Carmel, Pebble, and the Werks Reunion—Monterey Car Week 2017
- Images by Shawn Glad
Monterey Car Week, held each year in Monterey, California, serves as a focal point for car enthusiasts, showcasing an array of classic and luxury vehicles. This year’s events spanned from August 15 to 20, offering a diverse lineup of events that catered to various aspects of automotive culture. Among the car shows, a few highlights included the Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance and the Porsche Werks Reunion.
The Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue, held on Tuesday, August 15, featured Multi-Marques from 1940 through 1973, Porsche models across all years, and Ferrari models up to the year 1989. Among the Major Awards, Best of Show went to a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta ‘Tour de France,’ owned by Fred Peters.
The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance occurred on Thursday, August 16 preceding the main Concours event on Sunday in Pebble Beach. The Tour featured a selection of vintage and classic automobiles, navigating a course that spans the scenic 17-Mile Drive and sections of the Pacific Coast Highway, allowing spectators an opportunity to see these exceptional cars in motion. Vehicles included a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/195 S Berlinetta Le Mans and the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ among others.
The Porsche Werks Reunion was on August 18 at the Corral de Tierra Country Club near Salinas and showcased over 750 Porsches, spanning both classic and contemporary models, including judged classes. On display were a trio of Pikes Peak Hillclimb cars and also Chris Runge’s hand-built ‘Frankfurt Flyer,’ a unique and impressive sight as it was completely hand built in homage to the Glockler VW and Porsche Specials built in the early 50’s.
I’ve included a few personal highlights below. Photos from the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will follow in a subsequent post. Cheers!
This 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster was raced by John O’Steen and Dr. David Helmick throughout the 1960s and 1970s, having a remarkable presence in the motorsport world with over two decades of participation in SCCA races.
Chassis: 83901
Owner: George Calfo
This 1956 Porsche 356A Coupe’s owner has an ambitious plan to race this 356A on all seven continents, a challenge that promises to make this car one to watch in the coming years.
Owner: Renee Brinkerhoff
This 1951 Porsche Pre-A 356, one of only 749 Pre-A Coupes produced, is quite rare. These cars are powered by an 1100-cc air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine and deliver 40 horsepower.
Owner: Ray Paterek
This 1958 Porsche 550A maintains original and unrestored bodywork complete with racing battle scars, while mechanical components have been refreshed for safety and performance.
Chassis: 144
Owner: Tom Trabue
This 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/195 S Berlinetta Le Mans, has a 2.4-liter, V12 engine, initially developed for the Ferrari 195. This car is among the exclusive group of just six Le Mans Berlinettas crafted by Carrozzeria Touring on the Ferrari 166 chassis. Its historical importance is further highlighted by Giannino Marzotto’s drive to victory in the 1950 Mille Miglia, marking Ferrari’s second consecutive win in this prestigious event.
Chassis: 0026M
This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ is equipped with a water-cooled, overhead-cam, V12 engine that offers a displacement of 2953cc and generates 260 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The car’s livery is from its run in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, where drivers Leon Dernier and Jean Blaton placed 3rd overall and a win in the 3-liter GT class.
Chassis: 1321
This 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 CUP, provided by Jeff Zwart and Jim Edwards, has a twin-turbo 997 GT2 RS engine, making more than 750 horsepower. Built for the 2013-15 Pikes Peak Hillclimb, Jeff Zwart drove it to first place in the Time Attack 1 class and secured a fourth-place finish overall in 2015. Additionally, it competed in the Goodwood Festival Hillclimb in 2016, achieving a 10th place finish overall.
This 1976 Porsche 934 Turbo RSR, has a 2993cc motor making 885 horsepower and 434 lbs of torque. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, it made appearances at notable race tracks in both Germany and the United States, such as the Nürburgring, Silverstone, Mid-Ohio, and 6-Hours of Watkins Glen.
Chassis: 0167
Owner: Jim Edwards
The 2012 Runge Frankfurt Flyer, was hand built by Chris Runge. This exclusive “Special” has an aluminum skin shaped by hand using age-old methods that hark back to the late 1940s and early 1950s. Drawing inspiration from the Glockler VW and Porsche Specials that emerged in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1949-1954, the Frankfurt Flyer is characterized by its mid-engine layout. It weighs 1,250lbs and is equipped with a VW-based engine featuring dual carbs and delivering 85hp.
Chassis: FF003