Monterey Car Week, the crown jewel of automotive events on the California coast, is currently underway for its 74th edition, running from August 9 to August 18, 2024. This annual extravaganza transforms the picturesque Monterey Peninsula into a haven for car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals from around the world. For over seven decades, Monterey Car Week has been the premier gathering for automotive aficionados, offering a unique blend of history, innovation and sheer automotive passion. The event has grown from its humble beginnings to become a globally recognized celebration that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The 2024 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a carefully curated selection of events that cater to every aspect of car culture. Whether you're a dedicated collector, a racing enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the artistry and engineering of fine automobiles, Monterey Car Week offers something to ignite your passion. The event not only celebrates the rich history of automotive design, but also provides a glimpse into the future of transportation, with cutting-edge concepts and new model debuts from leading manufacturers. From the roar of vintage engines echoing through the coastal hills to the gleaming paintwork of meticulously restored classics on manicured lawns, Car Week offers an unparalleled immersion into the world of fine automobiles.
Monterey Car Week 2024 unfolds over ten exhilarating days, each packed with events showcasing different facets of automotive culture. The festivities started off on Friday, August 9, with the Monterey Car Week Kickoff, followed by the Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb. As the week progresses, the calendar fills with diverse events including classic car auctions, exclusive gatherings, and concours events. Mid-week sees an increase in activities such as the Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue and the Pebble Beach RetroAuto, offering a marketplace for rare automobilia.
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The latter part of the week intensifies with marquee events like the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The grand finale arrives on Sunday, August 18, with the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Throughout the 10 days, attendees can also enjoy a multitude of smaller shows, gatherings, and exhibitions spread across the Monterey Peninsula, ensuring there's always something happening to captivate car lovers of all tastes and interests. From intimate marque-specific meetups to large public displays, Monterey Car Week offers a comprehensive celebration of automotive culture.
The Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, presented by Rolex and scheduled for Thursday, August 15, 2024, offers a unique opportunity to witness Concours-quality automobiles in motion. Over 150 entrants, representing some of the finest and rarest automobiles in the world, embark on a carefully planned route that showcases both the cars and the stunning beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. The procession traces the famous 17-Mile Drive and Highway One, allowing drivers to demonstrate the capabilities of their vehicles against the backdrop of the Pacific coastline.
The Tour serves multiple purposes within Monterey Car Week. For participants, it's an opportunity to demonstrate their vehicles' roadworthiness—an important factor in Concours judging. For spectators, it offers a free chance to see rare and valuable cars in action. The Tour makes a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the cars park along Ocean Avenue, allowing the public an up-close view of these extraordinary vehicles. This event embodies the spirit of Monterey Car Week, celebrating automotive excellence that goes beyond mere appearance to honor the engineering, performance, and sheer joy of driving that these classic cars represent.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2024, is one of the most exclusive events of Monterey Car Week. Held on the grounds of Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, it blends classic and contemporary automobiles with luxury, fashion, and gourmet cuisine. The event features carefully curated themes and special classes highlighting significant milestones in automotive history. For 2024, attendees can look forward to celebrations including "100 Years of MG," "50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930," and "30th Anniversary of Koenigsegg Automotive." A highlight of this year's gathering will be the delivery of Czinger Vehicles' Customer Car #1, a 21C Blackbird Edition, marking a pivotal moment for the automotive industry as this groundbreaking hypercar hits the streets.
What sets The Quail apart is its focus on creating a holistic luxury experience. Kai Lermen, the event's managing director, explains, "The garden party atmosphere is unlike anything else during Monterey Car Week, but more importantly, our event puts hospitality first. You can enjoy cuisine from around the world or have a glass of champagne, all while overlooking a curated group of some of the best classic cars in the world and get a glimpse into the future of all-things automotive, all in one place." Gourmet food and fine wines are integral to the gathering, with themed culinary pavilions offering dishes from around the world.
The event also features luxury lifestyle displays, including fine timepieces and bespoke fashion. This combination of cars, cuisine, and luxury creates an atmosphere more akin to an upscale garden party than a traditional car show. The Quail limits attendance to maintain an intimate atmosphere, allowing attendees to get up close to some of the world's rarest automobiles without the crowds typically associated with major car shows. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the Czinger 21C, a marvel of engineering that recently broke the Goodwood Hillclimb record, showcasing the future of automotive design and manufacturing.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, scheduled from August 14 to 17, 2024, celebrates its 50th anniversary of historic racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Over 400 genuine historic race cars, spanning nearly every era of motor racing, compete in a series of races over the four-day event. The 2024 edition will pay special tribute to the event's half-century legacy, featuring special races and exhibitions that highlight the evolution of motorsport over the past five decades. Laguna Seca's challenging circuit, including the infamous "Corkscrew," provides a thrilling backdrop for these vintage machines.
The event's prestigious title sponsor, Rolex, brings its own rich history in motorsports to the Reunion. Rolex's close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell's World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex's presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. This longstanding commitment to motorsport excellence aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This year, the Reunion celebrates 50 years of historic racing.
Beyond the on-track action, the Motorsports Reunion offers an immersive experience for attendees. The paddock areas are open to spectators, allowing up-close views of these rare machines as teams prepare them for competition. The event also features a marketplace area, educational forums, and panel discussions with racing legends. Adding to the festive atmosphere, local wines, craft beers, and regional cuisine are available, creating a uniquely Californian take on historic motorsport. What sets this event apart is its emphasis on authenticity and competition, capturing the true spirit of motorsport while honoring the past.
The Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 2024, is the grand finale of Monterey Car Week and the world's most prestigious celebration of the automobile. Held on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, it showcases approximately 200 of the most prized collector cars and motorcycles from every era of automotive history. The event is renowned for its rigorous selection process and judging criteria, with participation by invitation only and each car evaluated for historical accuracy, technical merit, and style. Special classes each year highlight particular marques, coachbuilders, or eras of automotive design, providing context and narrative to the event.
This year's event is particularly momentous as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concept Lawn. For three and a half decades, this hallowed ground has been the stage where automotive dreams materialize, showcasing cutting-edge designs and revolutionary prototypes that push the boundaries of automotive innovation.
Adding to the event’s allure, a specialized collection of 10 Defender and Range Rover models used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be showcased in a once-in-a-lifetime display. This royal exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the automotive preferences of the late monarch, accompanied by exclusive hospitality and a media roundtable for an in-depth exploration of these historic vehicles.
The day begins with the traditional "Dawn Patrol," as enthusiasts gather to watch the cars drive onto the show field. Throughout the day, attendees can explore displays ranging from early horseless carriages to modern supercars. The Concours also serves as a platform for manufacturers to unveil concept cars and new production models. The climax is the awards ceremony, with the "Best of Show" award considered the ultimate accolade in the collector car world. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance offers a comprehensive journey through automotive history, set against the stunning backdrop of Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Automotive Auctions
Another highlight of Monterey Car Week is the prestigious Gooding & Company Auctions, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Scheduled for Friday, August 16 at 4:00 PM PDT and Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 AM PDT, this auction is a must-attend event for serious collectors and enthusiasts. Held at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours, Gooding & Company will showcase some of the world’s most valuable and rare automobiles. This year, the Friday auction starts an hour earlier than usual, giving attendees more time to bid on exceptional vehicles. The auction not only offers a chance to acquire automotive treasures but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the current state of the collector car market.
Monterey Car Week 2024 promises an unparalleled celebration of automotive culture, offering something for every car enthusiast over ten days. The Monterey Peninsula becomes the global epicenter of the automotive world, hosting diverse events that showcase the full spectrum of motoring passion. From historic racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion to the elegance of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the week explores all facets of automotive excellence. Auctions, smaller shows, and gatherings cater to specific interests, while the region's natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for this extravaganza.
What truly sets Monterey Car Week apart is its ability to unite people from all corners of the automotive world, fostering a sense of community that transcends language and cultural barriers. As the automotive industry faces significant changes, the event also serves as a forum for discussing and showcasing the future of transportation. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime attendee, Monterey Car Week 2024 offers an opportunity to witness automotive history, celebrate engineering excellence, and be part of a global community of car enthusiasts. Mark your calendars and prepare for an extraordinary celebration of all things automotive in one of the world's most beautiful settings.
