Monterey Car Week is an event like no other for car enthusiasts. With a plethora of street-parked supercars, historic race cars, and classic cars on display, it’s a car-spotter’s dream come true. The week is jam-packed with overlapping events, making it impossible to see everything, but luckily, a group of Car and Driver editors are on the scene to bring us all the updates.
The excitement begins as the editors prepare to embark on their journey from Los Angeles to Monterey. Rich Ceppos is thrilled to be driving a vintage 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, while Caleb Miller gets shuttled in the back seat of an electric Lyriq by Cadillac, making a pit stop at In-N-Out along the way. Meanwhile, Drew Dorian sets off in a stunning 2024 BMW M4 convertible, taking the scenic route down Highway 1.
As they make their way to Monterey, the editors share their experiences. Rich Ceppos finds the 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL to be comfortable and easy to drive, despite its age. Ezra Dyer joins a caravan of vintage Porsche 911 Turbos, with a special interest in Porsche’s synthetic biofuel made in Chile. Elana Scherr enjoys the luxurious ride of the special-edition Maserati GranTurismo PrimaSerie, complete with anniversary badging and matte silver metallic paint.
Once in Monterey, the editors explore the various events and attractions. They visit the Little Car Show, where they admire tiny and cute vehicles like the Daihatsu Hijet and a purple 1993 Geo Metro LSi convertible. They also encounter the California Highway Patrol, who are out in force to ensure everyone’s safety during the bustling Car Week.
The editors get a sneak peek at the Gordon Murray Automotive cars, with Elana Scherr discovering the inspiration behind the prototype T.33 Spider’s unique color—a kingfisher bird with a bold copper chest and turquoise wings. The group also enjoys spotting various exotic cars, including a Maserati Ghibli that Elana hopes will park next to her.
With their passion for cars and years of experience, these Car and Driver editors bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to Monterey Car Week. Their coverage of the event is sure to provide car enthusiasts with valuable insights and exciting updates. Stay tuned for more updates from Car and Driver as they continue to immerse themselves in the world of automotive excellence.