It’s hard to believe today, but at the beginning of the 1970s, the Pebble Beach Concours was teetering on the brink of extinction. Imperious judges, poor organization and indifferent car selection had contestants and the public alike favoring other Northern California venues like Hillsborough, Silverado and Palo Alto. In 1971, two collector/judges, Lorin Tyron and Jules Heumann, were asked to reorganize Pebble Beach on a one-year consulting basis. By 1972, the team had successfully restored the show’s tarnished image, and stayed on for many years, bringing the show back to the pinnacle. Not always noted is that in 1973 a piece of serendipity made their job easier.
Michael T. Lynch and Genie Freedman enjoying the Ocean Avenue Motor Club luncheon in 2004.
|
That year, a racer with a taste for vintage Ferraris, Steve Earle, organized the first Monterey Historic Automobile Races at nearby Laguna Seca, and the synergy of the two events being held on the same weekend gave a both a boost. From that date, what we know today as Monterey Week began to grow to include other concours, lifestyle events, rallies, private parties and various events that celebrate the finest in automotive engineering, design and camaraderie.
When the demand for entries at the historic races exceeded space, Earle booked Laguna Seca for the week before the Historics/Pebble Beach weekend to accommodate more entries and create more track time for those who had come long distances. Those non-spectator races became known as the Pre-historics and from the time they began, new events have continued to fill in the week.
Three years ago, Genie and Doug Freedman began a sponsored invitational luncheon they called the Ocean Avenue Motor Club on the Thursday of Monterey Week, during the time the Pebble Beach Tour cars stop for lunch in Carmel. It quickly became one of the most sought-after invitations of the week. Freedman is a former President of the Ferrari Club of America, but his car interests are varied. Like many of us, he still remembers the cars he longed for in his high school parking lot.
At their luncheon this year, the couple will announce yet another Monterey Week event, one that promises to become one of the majors. On August 14 2007, the Freedmans will stage the first annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours d’Elegance. The setting will include fourteen blocks of downtown Carmel with the bulk of the cars on Ocean Avenue, the main shopping street. The official catch phrase is, sophistication with a dash of fun, and it appears that will not be an exaggeration. Held on streets open to the public, it will provide an opportunity for many who cannot afford the week’s pricier shows. With final results not presented until around five in the afternoon, and the cars remaining on the street until at least seven, the show will provide a perfect family outing with a dinner in Carmel afterwards.
Period correct hot rods have been little catered to during Monterey Week. The Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours d'Elegance will change that. Cars like this 32 Ford Highboy will be seen on Ocean Avenue in 2007. This one, complete with a flathead Ford V-8 with all the goodies, will be auctioned by RM Auctions at Monterey in 2006. Credit: RM Auctions.
|
Doug Freedman says, “We looked at what was available on the Peninsula during the week and saw some unserved markets. These include American muscle cars and Hot Rods. All our cars will come from the 1946 to 1971 period and the hot rods will be steel bodied and period built.”
“At the same time, this will be a seriously judged show, with cars being scored on a professional level, just like any internationally recognized concours. And although we plan on exposing some new classes of vehicles, there will be something for everyone, including classes like British Sports, German Sports and America luxury.”
This beautiful 1950 Delahaye 175 Sport is one type of car that will be found in next year's Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours. There will be classes for both European Luxury and French Sports. Credit: RM Auctions.
|
It sounds like a great mix. American muscle and hot rods not previously seen during Monterey Week and some old favorites like Jaguars and Mercedes. Freedman’s concept leaves the door open for one of a car show’s greatest pleasures, walking the event with a friends or family and remarking, “My uncle Louie had one of those.” This isn’t something most of us can say about Alfa 8C2900s and Bugatti Atlantiques. Freedman also says to be on the lookout for at least one surprise class next year, “Think station wagons or even fire engines.”
If the attention to detail and quality of presentation that the Freedmans have shown at the Ocean Avenue Motor Club is any indication, the 2007 Monterey Week can look forward to another must-see event. I’ll be looking for a 1958 Cadillac El Dorado Brougham with a Pinin Farina body. See you there.
