Last week, the Monterey Peninsula opened its arms to a breathtaking array of automotive excellence, spanning from historic treasures to futuristic innovations. As enthusiasts and collectors gathered to honor the anniversaries of influential manufacturers, the shared desire to preserve the legacies was evident, with Rolex continuing its partnership with California’s automotive events since 1997.
On Thursday, August 17th, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance showcased design and style from across the decades. Presented by Rolex, the event allowed locals and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of classic cars with a revised route for 2023 that included a cruise to Big Sur. The 20th anniversary of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering was marked on the pristine lawns of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club on Friday, August 18th. The event featured over 200 culturally significant vehicles, and the one-of-a-kind 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica ‘Super Fast’ was crowned the winner of the Rolex Best of Show.
The preceding days were no less extraordinary, with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrating racing heritage at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, spotlighting the 70th anniversary of Corvette. Over 400 vehicles displayed nearly a century of motorsport heritage, reflecting the dedication to ensure these historic automobiles continue to race into the future.
The grand finale, the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, was held on Sunday, August 20th, on the legendary golf course. Pristine cars from 1906 to 1998 adorned the 18th fairway, with special attention paid to leading brands like Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche showcasing their iconic models. The event reached its zenith with the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster being named the Best of Show, with a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 awarded to owner Jim Patterson. Monterey Car Week 2023 was more than an automotive event; it was a heartfelt tribute to the automotive masterpieces that shape our lives and give us a forward-looking glimpse at the future of motoring.