A diverse selection of auto-related activities — displays of opulent classic cars to muscle car memorabilia — will be showcased Aug. 14-19 at venues throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
The Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach will again provide the week's concluding pinnacle highlight Sunday. It's often described as "automotive works of art on display."
Toss in vintage Indy car racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to Christie's auction days at Monterey Jet Center where Steve McQueen's Ferrari 250GT Lusso will be "on the block" and any automotive enthusiast will be close to nirvana.
Here's a synopsis of the events, all on the Monterey Peninsula:
Tuesday, Aug. 14
* More than 100 vehicles, dating from 1946-1971, will be on display on Ocean Ave., in Carmel. The city's small businesses decorate their storefront windows in auto-related decor. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-372-9311); Web site: www.mcallmotorsports.com.
Tuesday-Wednesday, Aug. 14-15
* Exhibits featuring vintage posters and signs, auto-themed clothes and books from an estimated 50 vendors will for sale at the Embassy Suites hotel in Seaside. Admission $10. Telephone: (831-659-5335; Web site: www.automobiliamonterey.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
* An invitation-only gathering of an expected 1,000, hosted by Gordon McCall, purveyor of Christie's auction, will commence several days of rare car buying at the Monterey Airport. Telephone: (831-372-9311); Web site: www.mccallmotorsports.com.
Thursday, Aug. 16
* Rare vehicles, including — the aforementioned Ferrari Lusso, once owned by Steve McQueen, to Peter Fonda's Harley-Davidson Road King. Admission $60 (admits two to the presale and auction). Telephone: (310-385-2600); Web site: www.christies.com.
* The Tour d'Elegance is a 65-mile Highway Patrol-escorted tour of the Monterey Peninsula by vintage classics. It starts and finishes at Pebble Beach. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-622-1700); Web site: www.pebblebeachconcours.net.
* The Baja Cantina, en route to Carmel Valley, will host a collection of roadsters, muscle cars and American classics while offering some well-known "South-of-the-Border" fare. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-625-2252. Web site: www.bajacantinacarmel.com.
Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 16-19
* Indianapolis roadsters will be featured this year for four days of racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The historic vehicles are open-wheel wonders. Admission $45-$125. Telephone: (805-686-9292); Web site: www.montereyhistoric.com.
Friday, Aug. 17
* Fine dining, fine wine, test drives, helicopter rides to Laguna Seca Raceway and auctions of historic cars, sponsored by the Quail Lodge and Resort. Admission: $200. Telephone: (831-626-2478); Web site: www.quaillodge.com.
* The Concorso Italiano is a gathering of more than 500 Italian classics — Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Fiats and Alfa-Romeos are paired with festival-style food, drink and exhibits at Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside. Admission: $100. Telephone: (425-742-0632); Web site: www.concourse.com.
* Classic and some "simple" sports cars will be the rage — MGs, Austin Healeys, Corvettes and Porsches in downtown Pacific Grove. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-372-6585); Web site: www.pgautorally.org.
Sunday, Aug. 19
* The Concours d'Elegance is the still the king. Many of the world's most rare cars will be on display behind The Lodge off the 18th green at Pebble Beach. One vehicle gets the prize. Admission $100-$350. Telephone: (831-622-1700); Web site: www.pebblebeachconcours.net.
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