Monterey Car Week 2026

There are some occasions for which superlatives seem inadequate.  One such is Monterey Car Week, an annual series of automotive-themed events held in August in the greater Monterey Peninsula.

If the reader’s preferences trend towards renowned classics from the 1940s-1960s, there are a plethora of fine examples circulating during Car Week.  Everything from vaunted European marques, to all-American rides to Asian-origin motors, each well represented.

Should the reader’s interests lie more in the upper echelons of motoring collectibles, perhaps some of the more exclusive auctions and car shows would be more suitable.  There are auctions held by Bonham’s, Mecum’s, and Sotheby’s, as well as a Pebble Beach event, and a Quail auction.  Higher-end shows, besides the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, include Concorso Italiano, The Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion, Ferrari Owners’ Club Concours Carmel, and several others.  The Automobilia Collectors’ Expo is a must for those seeking rare trinkets, posters, books or manuals.

You’d rather see historic racing cars performing their designed task?  The Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Laguna Seca can more than satisfy the most ardent fan of old racing machinery; even better, the cars are raced in period specification against their most fierce rivals.

Those who would prefer to enjoy the latest super- and hyper-cars from the likes of McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. would do well to take in the Pebble Beach circus during the week, as many manufacturers seem to favor this setting to reveal their latest wonder-machines.

Those of us who are fascinated by the sheer breadth of historic automotive ingenuity particularly revel in the Pacific Grove, “Little Car Show,” which boasts quirky and quaint creations aplenty – provided the engine capacity doesn’t exceed 1800cc!

Some other highlights of Car Week include “Concours for a Cause,” held on Ocean Avenue and offshoots in Carmel; German car fans can enjoy “The Porsche Werks Reunion” and “Legends of the Autobahn.” Those whose tastes are more for British fare must take in the aforementioned, “Little Car Show” as well the, “Monterey British” show and “Astons on the Avenue.”

Given the proximity of the San Joaquin Valley to this globally-celebrated car event, it would seem to be an almost felonious act of negligence to miss the festivities. Therefore, arrangements were made for yours truly to share an abode with like-minded friends: Dr. Bill Wilson (VBAC), Jim Predmore (Mini Owners of America - San Francisco – MOASF) and Pat Kaye (MOASF).  Unfortunately, it transpired that Pat Kaye was unable to attend.

Sunday, August 9th:  I had the MGB loaded onto the trailer, the tow vehicle packed and ready for the adventure.  Since Dr. Bill was leaving at zero-dark-thirty, and I need my beauty sleep, I made arrangements to convoy to the coast with some other friends – Bill Van Deelen (VBAC, Jaguar XK8); riding shotgun with Bill was Tony Yadegary, aka “Dr. Dent.”   Daryl Roe, Porsche 911, was also part of the campaign.

Immediately  upon entering Highway 41, I received a phone call from the good Dr. Bill: “Could you stop at the gas station in Los Banos and retrieve my gas cap?”  Sure, Bill, no problem.  Sadly, this was not the only “challenge” encountered by Dr. Bill and his Mini during the week.

Nevertheless, our little entourage entered North Monterey/Seaside area early in the beautiful, airy, coastal afternoon.  Bill V., Tony and Daryl were gracious enough to assist with unloading the MG from the trailer, and we motored a few minutes to our initial event:  The informal, “Monterey British” pre-event held at Land Rover of Monterey.  This small show provided a preview of some of the participants in Monday’s “Monterey British” display.  In a sad reminder of the current state of Jaguar, the shadow of the removed letters of the struggling brand were visible next to the “Land Rover” insignia on the dealership fascia.

Monday morning, and time to prepare for the initial show for the three conspirators – Dr. Bill, (Mini) Jim (Mini) and yours truly (1963 MGB).  The cars were packed and ready, more or less (Dr. Bill’s Mini had shredded a new Yokohoma tire on the way over the pass on Sunday – and that wouldn’t be the last of Bill’s tribulations).  The white Mini, therefore, sported a non-matching spare tire and wheel, which the doctor did his best to disguise during the car show!  “Monterey British” was held in an idyllic park location in Carmel Valley, and the motors on display were truly superb.  There were a number of makes represented, including the expected MGs, Triumphs, Austin-Healeys, etc.  There were three or four stunning Jaguar E-Types, a silver birch Aston-Martin DB5 , a couple of old racing Allards, a Ford Capri and a  Rover 3500 from the 1980s, to name a few of the more unusual examples present.  The Best of Show award was quite deservedly given to a delectable 1967 MGB GT resto-mod finished in beautiful Aston Martin Racing Green and replete with a Miata twin-cam motor and Mazda gearbox.

Wednesday was reserved for participation in “The Little Car Show,” which is held on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, the small community sandwiched between Monterey and Carmel.  The Mini  Van has long since left the fleet, however I retain MOASF membership, so I was able crash the Mini display, which takes place in a convenient parking area right on Lighthouse!  It may have been my imagination, but Jenny the MGB seemed to attract a disproportionate level of attention, perhaps due to the fact that she was the only non-Mini in the display!  In addition to the Minis, such diminutive rarities as DKW, Citroen, BMW Isetta, and some models even I couldn’t initially identify were available for inspection.  Lunch consisted of good old Fish n’ Chips washed down with an Old Speckled Hen (the MG beer) at the Monarch pub.  The rest of the afternoon comprised more tire kicking, lots of car talk, and culminated in a leisurely parade/tour along the Pacific Ocean, with numerous spectators on the route expressing their appreciation for all the wee, rare devices.

Friday, and the three housemates and their steeds headed North to Seaside, for “The Paddock” show, which was held at Bayonet Black Horse golf course.  We were obliged to take our turn queuing in the parking area, until such time as a golf cart containing a show official could lead a group onto the course to the appropriate location.  Part of this little routine involved an uphill stop, apparently so that the official could receive some sort of clearance or direction.  Hmm…dodgy clutch, damp and slippery grass surface, and, oh yes, an expensive Ferrari (aren’t they all?) right behind me in the line.  What could possibly go wrong?  In the event, I advised the Ferrari pilot to stay well behind on the slope, in case Jenny might demonstrate some recalcitrance on the small hill.  Thankfully, any drama was mitigated, and the red MGB was soon safely parked in her assigned spot.  The Bayonet Black Horse golf course is a gorgeous location for a car display, with unimpeded views of the Pacific Ocean, and of course acres of grass for our vehicles to mark their territory!  The Paddock show contained an extreme variety of motoring conveyances, everything from exotic sports models to luxury barges, hot rods, muscle cars, European and British sports cars, etc.  In short, if someone couldn’t find a car they liked, they probably were not automotive enthusiasts.  Dusk arrived too soon, so the two Minis and the MG enjoyed a spirited run south on Highway 1, lights blazing, tachometers pegged, engines revving and gearboxes whining.  To paraphrase The Bard, much sound and fury, signifying 70 MPH.

So, your writer and Jenny participated in three wonderful shows, enjoying the cars, camaraderie, and occasional commiserations when appropriate; however there were also many activities between those shows, really too much to detail in this report.  In summary, there were lectures attended; racetrack visited; Porsche shows viewed; Pebble Beach entrants spied in action; Carmel Concours observed; repairs effected; friends made; memories indelibly imprinted.

Cheers,

Martin Connolly

Post Script:

Dr. Bill’s Mini had also suffered a head gasket failure on the way over the pass to Monterey; luckily one of the well-known Mini gurus was attending the Monterey Historic races, and an overnight stay for Bill’s car was enough to cure the malady.  To the best of my knowledge, Dr. Bill and the wayward Mini made it back into Fresno safe and sound, ready for the next escapade.