by Mike –
For many years I have lived within driving distance of the Monterey Peninsula and we always drove to Monterey for several days in mid-August. Now that I live in the area I do not need a hotel and the drive is short.
The local business owners love this week because it is probably their busiest week of the year. The locals who do not own a restaurant or hotel, and are not car lovers, tend to leave town or stay inside all week because of the influx of crowds.
My plans this week have me showing the Iso Grifo at two events. The first is the Carmel Mission Classic on Wednesday at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, commonly known as the Carmel Mission.
This is where Junípero Serra is buried – the Spanish Franciscan friar who gets the credit, or the blame depending upon your point of view, for founding the California Missions beginning nearly 250 years ago.
Frank DiPaola, the event chairman, who recruited me, I mean he recruited the Grifo, when we met at a Cars & Coffee a few months ago has this to say,
Carmel Mission feeds the spirit, fine cars feed the passion, fine wine and gourmet food feed the body. Join us in celebrating all three.
It is a small event – all the cars that will be there are listed here. It is my first time attending and I expect it will be fun.
On Saturday the Grifo and I will be at Concorso Italiano where the Iso Grifo is a featured model celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grifo.
I will drive the Grifo to both events, naturally, and I expect to be driving the only dark blue Grifo in Monterey County although there will be many Grifos here for the celebration. On Saturday evening the Iso & Bizzarrini Owner’s Club will hold our annual dinner, always a good time.
When I am not in the Grifo I will be driving around in the AC Cobra, probably the only black AC Cobra Mk IV on the Monterey Peninsula as well. So if you see me honk or stop by and say hello. The weather forecast looks pretty good but I do not trust weather forecasters since it has not been that long ago that I was caught in a monsoon downpour in the Grifo on the way to the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance.
There are many guides to Monterey Car Week, rather than me reproducing that information I will provide this link to Monterey Car Week events that may be useful to those of you coming in from out of town.
Have fun Mike. My Mk. IV is still laid up (very long story) so you will not only have the only black AC Mk. IV on the Peninsula but likely the only one! My other “fun” car…..1976 Jaguar XJ6C is in semi restoration too right now, so no cool cars to drive there. I hope to attend Monterey week next year.
Mike, can’t wait to see you again, and get to see your magnificent Grifo “in the flesh.” This is going to be great!
Hope to see all Iso aficionados at Concorso at Bayonet Blackhorse. I’ll be babysitting the A3/L Prototype.
Sounds like tough duty Dave. I’ll see you there.