2016 Monterey Car Week Preview

AFAS member, Barry Rowe, created the poster for the 2016 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex. The Tour poster features the BMW 507 once owned by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Image Credit: 66th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

2016 Monterey Car Week Preview
By Brandon O'Brien
Images by Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified

If you are a car person, the place to be the second week in August is in Monterey California.

From old to new, production to concept, owned and for sale, street or racing, US legal or not, thousands of cars are to be seen and heard around the Monterey Peninsula. With over 50 separate events occurring from August 13th to the 21st there is too much to take in, in the time allotted.

This is one "event" where you have to pick and choose what to see and miss. You will go home missing something you would have liked to see.

2015 Honored Marque at the Rolex Monterey Historic Motorsports Reunion - 1965-66 Shelby G.T. 350.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion:  Taking place over two weekends at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway this event encompasses racing cars of all types from the early 1900's up to the late 1980's.  If you like to see cars in action on the track, this is the place for you. Each year the track honors a manufacturer. In 2014 it was Maserati, 2015 Shelby GT 350's, and in 2016 it will be BMW.

The Quail Motorsports Gathering.  Image Credit: 2015 Rolex / Tom O'Neal www.timezone.com

The Qual, A Motorsports Gathering:  Taking place on Friday this event provides an exclusive experience for motor sports enthusiasts to enjoy rare collections of fine automobiles and motorcycles in a garden-party environment. Each year they have featured themes which brings a variety of cars together that allow enthusiasts to view all makes. Admission is $75.00 which includes parking and lunch.

2015 Legends of the Autobahn.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K seen at the Legends of the Autobahn.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Legends of the Autobahn:  Started over 7-years ago this event also takes place on Friday and originally was a Concours for all makes produced in Germany.  Today the primary manufacturers in attendance are Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.  You may see the occasional NSU but if you are looking for Porsche you will need to go to the Werks Reunion. Admission is Free but parking is $20.00.

2015 Werks Reunion.  Image Credit: 2015 SportsCarDigest.com

Werks Reunion: This event is dedicated to Dr. Porsche and his fine machines and is put on by the PCA and is also on Friday.  Once part of the Legends of the Autobahn two years ago they broke off and started their own event. This is the premier Porsche event. Attendees will see a great display of hundreds of classic and new Porsches.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Concorso Italiano: This event is dedicated to exotic and classic Italian automobiles. Breaking the Friday tradition, this event occurs on the second Saturday. Again, hundreds of classic and new Italian automobiles are gathered together.  Think again if you think this only comprises Ferrari and Lamborghini.  You will also be able to see rare Bizzarini, deTomaso, Fiat, Maserati and other less known Italian automobiles.

Peugeot Wagon at the Concours d'Lemons.  Image Credit:  2014 Roman Mica / TFLCar thefastlanecar.com

Concours d'Lemons: This is the event that goes contrary to everything else during Monterey Car Week and honors odd classics.  This is where you can see Gremlins, Pacers, and Pinto's, rust buckets, and other finely maintained cars that are not allowed into any of the other events. Being on Saturday it is possible to see both the worst and finest workmanship in automobiles on the same day.

1911 Pope-Hartford Model W Portola Roadster as seen at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2015 BMW CSL Hommage R on display at the putting green during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Image Credit 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

66th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance:  This event needs no introduction. If you can afford the price of admission you will be honored with the sight and sometimes sound of the most beautiful classic cars in Monterey. The Tour d'Elegance is free and occurs on Thursday with the Concours on Sunday. Photographers need to arrive close to opening so they can to get better shots as it gets very crowded quickly.

Steve McQueens Porsche 930 which was auctioned during week.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Gooding, Mecum, JR, Rick Cole, and RM Auctions:  Whether you are looking to buy or just looking there are a number of auctions taking place during the week, primarily in the evenings, where you can see all types of vehicles and sometimes vessels on the auction block.

This is just a listing of the primary events.  Again, there is too much to see in the time you will have so pick and choose what you like and can afford and then do it.  No mater what you choose, you will have fun and be able to see some interesting machinery.

By the way, bring plenty of sun screen. The famous Monterey fog usually burns off by 11am and it can be hot.




TAGS: Monterey, Monterey Car Week, Gooding Auctions, Mecum Auctions, JR Auctions, Rick Cole Auctions, RM Auctions, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Concours d'Lemons, Legends of the Autobahn, Rolex Monterey Historic Motorsports Reunion, Werks Reunion, The Quail A motorsports Gathering, The Quail, Motor Driven Images, Brandon O'Brien, PRTT, Performance Racing Tech Talk

2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The Dawn Patrol awaiting the entry of the featured automobiles.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Images By: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise stated

Since 1950,  the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has hosted the finest exhibition of classic automobiles in the world.  Held during Monterey’s Car Week every August on the famous 18^th Fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links it draws crowds of spectators, journalists and celebraties from all over the world.

Jay Leno discussing the finer points of the Porsche Spyder.  Image Credit :  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This was the second year that we covered the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  Last year I felt like I was being tossed into the deep end of the pool after only a few lessons. I had no idea how overwhelming this event can be.  This year knowing what to expect my confidence level was good. Again, we arrived prior to dawn and joined the Hagerty Insurance team for their "Dawn Patrol. The warm coffee and donuts were greatly appreciated and the wait in line allowed us to make new friends.

I determined from last year that to get good pictures of the cars as they drove onto the green was nearly impossible due to the lack of light and my panning skills.  I elected to skip this and work my way to the further edges of the Concours area. 

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing waiting for entry to the 18th Fairway at Pebble Beach.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Once the cars are in place you notice that the field is bustling. The owners and their team of assistants swarm over them with rags, polish, mirrors (to view the undercarriage), paint and model brushes in order to clean up the grass on the tires and undercarriage, hand prints, smudges, and any almost invisible chips in the paint.  Judging includes all of these areas plus much more. This is a time where you can get close to the cars photographing all the details, and when not busy, speak with the owners.

Last minute detailing this 1934 Duisenberg J Durham Tourster.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Making a final inspection of this 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Grand Sport Touring  "Flying Star" Spider.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Not all the automobiles are presented in pristine condition.  Unlike the majority of restored classics on display there is a class for unrestored vehicles called "Preservation Class"  and these can be quite interesting as they show the patina of their age.  Many judges and collectors agree that now is the time for this new class.  It might be a disservice to do a 100-point restoration to a beautifully preserved original automobile.

Preservation Class 1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Frua Coupe.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Preservation Class 1934 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Maythorn Saloon.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Preservation Class 1921 Stutz K Bearcat.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The unrestored motor compartment in the 1921 Stutz K Bearcat.  Image Credit  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

As the early morning light gives way to another spectacular day the crowds grow and all the  onlookers stroll around the beautiful automobiles.  Excluding a few areas where the bollards prevent the guests from getting too close, the majority of the automobiles are easily accessible. Stroll with us as we present some of our favorites in no particular order.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Competizione, chassis 1813GT.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1964 Ferrari 250 LM Scaglietti Berlinetta, chassis 6119.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1953 Ferrari 340 MM Vignale Spyder, chassis 0350AM.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pinin Farina Coupe Aerodinamico Prototipo, chassis 2207SA.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California, chassis 0919GT.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Coupe, chassis 915014.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1930 duPont Model G Merrimac Speedster, chassis G967. Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 duPont Model G Merrimac Phaeton, chassis 80.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 duPont Model G Waterhouse Roadster.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B MM Touring-style Spider Corsa, chassis 815001.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Spider. Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Bobby Rahal's 1965 Shelby G.T. 350, chassis SFM 5S558.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1952 Cunningham C-3 Competition Coupe Prototype, chassis 5206X.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1952 Cunningham C-3 Vignale Coupe.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, chassis CSX 2602.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Tourer.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Sindelingen Roadster.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1955 Dutch Grand Prix winning (Fangio) Mercedes-Benz W196R, chassis 00013.  Image Credit:2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1955 MM winning (Moss) Mercedes-Benz W196S  300 SLR, chassis 00004  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1970 Mercedes-Benz C-111 2nd Generation Concept.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith H.J. Mulliner Drophead Coupe, chassis  WGG48.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The picnic basket and place settings located in the boot of the 1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith H.J. milliner Drophead Coupe.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1932 Austro Daimler ADR8 Keibel Karosseriewerke Limousine.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooran Cabriolet, chassis 57808.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Vanvooran Cabriolet, chassis 57808.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1931 Invicta S Carbodies Tourer.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1931 Invicta S Carbodies Coupe.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1935 Lancia Augusta Farina Coupe.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1956 Continental Mark II Coupe.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hidden gas cap on the 1956 Continental Mark II Coupe.  Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1928 Packard 443 Eight Dietrich Coupe. Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 Packard 645 Deluxe Eight Rollston Roadster. Image Credit: 2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1929 Packard 626 Speedster Eight Roadster.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1936 Cadillac Model 90 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan. Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hood Ornament on the1936 Cadillac Model 90 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan. Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1938 Graham Model 97 Saoutchiok Convertible.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon o'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1926 Renault 4 MC Manessius Cabriolet deVille.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1903 Thomas Model 18 Sheldon Rear Entrance Tonneau.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1904 Pope-Toledo Type IV Rear Entrance Tonneau.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C-Six Five Passenger Touring Car with owner in period costume.  Image Credit:  2015 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This event is always a pleaser and as you can see there is generally a make, model, or time period that makes attending worthwhile.  Although it is too early to guess at what marques will be present next year, BMW will be celebrating it's 100th Anniversary so it is a good bet that some unique BMW's will be on the green.

If you have never been to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance now is the time to book your accommodations and make plans to attend the 66th event which will be held on Sunday August 21, 2016.

TAGS: Motor Driven Images, Brandon O'Brien, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Monterey Car Week, Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance