Pebble Beach will host the inaugural Japanese Automotive Invitational during this year’s Monterey Automotive Week, on Aug. 25 and 26. This brand-new event aims to bring even more diversity to the premier celebration of classic, vintage automobiles and demonstrate the prowess Japan brings to the industry.
The two-day Japanese Automotive Invitational will display Japanese automobiles in a festive and relaxed atmosphere 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. Unique among a week of vintage automotive events, the Japanese Automotive Invitational will distinguish itself as the premier experience dedicated to Japanese automotive achievements, culture, personalities and the future of Japanese-inspired innovation and design.
Located adjacent to the INFINITI Pavilion on Concours Plaza, the Japanese Automotive Invitational is open to spectators with no additional tickets required (NOTE: on Sunday a Concours ticket is required to enter the forest). Japanese cars will be on display Saturday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday will feature special guest appearances including Motor Trend’s Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh and the host of Velocity’s JDM LEGENDS Eric Bizek plus live entertainment from a local DJ and the presentation of the inaugural “Honorary Medallion” to a select car owner.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view classic examples of Japanese automotive design, such as INFINITI’s original flagship, the Q45t, Prototype 9, which made its Pebble Beach debut last year, and Q Inspiration, the latest concept car from INFINITI. In addition, Toyota 2000 GT James Bond Version, Datsun 240Z Safari Tribute, Dan Gurney’s Eagle MkIII IMSA GTP Championship Car, and many more vehicles will be on display.
The show quality vehicles from different Japanese automotive makes will be on loan from private collectors, automotive museums and manufacturer collections and comprise of beautifully restored examples that illustrate key moments of Japanese influence in the automotive industry.
“I continue to be amazed by how the automobile has evolved over many decades and in many nations,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Japan’s size and culture, the refined yet organic creativity of its designers, and its cutting-edge technology have played a major role in shaping the car in recent decades, and I’m proud that many of the Japanese cars that have contributed to our automotive history will be showcased here during Pebble Beach Automotive Week. A special thanks to some of our other partners who help curate the show field including the Petersen Automotive Museum, California Automobile Museum, Eric Bizek, Mike Malamut, Mark Brinker, Myron Vernis, Adam Carolla, Vintage Motor Management, Import A Vehicle and Richard Plavetich.tpyota
For additional information on the inaugural Japanese Automotive Invitational presented by INFINITI, visit www.JAIPebbleBeach.com
