Must-see events around Pebble Beach Concours

What began as a simple concours show tacked on to the Pebble Beach Road Races back in 1950 has grown into the largest, best attended, most prestigious and most commercially successful event of its type in the world. But while the concours show remains the prime attraction, it has also given us a whole range of equally interesting satellite events that take place across California’s Monterey peninsular. Here’s a quick guide to a few worth visiting.

Automobilia Monterey

August 14–16, 10am–6pm. Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, Seaside. Admission: $20 (£16)

With only around 45 dealers displaying their wares, the claim that this is “America’s largest automobilia event” might be a bit of a stretch – but there’s no denying the quality of what’s on offer. Everything from poster artwork to ‘hood’ ornaments and from historic motoring books to rare tools and spares will be up for grabs. Asking prices are seldom the lowest in the land, but take cash and barter.

Monterey Kickoff

August 15, 3pm–7pm. Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. Admission: free

Classic car insurance giant Hagerty is presenting this Monterey Car Week opener, which will feature around 60 classic and sports cars lined up along the already picturesque Lighthouse Avenue. After the official 3pm start, judges will peruse the exhibits and make their choices at 4pm, with awards being presented two hours later. It’s a laid-back affair set against a backdrop of the ocean and a street filled with award-winning restaurants. Don’t forget to look at the cars.

The Little Car Show

August 16, 12 noon–5pm. Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove

If you think small is beautiful, the Little Car Show, inset, will appeal to you. Open to mini and micro-sized vehicles with a maximum engine capacity of 1601cc, entries are selected on a first-come first-served basis up to a limit of 100 cars. Only models that are 25 years-plus are accepted, and the show ends with a parade along the sun-kissed waterfront. Money raised goes to benefit military veterans and Pacific Grove charities.

Motorlux Motorworks Revival

August 16, 5pm–10pm. Monterey Jet Center, 196 Skypark Drive, Monterey. Admission: from $500 (£390)

A mere 3000 VIP guests are expected to attend this year’s Motorworks Revival laid on by Hagerty. Attendees will be able to quaff top Californian wines paired with gourmet food while they wander around the Jet Center’s massive hangers stuffed with exotic cars, motorcycles, aeroplanes and helicopters. Themed exhibitions include Legends of Baja, Bespoke Exotics and Cars of the Mille (Miglia, that is).

Prancing Ponies Car Show

August 17, 11am–4pm. Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Admission: free

An organisation called Prancing Ponies might sound a bit frivolous, but this all-women charity set up to help other women on low incomes to further their careers has gained serious traction since it was founded five years ago (Oprah Winfrey is an ardent promoter). The show is, of course, exclusively for cars belonging to female owners and will include a fashion show and VIP lounge. Men are allowed – but only by invitation.

Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum

August 17–19, 9am–5.30pm. Concours Village, Pebble Beach. Admission: free – but reserve your place in advance at pebblebeach.net

If you want to learn more about what keeps the wheels turning in the classic car game, this is the place to be. Luminaries of the collecting world will discuss the big issues around the hobby – not least its future viability in the face of the electric revolution. Past speakers have included celebrated racing drivers, top dealers, auction house experts and high-end collectors (including celebrities such as Jay Leno). Find the stage venue across from the driving range on Forest Lake and Stevenson.

Concours d’LeMons

August 19, 8am–1.30pm. Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside. Admission: free

The multi-million dollar contenders for Best in Show at the Pebble Beach Concours are all very impressive – but, lest anyone starts to take this old car thing a bit too seriously, the shamelessly irreverent Concours d’LeMons should bring them back down to earth. It’s free to take part, the only criteria being that the car should have an appearance akin to the automotive equivalent of a baby having a face that only a mother could love. Flops, failures, bangers and rust buckets all very welcome.

Monterey Touring Vehicles

2228 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey 

If you don’t fancy turning up at Monterey Car Week in a modern hire car – or, even worse, not having any wheels at all – get down to Monterey Touring Vehicles where you’ll find a selection of more than 30 American and European classics available for rent. Everything from a Shelby Cobra to a Tesla Roadster and a Porsche Speedster to a VW microbus can be hired. There’s even a Rolls-Royce Phantom II with chauffeur. From £300 for four hours. montereytouringvehicles.com 

Exotics on Broadway

August 19, 1pm–6pm. Broadway Avenue & Freemont Boulevard. Admission: free

When your appetite for classics has been fully satisfied, Exotics on Broadway promises a fresh perspective on the automobile with its line-up of modern supercars and rows of vendors selling modding accessories ranging from wraps to wheels and from tuning kits to sound systems. This being Monterey, most of the kit is designed specifically for high-end vehicles.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

August 20, 10.30am–5pm. The Lodge, Pebble Beach, 1700 17 Mile Drive. Admission: from $475 (£375) per person

Whoops – nearly forgot what Monterey Car Week is really all about: the six-and-a-half hour glam-fest that is the Concours show itself. Staged around the area of the 18th hole at the Pebble Beach Golf club, the event will see 200 of the world’s finest and most valuable classic cars in a rolling beauty pageant that will bring unrivalled kudos to the vehicle judged Best in Show (and, of course, to its owner). Special themes this year include Cars of the Raj and the esoteric Eisenhower Era Dream Convertibles. This year OSCA is the featured marque.