Monterey Car Week, a moment in time:

by Matthew E. 

This was my first year driving to Monterey carweek with no agenda besides the enjoyment of cars and the caretakers thereof. My typical schedule in Monterey around this time includes many functions, however, with less international attendees, those events weren’t necessary. This year was different, I was going up with a completely open calendar and no obligations. With this being the first show back since 2019, I wasn’t sure how others across the globe would feel attending an event of this magnitude in the midst of all that is happening.

Arriving in Monterey during carweek is unlike anything else. The drive on Monterey Salinas Highway takes you through the beautiful Rancho Tierra Grande and San Benito countryside, parallel to the famous Laguna Seca raceway. The time of my arrival lined up seamlessly with the Motorsport Reunion and as a result I was in traffic on a single-lane highway with automotive legends such as the 300SLR, GT40, 250GT SWB, and 911RSR, to name a few. I idled with them as traffic crept along, I turned off the AC and welcomed the richness of carbureted exhaust fumes from engines that have defined the very history of an industry I have the honor of being a part of. As I make my way into town I begin to notice the caretakers of the cars that this week is all about. Their casual demeanor coupled with international etiquette and fashion was just tip of the iceberg in Monterey at this time of year

I made my way around Monterey and Carmel-by-the-sea over the span of a few days. I attended events that were noticeably less crowded but substantially more inclusive. Monterey Carweek holds a very special place in my heart for many reasons. This was a monumental year because Mercedes-Benz won Best Of Show for the 9th year since 1950, tying with Bugatti for the most Best Of Show wins as a manufacturer. Although things will likely pick up again for 2022, this year’s Monterey Carweek should always be remembered as one of the most communal events in the past decade.