The Monterey Car Week, held annually in California, USA, is one of the world’s most prestigious and anticipated automotive events. Taking place every August on the scenic Monterey Peninsula, the event attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe. Over the course of several days, the festival hosts a variety of activities, including classic car shows, luxury and concept car unveilings, historic races, and high-end auctions. The week culminates on Sunday with the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, considered the crown jewel of the event.
Originally launched in 1950 as an extension of a local road race in Pebble Beach, the Monterey Car Week began as a modest show combining racing with a small elegance competition. Over the decades, it expanded into a full week of both official and unofficial events, becoming a must-attend annual destination for collectors, media, and manufacturers. Attendance has reached over 100,000 visitors in recent years, demonstrating its global prestige and draw.
Major Events During Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week is packed with events that appeal to every automotive taste:
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: Held on the final Sunday, this is the most prestigious concours event in the world. Around 200 of the rarest and most exquisitely restored classic cars are judged for elegance, originality, and history.
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: A luxury, exclusive event with limited tickets, showcasing high-performance supercars, race cars, and concept vehicles in a lavish garden setting.
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: Historic racing at Laguna Seca Raceway where vintage race cars from all decades compete in front of cheering crowds.
- Concorso Italiano: A celebration of Italian automotive design, featuring marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and more.
- Legends of the Autobahn: Focused on German classics from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi.
This diversity makes the event a true celebration for classic car collectors, racing fans, and lovers of modern automotive technology alike.
Rare, Exotic, and Concept Cars on Display
One of the key attractions of Monterey Car Week is its unrivaled variety of vehicles:
- Classic cars from the early 20th century, often fully restored to concours condition.
- Modern exotics such as Ferrari, Bugatti, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and McLaren.
- One-off concept cars unveiled by major automakers, offering a glimpse into the future of design and innovation.
The blending of vintage masterpieces and modern engineering marvels under one event creates a unique experience found nowhere else.
Participation of Major Car Manufacturers
Many of the world’s leading car manufacturers treat Monterey Car Week as a prime marketing opportunity. Automakers like Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, and others unveil new models, special editions, or futuristic concept cars during the week.
Some highlights include:
- Debuts of limited-edition hypercars.
- Electric concept vehicle showcases.
- Exclusive preview events for VIP clients.
These presentations not only create buzz but also strengthen brand prestige and direct engagement with top-tier buyers and collectors.
Pebble Beach Auctions – The Crown Jewel of Car Sales
A central part of the week is the auction scene, where companies like Gooding & Company, RM Sotheby’s, and Bonhams conduct some of the year’s most valuable car sales.
The Pebble Beach Auction by Gooding & Co, held at the Pebble Beach Resort, is especially renowned for:
- Record-breaking sales (e.g., a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO once sold for over $38 million).
- Featuring ultra-rare vintage vehicles with rich provenance.
- Drawing elite collectors and international bidders.
In total, these auctions generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually, cementing Monterey’s role as a market barometer for classic and collector cars.
Impact on the Collector Car Market
Monterey Car Week has become a vital indicator of the global collector car market. The success (or slowdown) of auction sales during the week often sets the tone for upcoming auctions around the world.
In recent years:
- 2022 saw over $470 million in total sales.
- 2023 saw a dip to around $403 million, reflecting a slight market correction.
- 2024 projections estimated over $450 million in total sales, with growing interest in investment-grade classics.
As collector cars gain traction as alternative assets, Monterey plays a critical role in establishing vehicle values and investor confidence.
Visitor Demographics and Celebrities in Attendance
Monterey Car Week attracts a mix of:
- Car collectors from around the globe.
- Celebrities, racing legends, and industry insiders.
- Automotive journalists and influencers, covering debuts and auctions.
Over 100,000 visitors attend each year, with around 20,000 attending the Pebble Beach Concours alone. The event serves as a key networking space for the high-end automotive community, where collectors, dealers, and manufacturers connect.
Dates for 2024 and 2025
The event typically runs during the second and third week of August:
- 2024: August 9–18, with Pebble Beach Concours held on Sunday, August 18.
- 2025: August 8–17, with the final event on Sunday, August 17.
Exact schedules may vary yearly, so it’s recommended to check official sites for ticketing, show dates, and updates.
Conclusion
Monterey Car Week is more than just a series of car shows—it’s a celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, performance, and innovation. It offers an unmatched mix of experiences: from witnessing the world’s most valuable classic cars, to test-driving the latest hypercars, to attending exclusive auctions with multimillion-dollar stakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a car enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates beauty on wheels, Monterey Car Week is a must-attend spectacle that embodies the soul of the automotive world.
