Every year, car collectors and enthusiasts have the opportunity to experience one of the most important events in the hobby: Monterey Car Week. While football has the Superbowl, baseball has the World Series, and soccer has the World Cup, car collectors have Monterey Car Week.
This monumental week is capped off with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a highly esteemed car show that just celebrated its 72nd year. The Monterey Car Week is much more than just a series of shows — it is the pinnacle event for car collectors from around the globe, and it’s an opportunity for enthusiasts to view and purchase some of the greatest cars in the world.
In this Month in Motoring, we discuss some of the most important highlights from the event, including the Laguna Seca, historic auctions, the Tour d’Elegance, the Pebble Beach Concours, and more.
Laguna Seca Has It All
The historic racing at Laguna Seca bookends Monterey Car Week, providing spectators with a breathtaking spectacle of classic vehicles and contemporary beauties. It is the one place where you can see everything from early 20th-century vehicles to modern racing cars. You get to watch these cars go wheel to wheel around one of the most iconic tracks in the world.
What’s especially thrilling about the Laguna Seca is having the opportunity to see so many different kinds of historic and powerhouse vehicles perform as they should. There is nothing like watching 1960s Formula 1 cars scream by at full cry. Then, close your eyes and listen as you’re taken back to the golden age of racing when the drivers were the most important part of the car.
The event is truly something you don’t want to miss, and it’s also one of the easiest events to attend at Monterey Car Week. Heavy traffic and crowds dominate the week, but it’s relatively painless to see these must-watch races.
Placing Bids at the Iconic Car Auctions
Next on our list of great events at the Monterey Car Week is auctions. Mecum, Bonhams, RM, Broad Arrow, and Gooding all showcase some of the finest cars in the world during Monterey Car Week. Plus, the sales at these auctions indicate what classics will be hot sellers this upcoming year.
Unfortunately, the 2023 editions may be the canary in the coal mine for a softening market, and it may reveal a changing of the guard when it comes to premier collectors. The auction sales mostly consisted of aging collectors as well as estates selling off their cars, many of which were antiques and classics.
While younger car enthusiasts still appreciate distinct and historic classic vehicles, there is a sense that these collectors find aging vehicles more trouble than they’re worth. It’s undeniable that classic cars are often difficult to maintain and use, so younger collectors are trending toward newer exotic cars. It’s easy for collectors to use these cars and have them serviced at local dealerships. You’ll likely have no problem getting your Ferrari serviced, but try that with a Duesenberg. Collectors should be on the watch for these continuing trends in the next few years, as it may impact the value of their classics.
These auctions were certainly revealing, and they were also an excellent opportunity to view breathtaking rarities up close. The 2023 Monterey Car Week auctions featured over 1,000 stunning vehicles.
Take In the Tour d’Elegance and Other Great Events
Aside from the exceptional racing and auctions, those who attended Monterey Car Week could also attend the Tour d’Elegance. The Tour d’Elegance is always held on the Thursday before the Concours, and it provides attendees with a chance to see most of the cars that will be on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach on Sunday.
The event starts at the Polo grounds, and the cars spend the day driving the Peninsula. Next, the cars line up along Ocean Avenue in Carmel, where event spectators can grab lunch. The day is completely free for all attendees, and the event’s casual attire makes it a comfortable way to get a sneak peek of the upcoming show on Sunday.
Those who are not yet exhausted from the week’s events can also attend other phenomenal happenings. If you’re a fan of Italian cars, make sure to visit the Concourso Italiano. Are you a Porsche enthusiast? Head over to the Werks Reunion. You can also try to attend the most exclusive event of the week: the Quail. Limited tickets make this one difficult to attend, but it’s well worth the effort.
The Pebble Beach Concours
Finally, we have the greatest car event in the world: the Pebble Beach Concours. This event began in 1950 and continues to be the pinnacle event of the collector car world. Get there early (preferably 6:00 a.m.) and join fellow enthusiasts to watch remarkable cars drive on the famed Pebble Beach golf course.
Once you get there, take as many pictures as you can because as the day progresses, the field fills up with spectators and it’s nearly impossible to take photos without people in the way.
As you walk the grounds, you’ll likely hear languages from all over the world, reflecting the international appreciation for the event. When you read about the different cars, you’ll notice the countries where the owners are from. It is not unusual to have 20 or more countries represented at Pebble Beach, making this a World Championship event.
And then, just when you think the powerhouse event is over, the awards ceremony begins. The top three drivers and vehicles from each class drive across the stage for their awards. Next, event organizers announce the best of all those class winners, and they award the Best of Show in a shower of confetti.
The Pebble Beach Concours is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it allows you to be a part of motor history in the making. Your memories of Pebble Beach and the Monterey Car Week will last forever, and the stories you’ll tell at your local Cars and Coffee will be worth every penny you spent.
Get Classic Car Insurance for Your Stunning Ride
If you had the good fortune of investing in a new-to-you classic ride during Monterey Car Week or at another auction, you need to protect it with the best classic auto insurance available.
You can keep your beauty running for years to come with Classic Auto Insurance. We offer flexible plans tailored to your vehicle’s needs along with great benefits, such as inflation guard and nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing.
Ready to learn more? Call our classic car insurance experts today at 888-901-1338, or you can get an instant quote online here.
