Monterey Cicerone
M
2019
onterey Car Week is fast upon us and it’s time to start making plans of where to go and what to see. Each year we prepare the Monterey Cicerone to help guide your travel plans, and we hope it’s an effective tool. Part of the fun of Monterey Car Week has to do not only with the events, but the camaraderie shared during the week. It’s one of those rare moments when many of the world’s most enthusiastic car fanatics gather in one place and share their excitement for The Automobile and all that surrounds it. If you haven’t been, you owe it to yourself to go and enjoy. Interestingly, while so many events take place each year, what can be more fun is finding out about the private events and parties going on all around the Monterey Peninsula. One way to find out about these, of course, is just to start meeting people. Strike up conversations with the people you meet admiring certain cars and see where it leads you. Otherwise, there are a host of events to enjoy, both free and paid. And, when you’re not enjoying the car scene, Monterey offers a number of adventuresome and fun activities, great restaurants, and sightseeing. We hope to see you up there!
9th Annual GSM Monterey Garage Tour
The Garage Tour has long been described as “Magic,” “The best event during Car Week,” “Like a good family reunion,” and “Absolutely awesome.” Every year offers something different, but familiar, an annual moment to enjoy camaraderie in the private spaces of like-minded enthusiasts. This year, the 9th Annual Garage Tour will offer the same magic with some improvements and expansions, including a new meeting venue and a private auction preview with the Mecum Auction Company Thursday morning before their event commences. Monday’s Garage Tour Kick Off Venue will provide a wonderful meal, and the city has agreed to block off parking for special interest vehicles in front of the restaurant in downtown Pacific Grove. Special thanks for this goes to our friends Mark Ryan at Carmel Realty Company, Ferris Nemri, the owner of the restaurant, and Pete Tweedt, who worked with the city to ensure preferred parking. Thursday’s auction preview is a great way to see first hand, and just before the arrival of the main crowd, what will be coming for sale at the auction - Mecum has long brought exceptional automobilia and petroliana to their events, what they call Road Art, along with a scrumptious variety of cars ranging from hyper exotics to classics to muscle to the obscure, making it a wonderful place to find just the right piece of automotive art or vehicle you’re looking for, even if you didn’t know you were looking for it. With progress and expansions come costs, and this year, for the first time in nearly a decade, a cover charge will be applied. Sales are limited to 80 tickets. 52
www.GarageStyleMagazine.com
Website: www.GarageStyleMagazine.com When: The Tour Mon Aug 12 8am to ? Mecum Auction Preview Thu Aug 15 9am Where: Mon 8am International Cuisine; Thu 9am Mecum Auction Admission: $65 per person Tip: Fill your gas tank, wear comfortable shoes, and layer your clothes
Automobilia Monterey
When you seek to begin your collection of automobilia and petroliana, or add to your existing collection, Automobilia Monterey is one of the places you should visit. Roughly 60 vendors gather in the main ballroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel for one of the nicest collector’s bazaar available, each selling die cast model cars, art, scarves, hood ornaments, literature – it goes on, and organizer Tony Singer insists on the pieces being original, authentic, or at least limited edition. A mini Retromobile, Automobilia Monterey is a feast for collectors and benefits the Monterey Rape Crisis Center. Website: www.AutoMobiliaMonterey.com When: Mon Aug 12 10am-6pm; Tue Aug 13 10am-6pm; Wed Aug 14 10am-5pm Where: The Ballroom of the Embassy Suites Admission: $20 per person Tip: Save your wristband for reentry
Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue
One of the most fantastic events during Car Week is the Concours on the Avenue. Free to attend, the show presents a multitude of makes and models from 1940 through 1973 with Porsche and Ferrari through 1989. Held on picturesque Ocean Ave. in historic Carmel-By-The-Sea, crowds build early, so it’s best to arrive early or arrange for a taxi to avoid parking. Awards are presented and many upscale sponsors help make it all possible. Nicely too, all the shops along Ocean Ave. dress their windows to celebrate the automobile. Website: www.CarmelConcours.com When: Tue Aug 13 10am-5pm Where: Ocean Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea Admission: Free Tip: Arrive early, or arrange for a taxi pick up and drop off
Carmel Mission Classic
An absolute gem of an event, the Carmel Mission Classic brings together entries from the Automobile Driving Museum, the San Francisco Academy of Art University, and a host of private collectors from around the world to sprinkle the historic Mission Courtyard with rolling art. Ranging from Stutz to Delage to Oldsmobile to Ferrari to Ford to McLaren to Chrysler, the range of vehicles is inspiring. In a unique twist, priests bless the cars. To boot, a wide array of vendors attend, bringing a little retail therapy to the scene, while soft music and remarkable foods conspire to make the day absolutely spectacular. And, a complimentary wine glass allows you to partake in wine samples from local vineyards. An extensive amount of time and money was spent renovating the Mission over the past few of years, and the results are absolutely extraordinary. A magnificent event in a spectacularly relaxed environment, the Carmel Mission Classic is a must attend event that was started by two car guys who wanted to help raise money for the Mission and charities of the Knights of Columbus. Website: www.CarmelMissionClassic.org When: Wed Aug 14 10am-4pm Where: Carmel Mission Admission: $50 purchased online before August 7, $60 at the gate Tip: Parking is easy, but come early
Prancing Ponies All-Woman Car Show
A show for women, by women, this event brings together female enthusiasts to show their cars and inspire young women to aspire for more, tackle their dreams, and remind them that nothing can stop them. The 2018 event was a wonderful success with special guest Lyn St. James, a professional racing driver who left a major streak in the motorsports world and continues to inspire and mentor women in the field such as Danika Patrick. Held in Carmel-By-The-Sea, the backdrop is fantastic, and the camaraderie is addicting. All cars are welcome, last year the spaces were dominated by Ferrari. Awards include Best of Show, Support the Ponies Volunteer Award, First to Register, and our favorite, the Mother/Daughter Award for the woman who brings her daughter(s) to the show. Website: www.PrancingPonies.org When: Wed Aug 14 11am-3:30pm Where: The Ballroom of the Embassy Suites Admission: $20 per person Tip: Taxis are your friend
The Little Car Show
The Little Car Show celebrates its 10th Anniversary for 2019 and continues the unique and fun idea that tiny cars have a special place too. Welcoming more than 100 micro, mini, electric, steam, and arcane vehicles from all over the world, the rules are pretty straight forward, but the basics are that the car must be 25 years old or older with no engines larger than 1601cc. A Special Interest section provides space for limited production, home built, custom, or modified vehicles that meet the general rules, but all in all, The Little Car Show is a fabulous event demonstrating easily that cars can indeed be very, very cute. Wrapping up the event will be the tour/parade motoring around Pacific Grove’s scenic waterfront, beginning at Lover’s Point, following Ocean View Boulevard through Asilomar State Beach. Website: www.MarinaMotorSports.org When: Wed Aug 14 Noon-5pm Where: Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA Admission: Free for spectators Tip: Be prepared to smile a lot
Garage Style Magazine Summer 2019
53
McCall’s 28th Annual Motorworks Revival
One of the most popular events during Car Week, the Motorworks Revival, held at the Monterey Airport, brings together a fantastic celebration of speed, personalities, food, and beverages anyone can imagine. Airplanes and cars comingle with other machines of significance while music plays and various vendors demonstrate their products and services from watches and jewelry to private jetshare services to bespoke items. Industry personalities join Gordon McCall in presenting awards, telling stories, and tying the entire experience together. Website: www.McCallEvents.com When: Wed Aug 14 5pm-10pm Where: Monterey Jet Center Admission: $425-$1,225 depending on the “Experience” Tip: Taxis are your friend
22nd Annual Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction
A Monterey Collector Car Week mainstay, Bonhams hosts the longest-running auction on the Monterey Peninsula, continually bringing amazing vehicles and breaking sales records. Held in conjunction with The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, the Bonhams event always offers buyers the chance to acquire some of the most noteworthy vehicles in the community, vehicles that are not only rare and often unheard of, but frequently have a lovely pedigree. Website: www.Bonhams.com When: Thursday Aug 15-Friday Aug 16 10am Where: Quail Lodge & Golf Club, West Field Admission: Entry is normally by purchasing a catalogue, visit the website Tip: Buy your tickets early
Mecum Auctions
One of the largest automobile auction companies in the world, Mecum’s daytime platform is refreshing to say the least. The cars are completely visible, sitting on the freshly-cut lawn
54
www.GarageStyleMagazine.com
of the Del Monte Golf Course at the Monterey Hyatt Hotel, and there are plenty of distractions when the mind wanders from the vehicles. Televised, Mecum Auctions have become one of the most popular companies to buy or sell a car through, and they maintain a fabulous reputation for helping first-time buyers navigate the auction process in a professional manner. The days kick off with automobilia and petroliana sales, or, as Mecum likes to call them, Road Art. This is a great chance to buy neons, porcelains, and fabulous, rarely seen items. While muscle cars and American classics tend to dominate the number of cars presented, Mecum also hosts fabulous displays of exotics and classics such as Ferrari LaFerraris, Duesenbergs, Lamborghinis, Packards, and many more to balance out the roster. Website: www.Mecum.com When: Wed Aug 14-Sat Aug 17 9:30am Road Art sales begin, 10am vehicle sales begin, auction ends at 6 Where: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Del Monte Golf Course Admission: $20 per person, per day Tip: Mornings are usually chilly, layering clothing will help throughout the day
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
Celebrating the art of the automobile in motion, the Tour d’Elegance follows a planned route that includes the famous 17-mile drive. Beginning at Portola Road in Pebble Beach, the Tour departs by 9am arriving in Carmel-By-The-Sea by 11:30am. It’s common to see spectators alongside the road taking pictures of the cars as they drive by. Truly a remarkable display, the Tour d’Elegance allows the cars to prove their durability and the drivers to demonstrate their knowledge by using and interacting with the machine. Every car on the Tour is a Concours entrant, so it’s also a good way to get to see many of the cars that will be on the lawn at Pebble Beach. Website: www.PebbleBeachConcours.net When: Thurs Aug 15 7am-3pm Where: Portola Road, Pebble Beach Admission: None Tip: Look at a map to discover parking on the route; arrive early. Or, arrange for a taxi.
Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally
Celebrating 25 years, the Pacific Grove Auto Rally was launched honoring the Shelby Cobra, an event Carroll Shelby
attended to help raise funds for the PG Youth Center. Since then, the Auto Rally has been a glowing success, and continues to be so. Drivers of all marques are welcome to participate with a show in historic downtown and then a scenic drive along 17Mile Drive through Pebble Beach wrapping with a barbecue dinner in Chautauqua Hall. Family friendly, the event is free and, in celebration of 25 years, Cobra will again be the featured marque. Website: www.PGRotary.org When: Fri Aug 16 12pm-7pm Where: Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove Admission: Free Tip: Make sure the camera is charged and has a healthy SIM card
Legends Of The Autobahn
About 400 cars gather at The Club at Pasadera ranging from the well-known to the obscure to the manufacturer concepts. This year, LOTA will welcome RADwood, a car show that ties cars and bikes from the 1980-1999 era and period correct dress, accessories, and hairstyles to relive one of the most excellent times ever. To kick off the event right, they even have a special deal including a corral parking pass and a one-year membership in your choice of the BMW, Mercedes, or Audi Clubs. Website: www.LegendsoftheAutobahn.org When: Fri Aug 16 7am-3pm Where: The Pasadera Golf Club
Admission: Free admission, $20 parking Tip: Arrive early, spectator traffic gets heavy
Concorso Italiano
A remarkable event dedicated to all-things-Italian, Concorso Italiano brings together fashion, food, beverages, art, and products along with automobiles and motorcycles in a true Concours d’Elegance fashion. Hosting as many as 1,000 vehicles, the fashion show, musical performances, and on-stage interviews with well-known collectors and industry legends rounds out a fantastic day. Featuring one of the best vendor layouts of any automotive event, a few vendors can be found interspersed at each genre of automobile. The Ferrari section might have 10 vendors sprinkled around, while the gathering of Isos might have five and the Fiat area might feature 20 more. Website: www.Concorso.com When: Sat Aug 17 8:30am (9:30am for general admission)4pm Where: Black Horse Golf Club Admission: $510 per person (CI Club with VIP Parking, includes a large gift and meals) $165 per person (general admission) Tip: A large event, wear comfortable shoes and comfortable business casual attire. Don’t forgot to bring some cash or credit for the fabulous vendors.
Pebble Beach RetroAuto
A bazaar packed with automobilia and petroliana, motoring
Garage Style Magazine Summer 2019
55
fashion, art, and much more, RetroAuto is a fascinating place to discover collectibles few even knew existed. From gas pumps to neon signs, from footwear to vintage wooden radios, from die cast model cars to literature and posters galore, RetroAuto is a must attend venue for the collectors. This is one of those magnificent places where you can accessorize your garage, den, clothing outfit, or car with ease – and if you haven’t begun collecting yet and are thinking about it, this is a good place to start. Website: www.PebbleBeachConcours.net When: Thurs Aug 15-Sat Aug 17 9:30am-5:30p Where: The Inn at Spanish Bay Ballrooms, Pebble Beach Admission: Free Tip: Enjoy the restaurants such as Sticks, Roy’s, or the Lounge, each serving breakfast and lunch during your time at the Inn.
Legends of Auto Gala Dinner
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Legends of Auto Gala Dinner, which has paid tribute to iconic people such as George Barris, Dan Gurney, Lee Iacocca, Lyn St. James, Dana Mecum, and many more. Held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, the event is a wonderful place to meet and listen to various personalities from all facets of the automotive industry. Website: www.LegendsOfAuto.com When: Thu Aug 15 7p-10p Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, Monterey Admission: $250 per ticket / Table of 10 $2,000 Tip: Bring an appetite and enjoy a chance to meet some of your favorite industry legends
RM Sothebys Auction
Each year, RM Sothebys takes over the Portola Hotel and the Monterey Conference Center for an elegant and exciting sale of exquisitely interesting vehicles and this year, the company has extended to three days, offering a number of important Aston Martins celebrating the car maker’s anniversary in motorsport history and road car construction. Some of the lots consigned so far are a 1954 Maserati A6GCS and a 1964 Peel Trident and a 1958 Facel-Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe among other greats. Website: www.RMSothebys.com When: Thu Aug 15- Fri 17
Where: Portola Hotel & Spa Admission: Only registered bidders are allowed in the auction, which is a $200 fee, including one complementary guest pass. Tip: It’s fun to grab a cup of coffee at one of the vendors local to the hotel, find a place to sit, and just watch the cars roll into the building.
Russo and Steele Auction
Russo and Steele have brought the ‘in-the-round’ auctioneering style to their Monterey event, creating a unique experience whereby there is no separation between the cars and the buyers. Over 300 cars are expected to cross the block this year and, as usual, the selection will be diverse. Website: www.RussoAndSteele.com When: Preview Wed Aug 14 9a-5p Sale Thu Aug 15- Fri 17 9a-3p Where: Portola Hotel & Spa Admission: $30 Tip: Located at the downtown wharf, it’s a wonderful place to stroll and look at the cars after hours
Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion Monterey
A show celebrating all-things Porsche, Club membership is not required to attend or participate and the event encourages owners, enthusiasts, and local clubs to attend and join in the fun. With over 20 prize categories, it’s tempting to enter a Porsche if you own one. As their website says, “This is not a contest of who has removed dust from the deepest crevices in their Porsche but rather a judged show that rewards a Porsche that has been lovingly maintained and presents itself well on the field. Our judges do not use Porsche Parade Concours score sheets but rather rank the cars according to certain attributes discussed prior to judging. For those who do not wish to have their cars judged, you may display in the model specific corrals or if the organizers see fit, on the judged field itself. There are no score sheets returned or protest committees. This is a casual gathering of Porsche enthusiasts focused on having fun rather than solely competition.” Website: www.WerksReunion.com When: Fri Aug 16 7a-3p Where: Corral de Tierra Country Club, Salinas, CA Admission: Free, $20 parking fee Tip: Allow for plenty of travel and parking time
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
One of the most exciting moments for any car enthusiast could be attending the Motorsports Reunion. Watching the historic vehicles roar around the track takes spectators right back to the days when they were new, a surreal experience. This year, IMSA celebrates its 50th anniversary and will be the featured marque. And, when the racing slows down, miles of vendors await good cheer. Website: www.WeatherTechRaceway.com When: Thu Aug 15-Sun Aug 18 Where: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Admission: Variable, check the website for the package right for you
56
www.GarageStyleMagazine.com
Tip: Allow for plenty of travel and parking time
Concours d’Lemons
Check your ego at the door, let the hair down, and get set to be absolutely amused by the strangest, wrong, and most cringeworthy cars on the planet. Many are admirable for the number of miles they’ve racked up in their lifetime, while others simply leave people wondering – why? And isn’t it magnificent? No pretensions here, just good, plain, oldfashioned transpo fun. Website: www.24HoursOfLemons.com When: Sat Aug 17 8a-1:30p Where: Seaside City Hall Admission: Free Tip: Snap and post as many pictures as you can – this is a truly imaginative event that will amaze your friends
Automotive Fine Arts Society, Carmel
The Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) has long held a wonderful event at Pebble Beach, however, this year, the AFAS will be at the New Masters Gallery in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Always a great place to meet automotive artists and a spectacular venue in which to purchase new pieces or consign custom work, visiting the AFAS during Car Week is always great fun. The displays of work, the various artists, and the general camaraderie are fantastic. Website: www.AutoArtGallery.com When: Sat Aug 17 4p-6:30p Where: New Masters Gallery, 6th and Dolores, Carmel-ByThe-Sea Admission: Free Tip: Valet parking is planned, but not confirmed
Gooding & Company Auction
The Gooding Auction is always an enjoyable, elegant affair filled with spectacular vehicles. Always offering an exceptional number of Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, the Gooding scene always offers up exceptional photo opportunities, so bring a back up battery and an ample chip. Website: www.GoodingCo.com When: Viewing Wed Aug 14 10a-6p; Thu 9a-6p, Fri 9a-9p, Sat 9a-5p Auction Fri Aug 16 5pm; Sat Aug 17 11am Where: Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Stevenson Dr at Portola Rd. Admission: $40 per person; $100 catalogue admits two to all events Tip: Parking is across from the Gooding area, a simple situation, but obviously the earlier you arrive the better space you’ll get.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Forum
Held Thursday, August 15-Saturday, August 17 from 11am5:30pm at The Inn at Spanish Bay, the Classic Car Forums are an insightful gathering of industry insiders and luminaries who discuss various topics from future collector trends to top collectible cars to auction results and much, much more. At the time of this
writing, information was not available as to guests and emcees, so please check the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance website. www.PebbleBeachConcours.net
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
It started so long ago, humbly, with a group of people enjoying a sprint through the forest in their race-prepped cars, ending with a great showing. In 1950, the official Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance began and the rest is history. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has evolved into the preeminent automotive event in the United States and perhaps even the world. This year, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will highlight the Bentley Centennial, Zagato Centennial, Bugatti Type 59 & Touring, and Historic Hot Rod Cover Cars among the classes and entries. Every year seems to get better than the last, or reinvent itself to the point of, once again, feeling fresh yet familiar. If you haven’t been to this Concours, it is truly a must-attend event. The caliber of the cars is astonishing, the breathtaking location, the side attractions, and the clothing all conspire to create an experience like no other. Website: www.PebbleBeachConcours.net When: Dawn, field opens to cars 5:30am Dawn Patrol viewers enter the field at 8:30am Judging begins 10:30am General Admission Spectators enter the field 1:30pm-5pm Awards are presented Where: The Lodge at Pebble Beach Admission: General Admission $375 per person Club d’Elegance $825 Patrons Patio at the Winner’s Circle $2,500 Chariman’s Hospitality at The Lodge $3,000 (sold out) Children under the age of 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult
Garage Style Magazine Summer 2019
57