There's a week each year when car enthusiasts, collectors, and auto industry professionals from around the world converge on California's picturesque Monterey Peninsula. That week is Monterey Car Week, and 2023’s event is shaping up to be extraordinary. Here are the highlights from this year’s grand automotive celebration.
1. The Iconic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance remains the crown jewel of Monterey Car Week. Classic automobiles, from pre-war antiques to post-war modern classics, present themselves in pristine condition on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. This year, the spotlight falls on vintage electric cars, showcasing the rich history of EVs long before the Tesla era.
2. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
At the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, attendees witness an array of the world's most unique and rare cars. Additionally, luxury lifestyle displays and gourmet cuisine are on full display. This year, the highlight is modern hypercars, with several new models making their debuts, pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and technology.
3. Legends of the Autobahn
Celebrating German automotive engineering, Legends of the Autobahn presents a mix of classic and contemporary models from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Audi. Fans of German engineering savor a display of precision, performance, and luxury unique to these brands.
4. Auctions
Monterey Car Week is also renowned for its high-end auctions. Currently, RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Gooding & Company see some of the world's most coveted cars going under the hammer. A standout is a pristine 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which fetches a staggering price, underlining the significant investment potential of classic cars.
5. Concept Car Lawn
The future displays vibrantly at Monterey Car Week. This year, the Concept Car Lawn at Pebble Beach is a canvas for global automakers, showing where the industry is heading. Sleek electric sedans and autonomous pod-like vehicles serve as reminders that the world of cars continues to evolve.
6. Exotic Car Drives
What is a car week without some action on the road? Enthusiasts take some of the latest exotic cars for a spin along the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The sound of roaring engines along the coast forms a symphony for petrolheads.
Closing Thoughts
Monterey Car Week 2023, with its seamless blend of the past, present, and future, testifies to the deep-seated love and passion people hold for automobiles. Whether drawn to timeless classics, thrilled by modern supercars, or intrigued by what the future holds, Monterey Car Week offers something for every car lover. Everyone eagerly awaits what next year brings!
