Of all the “proper” shows in Monterey during car week (Concours d’Lemons is fun but not proper), the most inclusive one has to be Legends of the Autobahn. This show is for owners of any car wearing Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz badges. Some of these cars on display are the best examples of a model in the world, others are just nice daily drivers, and a few are the most wildly customized models you have ever seen.

This year, I had the honor to act as a judge in the BMW Concours class, which included a stunning E39 M5, Dakar Yellow E36 M3, and an 840i that was the young owner’s first car when he turned 16. It was a great experience and one I hope to repeat in the coming years.

In years past, the Audi field has been somewhat shallow, but this year there were many cars on display wearing the four-ring badge, from UR Quattros to R8s.

In the Mercedes area, there were literally examples of every postwar Mercedes you can think of. The vintage circle of Benzes was very cool, with a few Ponton-fender cars on display among them.

The BMW show field had to be the largest of the bunch, from the finest all-original E21 320i I have ever seen to a stupid-rare E36 M3 GT that was my single favorite car of the show, as well as an M1 and a number of Z8s.

If you attend Monterey next year and drive up in an Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or BMW, you really should seriously consider attending this super-fun show. You will certainly bear witness to some amazing cars and make plenty of friends while there.