I have attended many events in Monterey over the last 20-plus years, but I have only been able to go to The Little Car Show twice because it is held on Wednesday — the same day as my auction tours. That always disappoints me, as I feel it is one of Monterey Car Week‘s best events.

Despite what its name might imply, The Little Car Show isn’t limited to microcars — any vehicle that’s at least 25 years old and has an 1,800cc or smaller engine is eligible. Think about that. It means the show is open to everything from prewar Alfa Romeo 6C 1750s and BMW Isettas to Porsche 356s, Porsche 912s, and pre-1979 Fiat Spiders, as well as many more amazing vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and values. This makes The Little Car Show one of the most inclusive events during Monterey Car Week, and one where you are most likely to see a car you have never seen before.

This year, The Little Car Show will take place in downtown Pacific Grove (along multiple blocks of Lighthouse Avenue between Fountain Avenue and 19th Street) on Wednesday, August 12, from 11 a.m. (when the entrants arrive) to 5 p.m. As is the case with many shows during Monterey Car Week, plan on arriving early to secure parking.

Although entries are now closed for this year’s event, to secure the best parking spot in the future, consider entering the show! If you have an interesting car that is 1,800cc or less and at least 25 years old — think a Honda CRX, Toyota MR2, so many different BMWs, or any classic four-cylinder Triumph/MG/Healey/Fiat/Alfa — you can enter it for a reasonable fee and get a chance to win an award, too.

I wish I had the time to go to The Little Car Show this year, but I look forward to seeing photos from my friends who attend. The event is free of charge to all spectators. Be sure to check out this gem of Monterey Car Week if you can.