Concours on the Avenue

By contrast to other weekend concours, the classes here were oriented toward production cars to which the spectators could relate

by Gary Anderson

"Monterey needs another event like it needs a hole in the head,” was a typical comment on the enthusiast blogs when the announcement was made earlier this year that Carmel-by-the-Sea would present the “Concours on the Avenue” on Tuesday of the Monterey week.

However, when the last award winner had crossed under the Awards Pavilion structure erected on Ocean Avenue in the heart of downtown Carmel, spectators, sponsors, entrants, judges, and town fathers were in agreement: The combination of accessible classic automobiles presented in a charming setting had earned this newcomer respect among Monterey classic car week events.

I was a little skeptical at first myself, but I figured since I would already be in Monterey for the Prehistorics, and it would be fun to have my Austin-Healey to tool around in during the week, I might as well enter the show. I’m glad I did. I think the competition for the 150 slots is going to be intense next year and my...