Either event will be interesting, but there will likely be more action at the historics at Laguna.

Have you thought about the R&S auction, as they usually offer a car club discount for admission and they are located by the wharf?
http://www.russoandsteele.com/index....nterey-auction


And to further confuse the Friday issue, here is another choice for you that you may not have seriously considered. It’s not a well advertised event, but we participated for the first time last year, as Aston Martin was the featured marque. It was quite an enjoyable event and it was great to be at the front of the escorted rally group of over 200 vehicles. The video link is from another Aston owner and it picks up after the cars are re-staged in Carmel for the final leg along Hwy. 1. It was the best $120 charity donation we ever spent and we’re signed up again for this year. It’s a great mix of all types of cars and your one chance to be escorted by two 50’s vintage Pacific Grove police cars (along with assorted CHP vehicles).

Astons on Ocean Ave & Hwy 1 - YouTube

“The Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally also takes place on Friday, August 15th. The event starts with a line-up on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove at 1:00 pm. The Rally Drive will start at 6pm when vintage and classic vehicles will follow a scenic route along the magnificent shoreline through Pebble Beach, up Carmel’s Ocean Avenue to Highway 1, returning to Pacific Grove for a 7pm award BBQ dinner at historic Chautauqua Hall. More information and event registration details online at http://pgrotary.org/lawyer/19th-Annu...lly_cp8084.htm Fiat is the featured marque this year.”

 

Even if you don't drive in the Pacific Grove Auto Rally DonL mentioned, you can still go see all the vehicles staging on Ocean Ave - and there are also 2 other events on Friday, Legends of the Autobahn (BMW, Audi, MB show), and the Porsche Werks Reunion.

So it all really depends on what floats your boat!

If you have never been to an auction, I think that would be top of my list. But not RM, it costs $40 just for the preview, and the auction itself is reserved for registered bidders only ($300 for two). So if you don't want to pay that kind of cash, either Russo & Steele as DonL mentions, or Mecum (note that is during the day). If I had to pick one of the other choices, probably the Motorsports Reunion.

HTH.

 

Yeah, I was thinking this might be a good choice as we'll see a lot of nice cars just sitting static at the Italiano Concorso and the Concours d'Elegance.

I was thinking it'd be cool to see at least one auction, and I believe RM is one of the best houses in the world for car auctions. You've identified the issue. $40 to just look at the cars during the day, but $300 to register and see the auction in the evening. As much as I'd like to, I won't be bidding on cars and $300 (each?) is a bit steep for just being an observer, especially considering what we're already paying for this trip.

Kicking around the idea of doing the Laguna event during the day and ponying up the registration fee for RM to see a world-class car auction in person in the evening. Just not sure. As they say, first world problems!

 

$300 for two.

Yes, first world problems!

 

Not as bad. Maybe we'll do both then. I don't expect to find myself in Monterey very often so may as experience as much as I can.

 

I have traveled from Tennessee to Monterey for the last 17 years and will be there this year as well. RM use to be the ticket for auctions and was only $40 or so to go in and observe the auction until 2 yrs ago when the structure changed to the $300 bidders ticket. We refused and have switched to the Gooding auction at Pebble Beach on Sat and Sun night. It has become as prestigious as RM in the last several years and I believe outsold it last year and it is only $50 or so admission to observe. I would not miss the Historic Races at Laguna Seca. It is a one of a kind experience to see such varied cars racing on a storied track and having full admission to the pit area is amazing and more enjoyable to me than even the races are. My favorite and must see event though is the Concourso Italiano which as mentioned is moving for the first time to Saturday. It is awesome seeing over 1000 Italian only cars lining a beautiful golf course with views of the Pacific Ocean (Blackhorse Golf Course). It is truly the best car week/weekend in the world!

 

I usually just hang out in downtown Monterey by RM auction and then Carmel where you will see tons of one off prototypes buzzing around. The concours on the ave on Tuesday should be fun.

I will be attending CI this year plus a test drive of the Huracan

Then, I go to pebble beach. Saw huayra two years ago but last year was a bit boring except I got to walk on the golf course when it was closed.

Every year is a bit different. I am thinking of getting an electric scooter to tool around this year!

 

The P1 GTR is being revealed at PB this year and will be on display. Someone get pics

 

Speculation about the new Lagonda making an appearance as well.