By Edward Jones
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August 29, 2025
My Time At Monterey Car Week: A First-Timer's Perspective
Having worked at duPont REGISTRY for over a decade, I’ve heard my fair share of tales about Monterey Car Week (MCW) from coworkers. From the absurd number of seven-figure cars to the idyllic weather and even the wild parties, I’d heard it all. Yet, I had never experienced it for myself. For the 2025 edition of MCW, I decided it was time to pack a bag, slip on a pair of loafers, and attend what many consider the best week in the automotive world.
It all started on Wednesday when I took a 7 a.m. flight from Tampa to San Francisco to catch a connecting flight to Monterey. Was this ideal? Not really, but that was the itinerary. Once I landed in Monterey and stepped outside, I was greeted by the gorgeous climate I’d always heard about. Coming from Florida, the cool air was more than welcome during the summer.
Immediately, we hopped in a rental car and took off for the house where the entire team would be staying. Along the way, I started to understand just how absurd MCW really is. Everywhere I looked, there was a Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and even a Koenigsegg or Czinger. And I can't begin to tell you how many BMW M3 Lightweights we saw. I’m serious when I say you can’t take a single trip around Monterey during this week without seeing multiple cars valued at over $1 million.
The absurdity of the week was driven home even harder when we got wind of a meet-up at, of all places, a CVS parking lot. When we pulled in, there were rows of hypercars, supercars, classic cars, and more, all parked in this giant public lot for everyone to see. It didn’t seem like a planned event by any means, more like an impromptu gathering of some of the rarest cars I had ever seen.
After taking in the meet-up, we moseyed over to the Issimi House, where I had the chance to get up close and personal with three of Eccentrica’s creations: Titano, Green Dragon, and Rose Phoenix. Each honors the legendary Lamborghini Diablo by reimagining the supercar for a modern era with a laundry list of updates. Every example was completely unique, with varying interiors and exteriors, showing off Eccentrica’s ability to meet their clients’ desires.
From there, it was time to hit up Motorlux, a massive hangar party at the Monterey Jet Center filled with food, drinks, cars, planes, and even the Broad Arrow Auctions. I didn’t bring my camera, which turned out to be a smart decision since the fog drip would've caused issues. Roaming the event, I was treated to tastings from more than 27 local and renowned chefs, each dish as delectable as the next. While snacking, I sampled local wines and spirits, checked out cars rolling toward the auction block, and caught up with friends. If you’ve never been to this event, do yourself a favor and stop by—even for just a moment. It’s like multiple events rolled into one, with something for everyone.
Thursday began with a trip to Pebble Beach Concours Village to pick up my press pass for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Open earlier in the week, the Village gives visitors a chance to check out displays from major manufacturers like Cadillac and Mercedes-Maybach, shop with vendors, and more. That morning, USSV unveiled its Truck-MAD concept based on the Ford Lightning. Shiro Nakamura, the artistic mind behind the Nissan GT-R, designed this striking concept with guidance from Italian designer Luciano D'Ambrosio. Both the interior and exterior design of the Truck-MAD concept are a departure from the militaristic designs we've seen from USSV, leaning more into a "cyberpunk" and futuristic flair. One feature that stands out is the seating configuration that has a center-positioned driver with standalone seats flanking each side, which are then followed by a bench seat. In front of the driver is a large digital display that rests behind a yoke-style steering wheel, rounding out the ultramodern design.
After snapping photos of the concept, the team and I headed to the Bonhams preview to peruse the auction lots. Right when I stepped into the preview tent, I laid eyes on a Bugatti Divo, Chiron Super Sport, Chiron Pur Sport, Pagani Huayra Roadster, Huayra R, Koenigsegg Regera, and Apollo IE. Was I starstruck? Absolutely. Out in the field behind the tent were even more incredible cars, including my personal dream machine: a 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2.
At this point, I was really starting to love MCW, as I’d already seen more of my dream cars in two days than I had in my entire life. Sure, I don’t get out much, but I don’t think anyone would argue with me when I say that if you have a dream car, there’s almost a guaranteed chance you’ll see it during this week.
While most of the events and gatherings I’d attended so far were upscale, it was time to dust off the boots and head out to Sportscar Vacationland. Dropping the address into my GPS, I was surprised to find myself driving into the middle of nowhere. I even triple-checked to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake. I hadn’t. Nestled in the mountains at Tira Nanza Winery, Sportscar Vacationland was remote—so much so that the road in had me white-knuckling the steering wheel of my rental Chevy Trailblazer while overlooking steep drop-offs on hairpin turns. Later, I learned there were two roads into the event and, of course, I’d taken the “slightly more terrifying” one. Still, I persisted, and I’m so glad I did. Classic Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW models lined the dirt roads leading up to the main event area, where even more incredible vehicles were stationed.
Among the cars were unique activities: painting a Porsche with a squirt gun, art displays, a film festival, and so much more. There was a campground where attendees could stay for the week without worrying about the sky-high cost of lodging during MCW. What struck me most was that this event catered to everyone who loves cars—whether they own them, build them, drive them, or just appreciate them. It was refreshing to see an event where things could get messy, where it didn’t matter if a BMW had 200,000 miles and plenty of wear, and where everyone genuinely enjoyed each other’s company and loved talking shop. This is an event I truly think everyone should attend, and I’m rooting for it to be even bigger next year. (And yes, I took the easier road out—and it was a piece of cake, even at night.)
After a long Thursday, Friday promised to be just as packed. It began at Werks Reunion, where Porsches of every kind were displayed across the Monterey Pines Golf Course. If you’re a Porsche fan—and who isn’t—this is a must-attend event. Cars were organized by time period, model, and generation. I may not know every detail that makes a Porsche rare or special, but I knew enough to be completely blown away. I took a couple of laps around the event to ensure I didn't miss anything, as there was so much to see. Also, the food selection was great, and if they have the empanadas again next year, I will order a dozen of them for the whole team. One aspect of the Werks Reunion that I found most delightful was that it was a free event. In a sea of events that had high-dollar tickets, it was nice to see one that welcomed all, especially those with an affinity for everything Porsche-related. Again, if you have any love for Porsches at all, and I know most of you do, you have to stop by this event.
From there, it was on to Laguna Seca for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. I’d never been to Laguna Seca, so just seeing the track was exciting. But watching historic cars race on it? Pure magic. The sounds alone were euphoric. I walked in just as the Scott Pruett Legends of Endurance Cup was underway, with cars like a 2006 Porsche Riley Daytona Prototype MK X1, a 1997 Panoz GTR, and several Porsche 993 RSRs on track. Asking how to get to the Corkscrew, our editor, Tyler Rampersaud, and I learned we had quite the hike ahead of us. The climb was brutal—videos don’t do the elevation justice—but the view was worth every calf cramp. Watching historic race cars plunge down the Corkscrew was a bucket-list experience that had me grinning nonstop. Back down in the pits, I wandered among even more incredible race cars being prepped for their runs. Before leaving, I picked up a souvenir hat, which I’m actually wearing as I type this.
That evening, BRABUS hosted a special party with world premieres of some of their most jaw-dropping builds: the ROCKET GTC DEEP RED Roadster, the 700 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the ROCKET GTS MEAN GREEN, and the 800 DEEP RED. It was also the first time I’d seen one of their marine offerings—the Shadow 1000 Cross Cabin Phantom Gray Signature Edition. The standout detail? The tinted carbon fiber finishes. BRABUS cars are usually menacing in all-black, but the red and green-tinted carbon fiber was simply “chef’s kiss.”
For once, I managed to get some decent sleep, which was a blessing because Saturday was packed. First, our lifestyle editor Jordan Aquistapace and I took the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge out to 17-Mile Drive for some photos. One thing I realized early on about this area of California, and apparently the state in general, is that fog is inevitable. Still, the photos of the Spectre up against the sea fog turned out great. What the pictures can't show you is just how comfortable and quick this ultra-luxury ride is. When Jordan pressed on the accelerator, the electric powertrain came to life, launching the large grand tourer in an instant with virtually no road noise seeping into the cabin. And no matter the bumps in the road, which there are plenty of in Monterey, the ride was as smooth as butter thanks to the suspension that Rolls-Royce describes as an 'orchestra of systems.' Also, I should just point out that the spec of the Spectre Black Badge that was provided to us was impeccable.
The sleek Monteverde exterior over the Peony Pink interior with black accents and even Dark Chrome Spirit of Ecstasy combined for an elegant appearance. Inside, this Spectre was also optioned with the Shooting Star Headliner and Starlight Doors, which made for a stunning spectacle to witness during the night hours. Everyone always talks about how Rolls-Royce vehicles are the epitome of luxury, but sometimes you forget just how true this statement is. Once in a while, you need a reminder by sitting in a massaging seat with shooting stars flying over your head, while your feet rest in lambswool floormats, and the only sound you can hear is what you choose to listen to on the SPIRIT infotainment center.
After the photoshoot, it was time for Exotics on Broadway, where duPont REGISTRY had a booth featuring an Earthroamer LTx, an AEV-upfitted Jeep Wrangler, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the Metris Virtus by Fari Cars, and a Gunther Werks Speedster provided by XPEL. Roaming the event, I was struck by how sprawling it was—and how packed. Major manufacturers like McLaren, Koenigsegg, SSC, and Czinger were there. I even snapped a photo of Christian von Koenigsegg pulling up in a CC580, followed by a parade of his creations.
After a long day at our booth, I rushed back to change and head to the RM Sotheby’s auction at the Portola Hotel & Spa. My coworker Dylan and I knew the one-off Ferrari Daytona SP3 was about to cross the block. We literally ran, streaming the auction on our phones as the bidding skyrocketed. By the time we arrived, the hammer had dropped at $26 million, all for charity. While it stung to miss that, I still witnessed some incredible sales: a 1989 RUF CTR1 “Yellowbird” Lightweight, a 1995 Ferrari F50that was ordered new by Ralph Lauren, and a 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto. If you ever have the chance to attend an RM Sotheby’s auction during MCW, don’t hesitate. The atmosphere is electric—equal parts history, theater, and spectacle.
The night wasn’t over yet. I headed to the Czinger party, where the record-breaking 21C was displayed under the California stars. Guests sipped themed cocktails like “Blackbird” and “21C” (delicious, by the way), and the Czinger family mingled with attendees. It was another unforgettable event in a week that just kept delivering.
Sunday brought the grand finale: the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. I threw on my best linen shirt and made my way to the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links, where hundreds of the world’s finest cars awaited. My jaw practically hit the ground. The scenery alone was stunning, but combined with the history and craftsmanship of the cars, it was overwhelming.
I wandered through the displays, stopping first at the featured Invicta class. I’ll admit—I’d never seen an Invicta before. But that’s the beauty of Pebble Beach: it’s as much about learning as it is about admiring. Enthusiasts and caretakers were eager to share knowledge, and even listening to the judges was a treat. Their encyclopedic understanding of the smallest details was astonishing.
Finally, it was time for awards. Cars rolled up to the stage in formation, with the judges and emcee presenting each trophy. The ultimate honor, Best of Show for the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, went to the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo shown by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida. After more than 12,000 hours of restoration by RM Auto Restoration, the car was a deserving winner. Hats off to the owners and restorers.
And just like that, the week was over. I was drained but fulfilled, having checked off more bucket-list moments than I ever thought possible. I even managed only an hour of sleep before an early flight back to Tampa.
Now, looking back, I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to experience Monterey Car Week. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be. You’ll see your dream cars around every corner, meet fellow enthusiasts, and attend events that are out of this world. Everyone works to make this week unforgettable, and it shows. To say MCW is special would be an understatement—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that transcends the automotive world and feels almost unbelievable.
