Monterey Classic Car Week 2014 – Preview

For one week each August, the Monterey Peninsula in California is transformed into the epicenter for the classic car community. Regardless of the name — the Monterey Classic Car Week, Pebble Beach Automotive Week, Concours Week, Holy Car Week or just Car Heaven — the events that make up the week are among the most important on the historic automotive calendar and 2014 will be no different.

A celebration of the automobile, the Monterey Classic Car Week is in fact a collection of several independent events that take place on or near the Monterey Peninsula in California. The roots can be traced back to 1950 when a group of sports car owners decided to create a road race and Concours at Pebble Beach. Over the succeeding 60 or so years, the number of events that make up the week have grown in number and diversity, and spectators are drawn to the peninsula from around the world.

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been held on its traditional third Sunday in August since 1972, and during proceedings approximately 200 of the most prized collector cars take pride of place on the famous 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Vehicles are judged for historical accuracy, technical merit and style, but not for their speed – although one of the key criteria is that all cars must be drivable. While class wins are highly valued, the most coveted prize of all is the “Best of Show”. This year’s Concours will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maserati and the epic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion contrasts starkly with other Monterey Classic Car Week events in that it features wheel-to-wheel racing for more than 550 historic and period-correct cars divided into 15 race groups. The Reunion’s races take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, a revered track with many notable turns, including The Corkscrew with its famous five-storey drop. This year’s special automotive marque is Maserati, celebrating its 100th anniversary.

We encourage you to visit Sports Car Digest both during and following the 2014 Monterey Classic Car Week as we quickly publish reports, results and photo galleries from all events. We have eight writers and photographers on the Monterey Peninsula this year, and each one is focused upon providing the best coverage of all the events without exception.

For the latest coverage, visit test-sportscardigest.sites.thewpvalet.com/tag/monterey-week.

Monterey Classic Car Week 2014 – Preview and Schedule of Events

Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10, Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion – Held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca the weekend prior to the larger Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Monterey Pre-Reunion is again officially open to the public this year. (2013 Event Coverage).

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12-13, Automobilia Monterey – Automobilia Monterey is largest automobilia show in America, and the only time during Monterey Week to find more than 45 international dealers in a single location. Held at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, visitors enjoy the relaxed setting while shopping for original posters, photographs, signs, artwork, scale models, books, magazines and everything else that is automobilia. (Event Website).

Tuesday, August 12, Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue – The seventh edition of the Carmel Concours will see approximately 150 vehicles vying for first and second in class plus 14 major awards and, of course, Best of Show. This year’s event will present multi-marques from 1940 to 1973, in addition to Porsche and Ferrari through 1989. (2013 Event Coverage).

Wednesday, August 12, The Little Car Show – The 5th annual show will feature German vehicles, and is limited to 100 gas-powered micro, mini and arcane vehicles under 1,601cc and electric vehicles. Held noon to 5pm on Lighthouse Avenue, in downtown Pacific Grove, between Fountain and Forest Avenues. The show is followed by a parade around Pacific Grove beginning at Lover’s Point and following Ocean View Boulevard to Asilomar. (Event Website) and (2011 Event Coverage).

Wednesday, August 13, McCall Motorworks Revival – Held at the Monterey Jet Center in Monterey, Gordon McCall’s 23rd annual event will again entertain its fortunate guests with an abundance of vintage cars, private jets, gourmet food and more. (Event Website) and (2013 Event Coverage).

Thursday, August 14, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance – The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance is an annual scenic 60-mile trip around the Monterey Peninsula in association with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. For the second year in a row, this year’s running of the Tour will include a lap around the track at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Tour d’Elegance is for vehicles participating in the Concours, allowing spectators the chance to see and hear these vehicles in motion. (2013 Event Coverage).

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 14-16, Monterey Automotive Film & Arts Festival – This inaugural event will feature a mixture of films and shorts related to automotive competition, artistic endeavors, and history, presented at the historic Golden State Theatre in Monterey. Subjects at this year’s festival include Stephen Mitchell’s Panamericana Carrera documentary, Grand Prix, Why We Ride, Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman, among others. (Event Website).

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 14-17, Rick Cole Auctions – Rick Cole’s return to Monterey will be headquartered at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Monterey. Bidders participating in the sale will be given the option to place bids in person on the auction site or by smartphone. Bidders will be able to inspect the automobiles over a four-day display period and place bids regardless of their location or movements. Headline entries include a 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport, 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Competitizione Clienti and 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. (Event Website) and (2014 Auction Preview).

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 14-16, Russo and Steele Auction – For the third year, Russo and Steele’s auction returns to it new location on the waterfront by Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. The 14th annual Sports & Muscle in Monterey sale will see more than 200 cars cross the auction block, with many offered at no reserve. Headline entries include a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, 1964 Shelby King Cobra and 1968 Eagle Indy Car. (Event Website) and (2014 Auction Preview).

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 14-16, Mecum Auction – Mecum’s 6th annual Monterey ‘Daytime’ Auctions will feature more than 700 vehicles representing all makes and models crossing the block. The sale takes place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel on the Del Monte Golf Course. Headline entries include the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Spider, 1961 Ferrari 250 Series II Cabriolet, 1972 McLaren M20 Can-Am and 1930 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Berline Convertible. (Event Website), (2014 Auction Preview) and (2013 Auction Report).

Thursday and Friday, August 14-15, Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction – The 17th annual Bonhams Monterey Week auction returns to its larger and more accommodating venue on the grounds of the Quail Lodge in Carmel. Held in connection with the Quail Motorsport Gathering, the event will feature approximately 120 cars, highlighted by the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and the Maranello Rosso Collection. (Event Website), (2014 Auction Preview) and (2013 Auction Report).

Friday, August 15, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – Held at the Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, the 12th annual ‘Quail’ will again treat its visitors to a wonderful selection of automobiles and motorcycles, while offering food and fun among like-minded enthusiasts. This year’s event will feature the 100th anniversary of Maserati, Competition Mustangs and a Tribute to India. (2014 Information) and (2013 Event Coverage).

Friday, August 15, Legends of the Autobahn – Held at the Nicklaus Club-Monterey in Monterey and hosted by the BMW Car Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and the Audi Club of North America, the 5th annual all-German marque Concours d’Elegance brings together enthusiasts, owners and aficionados of distinctive German cars to view some of the finest marques in the world. (2014 Information) and (2013 Event Coverage).

Friday, August 15, Porsche Werks Reunion – A new event solely focused on the cars of Porsche will be staged at the Rancho Canada Golf Club in Monterey, California, the former home of Legends of the Autobahn. Event organizer Porsche Club of America, with participation from Porsche Cars North America, will break away from the other German marques to create a dedicated event to celebrate Porsche automobiles on the same fairways. Organizers anticipate a comprehensive display of Porsches, from rare classics to customs, race cars, current models, and everything in between. National PCA Sponsors will also be present with exhibits and displays. (2014 Information).

Saturday, August 16, Concorso Italiano – Significant moves are in store at Concorso Italiano, as the Monterey Car Week staple announced changes to its location and schedule for 2014. After five years at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, this year’s event will return to Seaside’s Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course, which served as host of Concorso Italiano from 2002-2007. The biggest news, however, is a date change from its traditional Friday billing to Saturday, August 16th. Organizers said that by moving the event to Saturday, individuals that currently attend the Quail Motorsport Gathering on Friday will now have the opportunity to visit Concorso Italiano the following day. The 29th annual Concorso will feature 100 Years of Maserati and the Cars of Zagato. (2014 Information) and (2013 Event Coverage).

Friday and Saturday, August 15-16, RM Auctions Monterey Auction – RM Auctions will again hold its Monterey auction at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Convention Center in Monterey. RM’s 29th annual auction will feature 120 cars, headlined by the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale and the ex-Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. (Event Website), (2014 Auction Preview) and (2013 Auction Report).

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 15-17, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – This year’s vintage racing event, staged at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, will celebrate Maserati’s 100th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Sunbeam Tiger. The historic races will see a field of approximately 550 cars battle on the famed 11-turn, 2.238 mile circuit. (2014 Event Information) and (2013 Event Coverage).

Saturday, August 16, Concours d’LeMons – Celebrating the “Oddball, Mundane and Truly Awful”, this off-the-wall car show is held annually at the Laguna Grande Park in Seaside. (Event Website).

Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17, Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction – Held at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center in Pebble Beach, Gooding’s 11th annual auction, again held in association with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will feature approximately 120 cars, headlined by the 1966 Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale, 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider and 1995 McLaren F1. (Event Website), (2014 Auction Preview) and (2013 Auction Report).

Saturday, August 16, The Barnyard Ferrari Event – This annual non-profit event pairs up Italian automobiles with local wines and food. Held at the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel, with support from the Ferrari Owners Club benefitting JDRF. (Event Website).

Sunday, August 17, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – The Pebble Beach Concours is the arguably the most important event in North America, and, it could easily be argued, the reason ‘Monterey Classic Car Week’ exists. This year’s Concours will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maserati and the famed Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, in addition to honoring Ruxton, Antique Steam Cars, Fernandez et Darrin Coachwork, Tatra, postwar Rolls-Royce Phantoms and Eastern European Motorcycles. (Event Website), (2014 Event Information) and (2013 Event Coverage).

[Source: Rolex Motorsports]