Call them gearheads, automobile aficionados, car enthusiasts, or just plain cuckoo for cars. The annual assemblage of rare and vintage vehicles, exotics from every era, and all things related to cars, motorcycles, and contraptions rolling on wheels take place the third week of August. Monterey Car Week, a major west coast event, is sure to draw the true motoring connoisseur like a moth to a flame.
A full slate of car shows, auctions, rallies, vintage racing and high style will be on par all over the Monterey Peninsula. The renowned event begins with a classic car show in downtown Monterey on Aug 17 and ends with the granddaddy of concours on Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
To put some sense around this crazy 10-day automotive extravaganza, we put together a calendar of events. Listing of car starts with the biggest day – Sunday, August 26th, and moves in reverse order. Scroll down further, and you’ll find a description of some of the high-profile car shows and high-roller auctions.
To jump to a specific date, click one of the links below:
Friday, August 17 | Saturday, August 18 | Sunday, August 19 | Monday, August 20 | Tuesday, August 21 | Wednesday, August 22 | Thursday, August 23 | Friday, August 24 | Saturday, August 25 | Sunday, August 26
Sunday, August 26
6:00 am – 10:00 am: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Dawn Patrol
9:00 am – 4:30 pm: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Japanese Automotive Invitational presented by INFINITI and The Motor Trend Group
10:30 am – 5:00 pm: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance occurs every year on the third Sunday of August and takes place on the illustrious 18th fairway of The Lodge at Pebble Beach golf course.
Only the most beautiful and historic cars are invited to appear at this premier celebration of the automobile. A prestigious event that has set the bar since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance draws the attention of devotees of art and style to admire the masterpieces on display. 2018 marks the first year that Citroën will be honored as the featured marque on Sunday. Automobiles are judged for their style and technical merit, as well as their history, their originality and the accuracy of their preservation or restoration—and the best garner reward and recognition.
Saturday, August 25
8:00 am – 1:30 pm: Concours d’Lemons Monterey
8:00 am: Mecum Auctions
8:30 am – 6:00 pm: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Japanese Automotive Invitational presented by INFINITI and The Motor Trend Group
9:30 am – 5:00 pm: Concorso Italiano
11:00 am: Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding and Company (Auction)
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Exotics on Cannery Row
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Barnyard Ferrari Event
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Russo and Steele Monterey18
6:30 pm: RM Sotheby’s
Friday, August 24
7:00 am – 3:00 pm: Werks Reunion Monterey – A Porsche Automotive Gathering
8:00 am: Mecum Auctions
8:00 am – 6:00 pm: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
9:00 am – 7:00 pm: Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding and Company (Viewing)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm: Legends of the Autobahn
9:30 am – 5:30 pm: Pebble Beach RetroAuto
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Bonhams Motorcar Auction at Quail Lodge
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Russo and Steele Monterey18
6:00 pm: Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding and Company (Auction)
6:30 pm: RM Sotheby’s
Thursday, August 23
7:00 am – 3:00 pm: Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex
8:00 am: Mecum Auctions
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding and Company (Viewing)
9:30 am – 5:30 pm: Pebble Beach RetroAuto
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Pacific Grove Auction Worldwide Auctioneers Auction
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Russo and Steele’s Annual Collector Automobile
Wednesday, August 22
7:00 am – 2:30 pm: Pebble Beach Motoring Classic is the ultimate road trip for enthusiasts with cars that have more than a dash of elegance. On Monday, this group will meet up in Kirkland Washington, then caravan to Monterey starting early Tuesday morning. Final arrival will be on Wednesday at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
10:00 am – 6:00 pm Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding and Company (Viewing)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Carmel Mission Classic combines the passion for fine automobiles with the Spirit and palate. “Carmel Mission feeds the spirit, fine cars feed the passion, fine wine and gourmet food feed the body. Join us in celebrating all three.”, Frank DiPaola (Event Chairman). All net proceeds benefit the Knights of Columbus and Carmel Mission. Admission: $55
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Automobilia Monterey 16th Annual Int’l Expo claims to be the largest automobilia show in America. At this quaint show, you will find original vintage posters, photographs, badges, pins, mascots and hood ornaments, rallye plates, signs, original art, scale models, literature and books, signed items, poster stamps, and much more. The event benefits the Monterey Rape Crisis Center. Admission: $20
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm: The Little Car Show – Pacific Grove, located at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, between Monterey and Pebble Beach, is host to The Little Car Show. As the name implies, micro, mini and arcane vehicles with no greater than 1,601cc displacement engines or electric powered vehicles are allowed to enter this classic contest. Over 100 vehicles that are 25 years or older will be judged this year. Proceeds from the $25 entry fee will go to the Pacific Grove Public Library, Pacific Grove Youth Center and Veteran’s Transition Center. General admission: FREE
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Prancing Ponies Car Show is the first women only car show during Monterey Car Week. VIP Exhibitor Access is $300. VIP guest pass is $100. All proceeds are donated to the Prancing Ponies Foundation to help ‘Create Women Leaders One Girl at a Time’
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center is one of the most exclusive lifestyle events of its kind in the country. The one night event privately kicks off the world-class automobile week held each August on the Monterey Peninsula. With an “A-List” of VIP guests from Hollywood celebrities to Captains of Industry, this “Jet Set” crowd arrives in first-class style, to feast on the latest offerings from some of the world’s top luxury brands in a relaxed and elegant party setting. Charity supported is the CHP 11-99 Foundation. Tickets: $425 – $575.
Tuesday, August 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Carmel By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue closes Ocean Avenue to traffic and 18 blocks of downtown will be filled with collector cars and motorized fun. A fascinating mix of American and foreign cars will be showcased in front of a backdrop of charming shops, critically acclaimed restaurants, and numerous galleries. The eclectic mix of over 175 cars will include luxury cars, muscle cars, hot rods and sport cars 1940 through 1973. Additionally, a variety of legendary vehicles from Porsche and Ferrari through 1989 will be judged. The event benefits The Carmel Foundation. Admission: FREE
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Automobilia Monterey 16th Annual Int’l Expo
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Classic Motorsports Monterey Cruise-In is a gathering of a few hundred friends driving cool classic cars and exotic automobiles in downtown Pacific Grove on Lighthouse Avenue. Everyone is invited and admission is free.
Monday, August 20
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: The Porsche Monterey Classic
Join Porsche Monterey in celebrating its designation as a Porsche Classic Partner at ‘The Porsche Monterey Classic’, an exclusive Porsche event highlighting Classic Porsches. We welcome all classic Porsches 10 years of age and older. Come and join us while enjoying music, whiskey, wine and hors d’oeuvres. To RSVP, contact Natasha Zeligs at nzeligs@lithia.com or (831) 583-4845
Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19
All day event: Monterey Pre-Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
The Monterey Pre-Reunion provides racing fans and visitors with the chance to see more than 300 race cars competing for two full days prior to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The paddock is bustling with teams working on their cars in the pits or on their way to pre-grid. The paddock is completely open to wander for enjoying the historic racing experience. Tickets: $30
Friday, August 17
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Monterey Car Week Kick-Off, downtown Monterey on the 300 block of Alvarado Street.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca starts off Monterey Classic Car Week Kick-Off with a classic car show in Downtown Monterey. See 30 classic race cars lining the 300 block of Alvarado Street (between Del Monte and Franklin) and meet the drivers of these beautiful examples of racing history while enjoying great music and giveaways. Cost: FREE
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is THE place to see and hear historic race car at full speed on a world-renowned road course. The annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a celebration of motorsport history that brings approximately 550 race cars together in one open paddock for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the entertaining on-track action, there are autograph opportunities with legendary drivers, Q&A sessions, and fine wine and cheese tastings among the myriad activities. To purchase Premier and Reserved Camping, please call 831-242-8200. To view ticket descriptions and prices, click HERE.
The inaugural Japanese Automotive Invitational, brought to the public by a partnership between Infiniti and The Motor Trend Group, will display Japanese automobiles along with presentations from top experts in the category. The vehicles, such as the 1964 Datsun 1500 Roadster, 1966 Toyota 2000GT, 1970 Mazda Cosmo Sport, and 1994 INFINITI J30, exemplify Japanese innovation, design and performance that originate from a rich and historically significant car culture. The JAI is open to spectators with no additional tickets required. Japanese cars will be on display Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26.
Saturday will feature special guest appearances including Motor Trend’s Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh plus live entertainment from a local DJ and the presentation of the inaugural “Honorary Medallion” to a select car owner. The new showcase will be located adjacent to the INFINITI Pavilion on Concours Plaza at Pebble Beach. For additional information on the inaugural Japanese Automotive Invitational presented by INFINITI, visit JAIPebbleBeach.com.
Concorso Italiano – In its 33rd year, the world’s largest and most prestigious luxury Italian car show, returns to the Black Horse Golf Course. This year’s show will have nearly 1,000 rare and exotic Italian vehicles, selected from private collections around the world, will be on display – together, they are valued at more than $200,000,000.
Event organizers have arranged for guests to enjoy gourmet breakfast and lunch options, a unique fashion show experience featuring apparel from local designers and boutiques, a special celebration of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Super and four-door sedans, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini models Espada and Islero.
VIP tickets to Concorso Italiano, known as the CI Club, are priced at $495. General admission tickets are priced at $180 and cover admission to the event, a copy of Concorso Italiano Magazine and general admission parking.
Legends of the Autobahn is an all-German marque Concours d’Elegance held at the prestigious Nicklaus Club-Monterey. Legends is hosted by the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and the Audi Club of America. The annual concours event offers both corral and judged areas, awards for all three featured marques and an open class for all other German-made cars. The show field also features displays from manufacturers, sponsors, and vendors, along with several lunch options, and an available breakfast. Spectator admission is FREE. Parking fee is $20 per vehicle.
Werks Reunion Monterey – A Porsche Automotive Gathering is an event designed to celebrate both the Porsche marque as well as the camaraderie of being an enthusiast. “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…this is a casual gathering of Porsche enthusiasts focused on having fun rather than solely competition.” The event is open to all Porsche clubs, owners, and enthusiasts. You could display your own car in model-specific Porsche Corrals or enter the Porsche Judged Field and compete to win in more than 20 prize categories. Admission to the Porsche gathering is FREE. Parking fee is $20 per vehicle.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering has provided an unparalleled and exclusive experience for motorsports enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. This signature event became so popular that organizers limit attendance to 5,000 guests, whom they select by lottery. The lucky guests will enjoy exquisite motorcars on display and culinary pavilions, onsite parking and access to Bonham’s Motorcar Auction. This year’s theme centers around pre-war sports and racing, supercars, great Ferraris, celebrating 70 years of the iconic Porsche 356, the Great Lancias, and the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Espada and Islero.
Entry to The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering includes lunch at a variety of culinary pavilions, with an assortment of wines and specialty cocktails served throughout the day.
Concours d’Lemons Monterey. Celebrating the oddball, mundane and truly awful of the automotive world. “It is a day filled with automotive fun and idiocy, and we are just dumb enough to do it again next year,” artfully said by one of the organizers. Some of the misfits from The Little Car Show will sometimes make a second appearance in Seaside on Saturday. Admission is FREE.
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that delights entrants and spectators alike. The traditional Tour traces portions of the original 17-Mile Drive, traverses nearby mountains and valleys, and pauses in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea on Ocean Avenue. In the afternoon, the tour returns to Pebble Beach for concluding Champagne toast.
Mecum Auctions – People know them for their expansive catalog of classics, muscle cars, hot rods. This year, the world’s largest collector car auction company will have over 600 cars in their catalog for Monterey and feature exotic supercars, legendary limited editions, and historic cars with a European heritage. Crossing the block will be two LaFerrari V-12 hybrid hypercars, five Ford GT coupes, a Pagani Huayra, twelve Lamborghini supercars and a Bugatti Veyron. Even more prestigious than those, however, is a 1958 Porsche 550 Spyder that could fetch a mind-blowing 5 million dollars.
Russo and Steele’s Annual Collector Automobile auction in beautiful Monterey, California is among an elite list of events that contribute to Monterey’s Historic Car Week, and holds the hottest ticket to Monterey’s Race Weekend, billed as the “Mecca of Collector Automobiles”. Russo and Steele continue to offer a collection of the highest quality, most luxurious and collectible European sports.
