Monterey Car Week, which starts on Monday, August 10, is truly one of the wonders of the collector car world, with multiple happenings daily throughout the week, including shows, auctions, racing, and concours events. Starting the week off is the Automobilia Collectors Expo at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, August 10-12.
For those who have not been to an automobilia event, this is where you can find that rare Porsche or Ferrari toolkit, buy some amazing and often limited-edition car books, and peruse tables covered in diecast cars, grille badges, and vintage automotive sales literature — in addition to some neon signs and a great deal of original automotive artwork. In a nutshell, it’s the place to buy all those items you might want for your car to make it more complete for a show.
Over the last 20-plus years, I have never missed this event, as I always find something I “need” to have. Beyond shopping for myself, I also find that the Automobilia Collectors Expo in Monterey is one of the best places to find rare gifts for my friends in the collector car hobby. I usually end up with a suitcase full of books, as well as things like keychains, a few car-themed neckties, a diecast car or two, and — in one instance — a limited-edition Autodromo Bryan Redman watch I purchased a few years back for a friend at BMW North America.
Some time back, the Expo changed hands. It is now run by my friend Ben Horton of Horton’s Books. He has raised the show to another level, adding an automobilia auction to the program and bringing on even more vendors. Despite that, the admission is a very reasonable $30 for a one-day pass or $60 for a three-day pass. This year, there is also a VIP pass for $125, which also includes entry to a number of forums held on-site.
Be warned, though: The admission just gets you in the door. I have never left the Expo empty-handed, and I usually spend a lot more than the entry fee on books, tools, and the like. That being said, it is a lot of fun and, in addition to the great offerings, has become the place where people meet and catch up before the craziness of the week. If you are in Monterey for Car Week, I highly recommend attending the expo, as there really is not anything else like it on the U.S collector car calendar. The Automobilia Collectors Expo takes place August 10-12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday). Tickets are available online or at the door.
