(Cue up Gary Portnoy’s theme song to the sitcom Cheers) –
I just returned from the iconic Carmel/Monterey/Pebble Beach automotive weekend. It is that third weekend in August that every automotive enthusiast must attend at least once in his or her life. I am so fortunate to have made the pilgrimage over the past 23 years, most of which were with my son, where we created more memories than I can count. There is an overriding theme at all of the events and no it’s not cars.
Automotive enthusiasts are really great people.
A reoccurring interaction you’ll experience while you are there is instant friendships. I cannot begin to count how many people I have struck up a conversation with, whom I had never met before. When you are standing in front of an amazing automobile and both of you are admiring the style, color, and design, there is an instant bond. Even if one of you likes Fords and the other loves Ferraris. The caretakers of these magnificent automobiles are always friendly and willing to share their knowledge and the vehicle’s history. So many times at the Laguna Seca Race Track, I’ve seen children offered some seat time in a vintage racecar by a sharing owner.
It is a memory your child will hold on to forever.
The theme of the week is automobiles however I believe it is really about the people. The real theme is people sharing their passion and enthusiasm with others who appreciate a life long dedication to preservation and craft. The incredibly vast interpretation of what a vehicle should look like, sound like, and how it should perform, is superseded by an even larger array of personalities, attire, and automotive knowledge.
Start planning now for next year.
I promise that when you arrive, whether it is at the track, or on the lawn, at an auction, or walking the streets, you’ll feel like you’re among friends. Friends who understand your passion and love for all things that roll on rubber.
A huge thank you to all the people I spoke to last weekend.
Did you attend? Tell me what your favorite car was. It is a really hard question to answer, isn’t it?
Favourites.
At Concorso Italiano: Abarth 2 litre OT.
At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: Chevron B16.
At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: Jim Patterson’s Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante.