Monterey >> Classic Car Week on the Monterey Peninsula will see many returning events such as the 33rd Annual Concorso Italiano Show, but Infiniti is bringing a new event to the proceedings — the Japanese Automotive Invitational.
The Japanese invitational will be held adjacent to the Infiniti Pavilion on Concours Plaza at Pebble Beach, between the general parking area and the driving range, on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Aug. 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Infiniti and Motor Trend Group have partnered on this new event to bring much more diversity to the world-renowned celebration of classic, vintage automobiles. Organizers are aiming to feature vehicles that exemplify Japanese prowess in design and performance that stems from its position and significance in car culture.
The Japanese Automotive Invitational is unique among the week’s showcasing of vintage automotive events during Classic Car Week and hopes to give a glimpse into the future of Japanese-inspired innovation and design.
Organizers of the invitational are still putting the finishing touches to the details of the event.
The 33rd annual Concorso Italiano Show returns to Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside on Aug. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tom McDowell, president of the Concorso Italiano since 2009 said he has been an Italian car enthusiast for quite some time.
McDowell said many in his family share his love for Italian autos. “There’s a trail of grief from the garage to the kitchen,” he said jokingly, as most in the family, save his mother, share the same automotive passion.
In the old days, Italian cars were not known for their reliability but you adjusted to it, he said. It might not get you to your destination or home again but you’ll have a lot of fun on the journey. Part of driving an Italian auto was “a willingness for uncertainty.”
But McDowell was quick to note the Italian autos have come a long way in the reliability spectrum.
Concorso Italiano is billed as a multi-faceted luxury lifestyle event which has been held on the Monterey Peninsula every August since its inception.
“The Concorso Italiano has evolved quite a bit because of industry changes, especially in Italy,” said the event president.
Bertone, Pininfarina, and Giugiaro, were designer rock stars that attracted enthusiasts to Italian car shows, including the Concorso Italiano back in the day.
Since 1985, the Concorso Italiano has centered on as many as 1,000 of the most unique luxury and exotic Italian automobiles and 400 additional exotics including Italian motorcycles and other European vehicles. There will be eight featured classes for 2018, as well as special coachworks and global exotics collections — a total of 10 — made up of non-Italian marques. The classes will include, Alfa Romeo, De Tomaso, Ferrari, Fiat, Isa & Bizzarrini, Lamborghini Lancia, and Maserati.
This year will feature a special celebration of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Super and four-door sedans, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari Daytona and Lamborghini models Espada and Islero.
McDowell said the largest Italian car show in the country is pushing about 1000 cars now and he would like to see it begin paring down next year to about 850 to 900 cars. In the past it has been “wash, wax and bring” but he said he wants to pre-qualify and upgrade the quality of the cars shown.
VIP tickets to Concorso Italiano, known as the CI Club, are priced at $495 which includes entrance to the Friday afternoon reception, early entry on the day of the show, VIP parking, breakfast, signature cocktails, a premium cigar, lunch, premium wine, a copy of Concorso Italiano magazine, and a commemorative gift.
General admission tickets are $180 and will offer guests admission to the event, a copy of the magazine and general admission parking.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.concorso.com
James Herrera can be reached at 831-726-4344.
