August means automobiles on the Monterey Peninsula, and the 2015 schedule of exhibits, races, rallies and auctions promises plenty of excitement. Navigate it all with this guide to the year’s major car events.
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3-12
Pebble Beach Motoring Classic www.pebblebeachconcours.net or 831/622-1700 Starting near Seattle and traveling 1,500 miles down the coast, this exclusive road trip features 30 pre-1968 vehicles journeying to Pebble Beach. Select cars will also participate in this year’s Concours d’Elegance and related events.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Monterey Classic Car Week Kick-Off www.mazdaraceway.com or 831/242-8201 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca organizes this free downtown Monterey event, bringing 30 historic racing cars to Alvarado Street for a two-hour presentation. In addition to cool wheels and a driver meet-and-greet, the gathering includes live music and raffle prizes.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue www.carmelconcours.com or 404/237-2633 Ten days of car-themed window displays lead up to Carmel’s signature auto event on Ocean Avenue. The complimentary, family-friendly gathering highlights 200 noteworthy multi-marque releases from 1940 to 1973, plus Porsche and Ferrari vehicles through 1989, and ends with awards in several classes. Concours on the Avenue benefits Carmel Foundation programming.
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 AND 12
Automobilia Monterey www.automobiliamonterey.com or 831/659-1551 The 13th year of this dynamic expo brings books, models, art and other auto memorabilia to the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in Seaside. Collectors can meet with more than 45 dealers and participate in a silent auction that raises funds for the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
The Little Car Show www.marinamotorsports.org New to this year’s meeting of micro vehicles is an “Orphan Cars of the Fifties” display highlighting the brands of yesteryear, plus a special class of Japanese marques. After a downtown Pacific Grove exhibition, par ticipants parade along the coast to Asilomar. Proceeds benefit the Pacific Grove Public Library, Pacific Grove Youth Center and Veterans Transition Center.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Carmel Mission Classic www.carmelmissionclassic.org Rita Hayworth’s custom Cadillac and a rare 1937 Cord 812 Cabriolet headline this year’s gathering in the Carmel Mission courtyard, which includes cars on display, complimentary wine, and access to the adjacent museum.There’s also a 1pm car blessing and a 3pm trophy presentation. Proceeds benefit the Carmel Mission Foundation, Catholic Charities and other nonprofits.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival www.mccallevents.com From private jets and vintage cycles to prototype cars and luxury brands, this exclusive gathering at the Monterey Jet Center promises a truly top-shelf experience. The 2015 presentation boasts more than a dozen culinary and beverage stations, plus a red carpet reception for VIP ticketholders. The event benefits the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance www.pebblebeachconcours.net or 831/622-1700 Preview select Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance entries as they trav- el along the scenic Monterey Bay coastline. After departing from Collins Field in the Del Monte Forest, the parade of cars crosses parts of 17-Mile Drive and Highway One before stopping on Ocean Avenue at noon. Participants then circle back to Pebble Beach for a champagne reception.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15
Pebble Beach RetroAuto www.pebblebeachconcours.net or 831/622-1700 A carefully curated selection of historic memorabilia, literature and other collectables will draw auto enthusiasts to The Inn at Spanish Bay for the 11th year of this high-end showcase. Doors are open from 10am to 5:30pm on each of the event’s three days.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15
Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum www.pebblebeachconcours.net or 831/622-1700 Back for a second year, this series presented by Credit Suisse invites leading automotive personalities to discuss current issues in collecting, car design, restoration and more. This year’s speakers include Graham Moss, Miles C. Collier and Richard Harman.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 13-16
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion www.mazdaraceway.com or 831/242-8200 Spend four days celebrating the Shelby GT350 Mustang at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where a special Ford paddock display chronicles the evolution of this icon. Another 550 historic cars in 15 race classes will tackle the track’s famed Corkscrew curve, while off-track spectator activities include autograph sessions, vendor exhibits and driver meet- and-greets.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally www.pgautorally.org or 831/372-6585 Over the past two decades, this annual auto rally has raised more than $225,000 for area youth programs.This year’s gathering stages more than 200 vehicles on Lighthouse Avenue from 1 to 4:45pm, followed by a coastal drive to Pebble Beach and back. A barbeque dinner and awards round out the schedule.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Legends of the Autobahn www.legendsoftheautobahn.org The BMW Car Club of America, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and Audi Club of North America join forces to celebrate German auto engineering at the Nicklaus Club-Monterey. Expect several classes of cars on display, along with presentations, exhibits, lunch and a 1:30pm awards ceremony.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering www.signatureevents.peninsula.com Featured classes for this year’s garden party at Quail Lodge include the Long Tail cars of Le Mans, pre-1965 Porsches and coachbuilt Ferraris. Hear racing legends share stories during the Fireside Chat series, view vintage sports and racing cycles, and sample five-star food and wine as part of the all-inclusive entrance. The Bonhams Motorcar Auction again takes place adjacent to the event grounds, as well.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
The Barnyard Ferrari Event www.thebarnyard.com or 831/624-8886 Ferraris shine during this annual favorite at The Barnyard Shopping Village. Along with an impressive lineup of vehicles, there’s live music, local wine and small bites from The Barnyard’s cafes. Event proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Concours d’Lemons www.concoursdlemons.com This playful gathering of eccentric vehicles convenes at Laguna Grande Park. Guest judges preside over several quirky classes, with special awards given to worst in show, most dangerous and biggest loser.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Concorso Italiano www.concorso.com Experience Italian culture at Black Horse Golf Course during this one- day event highlighting nearly 1,000 vehicles, along with art, fashion, food and music.The 2015 affair celebrates 25 years of the Lamborghini Diablo and includes a new Global Exotics exhibit with racing, sporting, GT and hyper cars from around the world.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance www.pebblebeachconcours.net or 831/622-1700 Capping off 10 days of local car events, the 65th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance celebrates 50 years of the Shelby GT350 Mustang plus Ferrari, duPont, Pope and more. The show field opens to spectators at 10:30am, and an awards ceremony begins at 1:30pm. Since it was founded, this gathering has raised more than $19 million for charitable organizations. Experienced fine artists also share their work at the Automotive Fine Arts Society Exhibition that takes place adjacent to the show field. And, this year’s Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auctions feature rare and significant vehicles, including a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and others from the Peter Klutt Collection. Sales take place August 15 and 16, with pre- views beginning on August 12. On the Auction Block In addition, collectors can choose from several car and motorcycle auctions scheduled in advance of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, including: THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15 Mecum Auctions at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa www.mecum.com THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15 Russo and Steele Sports and Muscle Car Auction on the Monterey waterfront www.russoandsteele.com THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15 Rick Cole Auctions at the Monterey Marriott www.rickcole.com THURSDAY-SATURDAY, AUGUST 13-15 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction at the Portola Hotel & Spa www.rmauctions.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Bonhams Auction at Quail Lodge www.bonhams.com/quail