NO!!! I’M Spartacus! – We all remember the famous scene from the movie Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas. Five days into being at the Monterey-area and there are shows and events promoting “We’re kicking off Car Week” – so when is the official start of Car Week? Some will argue that it’s really the Wednesday before Pebble when the auctions begin to open to bidders. Others will say it’s when the flag drops a Laguna Seca for the Historics. And the growing consensus is that the first show of the 12 days of Car Week is The Pasadera Concours d’Elegance beginning nearly one full week before the auctions start.
All of this is in part the is a result of the growing popularity of Car Week(s) in Monterey. Each year Classic Motorsports Magazine kicks off the Monterey festivities with their own welcome party, filling neighboring downtown Pacific Grove. Awesome cars, great people, perfect weather, and kind of magic that only happens during Monterey Car Week — what more could you ask for?
Some of our favorites
Don keeps asking us “…if you could pick only one to take home…” which is a seemingly impossible question to answer. This correct answer is: all of them. All jokes aside, it does crank up another rousing debate of “What Should I Buy?,” usually over a delicious meal or a cold beer (like Rally Time).
However, the mental gymnastics required to pick just ONE vehicle from such a diverse showing is immense. After some deliberation – and a couple more beers – here’s what our team picked.
Miller’s pick: 1956 Austin Healey 100M
The 100 was named by Healey for the car’s ability to reach 100 mph as is the successor for the better known Austin-Healey 3000 and built for only three years from 1953-1956. Our roving photographer thinks this is the type of car he would like to seriously add to his collection of classics in the near future.
Crew Chief Eric’s pick: 356 Outlaw
This subtle sleeper is the best kept secret at the show. The rich black paint of this little couple is tempting, but you might pass it by, until you see what’s hiding under the bonnet. This is where the magic happens and why it’s so special: carefully and discretely tucked away is a Porsche Flat-6. Completely unassuming this wolf in sheep’s clothing is Crew Chief Eric’s #1 pick, perfect for any car show or a spirited drive through the Carmel Valley.
Our fearless leader, and never too ambitious… Don’s pick: Alfa Romeo Montreal
“It’s a baby Miura” says Don. Choosing one of the only other black cars at the show, the Montreal is a fabulous pick. And to be a “proper petrol-head” as Jeremy Clarkson says, “one MUST own an Alfa at some point in their life” and I don’t disagree. These cars are seriously aggressive with the same kind of intimidating look that a Buick Grand National brings to any traffic light. But it’s also quite mysterious at the same time, the Darth Vader of classic cars, if you will.
You had to be there…
Running on Empty
After a long day of car-spotting in Pacific Grove, be sure to stop by International Cuisine (620 Lighthouse Ave # 220, Pacific Grove, CA 93950) and rest your feet for some delicious Mediterranean cuisine including: Italian, Greek, Persian and Lebanese delights.
You can also visit Nura Sushi & Island Grill (589 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950) if you want something a little different. Both are owned and operated by friend of Garage Style Magazine, restaurateur, and petrol-head Ferris. Ask for him, and say you’re with Garage Style, and don’t forget to check out his metallic-yellow Lamborghini while you’re there enjoying some baklava.
Planning for next season
Unlike racing, in this instance, it doesn’t really matter “who’s 1st” – but what we recommend you do it scour the internet, pick up copies of the local newspaper like The Carmel Pine Cone, and figure out all the shows you can visit. Don’t miss events like the Classic Motorsports Pacific Grove show, but also keep an eye out for smaller, more intimate, or obscure gatherings. We all love cars so you’re guaranteed to have a great time no matter where you go.
If you’re a first timer and would like to check out the Pacific Grove show, spectator entry is free – just walk right in, with no registration required. Vehicle entry is $75, and all cars must pre-register online; limited to 200 cars. No registrations will be accepted at the show gate. If you missed this years Classic Motorsports Monterey Kick Off Event, stay tuned to https://montereykickoff.com for details on how you can register for next years show.
Merry Motoring...
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