Monterey Car Week 2024
The annual celebration of automotive excellence known as Monterey Car Week is upon us!
For the uninitiated, “Monterey Car Week” is the grand finale of events for the unofficial close out of “car show season” in North America. It is here that manufactures are known to show brand new cars, special editions and beautiful one-offs that naturally fit right in with the Monterey crowd.
Motorlux
On Wednesday, kicking off the festivities is MotorLux (formerly McCalls Motorworks Revival) – now a Hagerty Company event. Features vintage race cars, aircraft and high-brow culinary fare. Tickets will run you $600-$700 per attendee. It will also host the Broad Arrow Group Auction (another Hagerty Company) the next day.
This is the first of many auctions of Monterey where millions will change hands for some incredible automobiles.
But if you are a fan of the vintage motorsports on display, and want to see them on track, the next event might be more your speed.
Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Also starting on Wednesday (Aug. 14-17) is the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at the WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway. Twenty twenty four will celebrate the track’s 50th anniversary. And as such will celebrate 50 years of historic racing. Classes include Formula One from 1966-1985, IMSA & Trans Am racing from 1981-1991, small and large displacement cars from 1947-1967 and various other cars and classes. But tickets range from $190-220 for a four day pass to the track. And it’s a rare occasion where you can see race cars up close doing exactly what they were meant to do. Bring a camera, ear plugs and some sunscreen because it’s as close to behind the wheel most of us will get to priceless race cars racing. You won’t regret attending.
After a day at the track in the sun, you might just want to take a look at Thursday nights auction to help you spend your walking money.
RM Sotheby’s Auction
Kicking off the big auctions on Thursday August 15 is RM Sotheby’s at the Monterey Conference Center downtown. Expect records to be broken because RM is bringing some heavy-hitters to roll across the block. One such example is the first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. Preview to see the cars will cost you $40, and $300 if you want to register as a bidder. Otherwise, check out the free live broadcast (and recaps) on RM Sotheby’s YouTube channel.
The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering & Auction
Friday has “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering”. Which since its inception has become one of “the” events of the weekend. You’ll find more priceless automotive pieces in the Quail’s parking lot than most shows from around the world. Seriously, go walk through. You won’t regret it.
If you weren’t part of the lucky lottery winners to buy tickets cheap, you’ll pay out big bills for the last minute privilege. Expect to pay $1,295 per person (if you’re lucky). But if fancy food, atmosphere and the “crème’ de la crème’” of automobiles fits your style, you won’t regret attending.
The Quail is also where Bonham’s, hosts one of the most prestigious and revered auctions of Monterey Car week.
When the sun starts to set, Friday nights in downtown Monterey are unmatched when it comes to car spotting and street-parked multi-million dollar rides.
Gooding & Company Auction
There are also multiple auctions running Friday. One being Gooding & Co., always a popular event, has it’s catalogue stocked with vintage and modern sportscars. From Ferrari to Jaguar, to Porsche to Chevrolet and Chaparrel. There is something for everyone taste wise, but can your budget snag you one?
Still looking for something more casual that still hits hard in the inventory department?
Concorso Italiano
Concorso Italiano is a “budget friendly” event on the peninsula this week. At $300 a person for entry, you’ll have endless amounts of Italian cars represented on the show field and plenty of other oddities that just “show up”.
But if you want a more light-hearted atmosphere and casual approach, you won’t be hard pressed to find owners drinking wine behind their cars in the morning. But if you pull up a chair they are going to share some unbelievable stories.
Make sure to visit the vendors because here you’ll find collectibles and memorabilia that you can’t find anywhere else.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
And the “pièce de résistance” of the weekend on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach golf course, The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Imagine if the Kentucky Derby had a car show and you’re on the right path.
Pebble Beach celebrates craftsmanship and quality of a bygone era. There is great online coverage of the show through the event’s YouTube channel. You wont regret turning in and learning a few things a long the way.
David pursues his passion of automotive journalism with Car Revs Daily in his free time. His previous work includes automotive marketing, journalism and aftermarket performance. He is a staunch advocate for the marvel that is the internal combustion engine.