Pacific Grove projects and local youth programmes.
Gooding and Co. The Pebble Beach Auctions, August 16-17, 2024
As the official auction partner of the Pebble Beach Concours, Gooding and Co. tends to save its best for Monterey – and this year is no different. No fewer than 165 lots are up for grabs, and 26 of them are Ferraris. Highlights include a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider ($16m-$20m), a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante ($9m-$11m) and a Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione race car that campaigned in the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours ($6m-$8m).
Concours d’Lemons, August 17, 2024
And now for something completely different: a celebration of cars that drip oil rather than class. Humorous, unique and hugely popular, Concours d’Lemons is the perfect palate cleanser for the rarefied machines that dominate Car Week. Concours classes include the likes of Soul-Sucking Japanese Appliance, Unmitigated Gaul and Kommunist Kars, and each are inhabited by some of the most bizarre and hilarious cars you could ever hope to see. Free-to-attend and not to be missed. Watch the Concours d’Lemons live-stream of the event here.
Concorso Italiano, August 17, 2024
Boasting a colossal selection of over 1000 Italian cars and motorcycles, Concorso Italiano is the world’s pre-eminent celebration of Italian automotive luxury and exotica. Complementing the glittering array of machinery on display is a celebration of Italian food, wine, art, fashion and culture. Now in its 39th year, the 2024 Concorso Italiano marks an exciting new chapter for the beloved event, which has transitioned to new ownership. Tickets are required for entry, and the event will be held at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Exotics on Broadway, August 17, 2024
Now in its tenth year, Exotics on Broadway brings some of the world’s most jaw-dropping super, hyper and exotic cars to Broadway Avenue in Seaside. The free-to-attend event’s philosophy is to provide enthusiasts unparalleled access to see their dream cars up close – a formula that has proven immensely successful, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Complementing the cars are sales by local businesses in Marketplace Row, food, refreshments and live entertainment.
Monterey Motorsports Festival, August 17, 2024
The Monterey Motorsports Festival combines classic and modern collector cars with aviation. Held at Fairground Road in Monterey, visitors will have the opportunity to admire vehicles ranging from the present day to the early 20th century. Adding to the event’s appeal is an array of interactive activities including racing simulators, off-road exhibits, live entertainment and a host of culinary options. The festival runs from 1:00pm until 10:00pm, and tickets can be purchased via the link above.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, August 18, 2024
Put simply: Pebble Beach is the world’s greatest and most prestigious concours d’elegance. For the past 74 years the world’s rarest and most special cars have been curated for display on the perfectly manicured fairways of the Golf Links, and winning it is the ultimate achievement for any concours competitor. The entrants are assessed on attributes such as provenance, originality, technical merit and style, by the world’s most knowledgeable and discerning judges.
Jim Patterson’s wonderfully restored Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster took the top prize last time out, and this year’s contest should be as competitive as ever with special classes dedicated to Packard, Maserati, Frua Coachwork, Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes, and 1990s BPR and FIA GT Race Cars. Could 2024 be one of those rare years where a post-war model wins it all? We can’t wait to find out. A live-stream of the event will be available here.
