WEEKEND GETAWAYS | COASTAL CALFORNIA
Attainable Pebble Beach & the Concours d'Elegance
The Pebble Beach weekend has evolved into an entire "holy week" for the motoring faithful.
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Launched more than 50 years ago as a social gathering for the upper echelons of auto collecting and racing, the Pebble Beach weekend has evolved into an entire "holy week" for the motoring faithful, August 14-19, 2007.
Editor's note: Tune in as Dan Neil and Joni Gray file blog dispatches from the auto world's most extravagant weekend.
With auto-related events spread out across the entire Monterey Peninsula, the festivities begin Tuesday and don't slow down until Sunday evening's pivotal event – the Concours d'Elegance, where Duesenbergs and Darracq/Talbot-Lagos parade before auto-aficionado royalty.
On the off chance you can snag a hotel room, your presence on the peninsula will provide you with spectacle enough. Imagine an entire county filled with exquisite automobile classics – most in perfect condition – with histories spanning a literal century. The cars are well framed by the whimsical backdrop of Carmel-by-the-Sea as they wind their way along mountain roads and dazzle passers-by in the parking spots of the charming shops and restaurants.
With its almost legendary status, many car lovers believe the event to be reserved for only the very rich and have considered it virtually unattainable. Well, rejoice, ye faithful motorheads, because we've compiled a menu of events and spectacles for both the few and the many to enjoy. Although by no means exhaustive, this insiders' guide can be mixed and matched to form a more attainable Pebble Beach week or weekend as you ride on into the Carmel sunset.
PEBBLE FOR THE PRIVILEGED
Gordon McCall's Jet Party
Gordon McCall, the purveyor of the acclaimed Christie's auctions, holds this invitation-only private party of more than 1,000 where the insiders meet to kick off their opulent weekend of car showing, ogling and buying.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 15
Where: Monterey Airport (private hangar)
How much: Invitation only
Info: www.mccallmotorsports.com, (831) 372-9311
Christie's Auction
Auctioneers from famed Christie's have some special properties to call this year, including Steve McQueen's Ferrari Lusso and Peter Fonda's Harley-Davidson Road King.
When: Thursday, Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Monterey Jet Center
Admission by catalog: $60 (admits two to presale viewing and the auction)
Info: www.christies.com, (310) 385-2600
The Quail (a Motorsports Gathering)
Sponsored by the Quail Lodge and Resort, this high-ticket event features all things opulent – fine wine, cuisine, auto auctions, personal test drives of historic cars and even executive helicopter rides to the Monterey Historics at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
When: Friday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Quail Resort
Admission: $200
Info: www.quaillodge.com, (831) 626-2478
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