On August 11, 2025, Monterey Car Week welcomed a fresh addition to its calendar with the debut of Monterey British, held on the lawns of the Carmel Valley Community Center. The show gathered around 100 vehicles, with a relaxed atmosphere with enthusiasts, owners, and visitors enjoying a wide range of British automotive heritage on display.

Our team was on hand for the event, and showed our recently restored 1956 Jaguar XK-140 MC on the show field. This was the Jaguar's first time at Monterey British, and earned the "Best Jaguar Fixed Head pre-1974 award", which was a testament to the many hours of meticulous restoration work carried out. Monterey British also marked the XK-140 MC’s first "public" at Monterey Car Week, setting the stage for additional showings throughout the week, including Hagerty's Motorlux and The Quail.

The overall quality and variety of cars at Monterey British impressed both judges and spectators alike. From iconic post-war roadsters to elegant grand tourers, owners shared the stories behind their cars and the care invested in their preservation. Many vehicles had undergone years of detailed restoration to maintain authenticity and originality, creating a show field that celebrated both craftsmanship
and design heritage. Despite being a first-year event, Monterey British managed to combine the prestige of Car Week with the allure of a local get-together. The show garnered early recognition and interest for future expansion with awards given across several British brands and a sizable attendance of cars and enthusiasts. For those who value the background, aesthetic, and performance of British classics, it appears set to establish itself as a frequent destination!     

RM Sotheby’s returned to the Portola Hotel and Monterey Conference Center for its 28th Monterey sale. The auction brought together some of the world’s finest collector cars and generated a high level of interest from bidders around the globe. The total sales exceeded $165 million, with an 87 percent sell-through rate and participants from 46 countries.

Ferrari models dominated much of the spotlight. Leading the pack was the 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” which sold for about $26,000,000 as a charity lot benefiting The Ferrari Foundation. That one car alone set a high bar and helped RM Sotheby’s post not only one of its most successful Monterey auctions ever, but also multiple world model records for cars like the F40, F50, and the LaFerrari. A 1993 Ferrari F40 LM by Michelotto sold for over $11 million, an ex-Ralph Lauren owned 1995 Ferrari F50 received 9,245,000, which was well above its pre-sale estimate. 

RM/Sotheby's auction displayed unusual and high profile cars, but also showed what collectors currently like. Newer Ferraris got a lot of attention, however older Pre-War cars, as well as those built for long road trips performed well. This indicates that collectors still value automotive history and authenticity. 

Mecum Auctions

Mecum’s Monterey 2025 auction took place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Del Monte Golf Course. The sale brought in a wide variety of collector and vintage automobiles as well as vintage motorcycles that attracted bidders from not only the United States, but abroad.  The auction generated about $45 million in sales, with 6 cars hammering for over a million dollars each, with many more exceeding their estimates. Several German and British cars among the lots drew attention not only for their past pedigree, but for how well preserved or restored they were.

Some of the more significant models included a fully restored 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S (which topped the sale), 2 Mercedes-Benz 300SLs - a Gullwing and a Roadster, and several standout Porsches that were among the million dollar+ sales. Even in a crowded auction schedule, Mecum’s offerings delivered many moments of excitement.

Broad Arrow Auctions

Broad Arrow’s Monterey auction returned to the Monterey Jet Center on August 13-14, 2025, carrying with it high expectations and delivered some truly outstanding moments. The two-day event was held at the Jet Center, where the sale offered an impressive roster of collector cars ranging from modern supercars to rare classics. The Auction house achieved approximately $57.4 million sales with an 80 percent sell-through rate in addition to world record prices and a host of vehicles that exceeded sales estimates. 

One of the most noteworthy results was a 2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale, which sold for $5,202,500, which set a new model record, becoming one of the select offerings of the sale. Also drawing attention were rare several hypercars as well as limited‐production supercars such as a 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR, which sold well above its expectations, along with numerous Porsches and other modern classics showing just how diverse the collector car market appetite is right now.

While top dollar results made the biggest headlines, there was diversity throughout Broad Arrow's catalog. Several mid estate cars as well as numbers-matching classics found new homes, with many selling within or just above pre-sale estimates. The overall competitive bidding and variety of cars was appreciated by spectators and collectors alike who admired not just the specific marque lots but the volume of of entries from vintage roadsters to European sports cars, hypercars resonated with attendees. 

MOTORLUX

Motorlux returned on the evening of August 13, 2025, as the spectacular opening night event of Monterey Car Week. Held at the Monterey Jet Center under Hagerty’s banner, the event welcomed a sold-out crowd of 4,250 guests to enjoy the immersive atmosphere. Guests wandered among over 275 collector cars, 15 aviation displays, and a host of culinary staging from Michelin-guide-recognized restaurants including Atelier Crenn, Maligne, and Coastal Kitchen. Fine wines and spirits flowed freely, paired with theatrical live-grill experiences and elevated hospitality throughout.

The automotive installations themselves were both thematic and inspiring. Exhibits included From Stuttgart with Love, paying tribute to Porsche and its legacy; America’s Wild Horse, celebrating 60 years of the Mustang; 200 MPH Club, showcasing cars engineered for extreme speed; and The Mercedes Maestro, honoring the aesthetic legacy of Bruno Sacco. Each exhibit was beautifully curated, with attention to design, authenticity, and presentation, making the tarmac look like a rolling automotive gallery.

A highlight for our team was showing our recently restored 1956 Jaguar XK-140 MC at Motorlux. The Jaguar was very well received, drawing attention from both aficionados and the general crowd for its craftsmanship, flowing lines, and period correctness. It fit very elegantly among the themed installations, standing out for its style and restoration quality. It was a strong moment for us, helping further showcase the work behind the XK-140 MC and reinforcing the car’s growing presence during Monterey Car Week.

Beyond the cars, Motorlux 2025 delivered on food, drink, community, and spectacle. More than 40 noted restaurants and local vendors participated, blending fine dining with approachable hospitality. Over 30 wine labels poured offerings, some of them 100-point vintages. Live entertainment under the stars, elegant lighting on the tarmac, and the aviation displays added dimension and drama, especially as daylight gave way to evening.

The event also tied in with the Broad Arrow Auction happening over the same weekend. Select lots were previewed at Motorlux, giving attendees early access to view rare cars before they crossed the auction block. This blending of lifestyle, automotive spectacle, and auction previews helped set the tone for the rest of Car Week. Motorlux also kept focus on giving back. The event benefits the CHP 11-99 Foundation, supporting families of California Highway Patrol personnel in need, and the Navy Postgraduate School Foundation. The sense of community and contribution added a meaningful dimension to what is already a glamorous opening night.

Motorlux 2025 delivered more than a luxury showcase. It created a polished, sensory-rich beginning to Monterey Car Week that reminded everyone why this time of year is so special. For our team, the positive reception of the XK-140 MC was both gratifying and energizing. The event underlined the importance of craftsmanship, presentation, and atmosphere, not just performance or rarity as much of what makes collector car culture resonate. Motorlux set a high bar this year, and it lays the foundation for even greater moments in the future!

If you have been to Monterey Car Week, you know The Quail is not just another car show. It is the one that everyone talks about. Held at Quail Lodge & Golf Club under clear August skies, the 2025 event felt like stepping into the center of the automotive world for a day. Walking in, you could not help but pause. Rows of pre-war machines gleamed like jewelry, modern hypercars drew crowds three people deep, and a corner of the lawn featured concept cars that looked like they belonged on another planet. 

This year’s theme focused on “launches and coachbuilt excellence,” and there was plenty to see. Lamborghini introduced its new Fenomeno, Lexus brought a sharp-looking Sport Concept, and Singer and Gunther Werks lined up their reimagined classic Porsches. The Concept Lawn kept visitors lingering, with everything from EV prototypes to bespoke limited-production cars displayed side by side, designers on hand to talk through the details.

Seeing our 1956 Jaguar XK-140 MC on the field was a proud moment for our team, as it sat among some of the most prestigious cars in the world, it received steady attention from photographers and enthusiasts alike. The event made great visibility for the XK-140 MC, and reinforced its status among collectors as more than just a restoration, but more of a classic standing its ground among the diverse collection of vehicle assembled at The Quail.

The stories were everywhere you looked. Seventeen Ferrari F50s gathered to celebrate the model’s 30th anniversary. Gordon Murray’s S1 LM impressed with its screaming V12. Bugatti’s one-off Brouillard drew constant crowds. Lexus hinted at the future with its Sport Prototype crossover concept. Each display offered something different to discover. As with past events, Bonhams once again held its auction alongside the Quail, with over a hundred collector cars crossing the block. The beautiful atmosphere of the lawns gave way to bidding inside, adding another layer of excitement to an already full day at The Quail.

Pacific Grove Little Car Show

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the 15th annual Little Car Show rolled into downtown Pacific Grove, bringing with it one of the most charming and whimsical displays of Monterey Car Week. Running from noon to 5:00 p.m. along multiple blocks of Lighthouse Avenue (between Fountain Avenue and 19th Street), The Little Car Show is free to the public and features vehicles that are 25 years or older, with 1,800 cc or less displacement. It includes micro, mini, steam, electric, and otherwise unusual small-engined and “special interest” vehicles from a wide array of marques and countries. The entry fees and donations support local charities, maintaining the event’s community spirit and welcoming atmosphere. 

What stood out this year was just how varied the display was. There were classic Minis and Austin Healey Bugeye Sprites, vintage MG TCs, and Nash Metropolitans. You could see early Fiat and Innocenti Minis, a Lotus Elise (S1) that scaled up the mini- car feel, even small displacement vintage BMWs and Volkswagens. Some very rare vehicles showed up: a 1926 Bugatti Type 40 Roadster, an MG TB from 1939, multiple Morris Minors, tiny Fiats, and even a handful of unique vintage electrics and arcane microcars. Spectators loved the variety and it’s the kind of show where two neighboring cars might be radically different in era, origin, or mechanical character. 

A favorite part of the show came after judging and awards, when participants and onlookers joined in a scenic cruise around Pacific Grove’s waterfront. Cars drove toward Lovers Point and then followed Ocean View Blvd to Asilomar State Beach. It offered a chance to see the cars in motion, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the ambiance. For many attendees, The Little Car Show is less about high stakes competition and more about connection between car owners, collectors, and those simply captivated by automotive history in small scale. 

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Early morning at Pebble Beach started quietly. A bit of fog. The sound of engines in the distance. Then cars began to appear on the fairways, one after another, until the grass was full of them. By the time the gates opened, there were 229 entries from 22 countries and 31 states. The Pacific on one side, spectators on the other, and nothing but sunlight and polished metal in between.

Our team was on hand to take in this magnificent display of automotive artistry, and the breadth of machinery on the fairway was breathtaking. While the Pebble Beach Concours has long been known for pre-war automobiles, the 2025 edition featured a notable increase in post-war coachbuilt cars, concept vehicles, and modern limited-production entries, demonstrating how the event continues to evolve with changing collector interests. 

The big trophy this year went to the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Tulipwood’ Torpedo by Nieuport-Astra. Its body was built from thin mahogany panels held together by what seemed like thousands of tiny aluminum rivets. Judges loved it. So did the crowd. Last year a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports took the top prize, a car with deep roots in pre-war racing. The Hispano-Suiza felt different — more about design and craftsmanship than raw competition.

Away from the winner’s circle, there was no shortage of cars to study. The Chrysler Centennial display brought out seldom seen coachbuilt Imperials including a 1933 Imperial CL LeBaron Phaeton. Elsewhere, a 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible excited attendees with its wood paneled bodywork and charm. Post-war concepts grabbed attention too. The Automobili Pininfarina Battista drew constant crowds, as did a handful of one-off Porsche and Aston Martin designs that looked as much like sculptures as automobiles. Some celebrated racing history. Others stood out for design alone. A few did both.

By late afternoon the Pacific light turned golden, reflecting off chrome and polished paint. Pre-war, post-war, and future concepts shared the same fairways at Pebble, and it was hard to walk away without a sense of respect for the craftsmanship and imagination behind it all!