by Mike Gulett –
By looking at the crowd size on Tuesday I could tell that people really missed the Concours-on-the-Avenue, which used to be held in downtown Carmel every Tuesday of Monterey Car Week. That is until the founder, Doug Freedman, died three years ago. It has not been held since.
But now there is a new event trying to fill the void and I believe they are off to a great start on the first year of the Concours for a Cause held at the same time and in the same location as the former event.
Ford GT40
There were fewer cars than before but I expect it will grow next year. The organizers also added live music.
Lead Sled
Because it is held on Tuesday, which is early in Car Week, most of the cars and people are either local or local adjacent like the San Francisco Bay Area. Parents bring their kids and I could tell that most of them were not staying in a hotel.
1965 Shelby GT350
I always run into people I know walking around enjoying the cars and people, or having lunch and a glass of wine in one of the many restaurants. This happened yesterday too, plus I met a couple from Scotland celebrating a 50th birthday.
Here are some of my photos from the first Concours for a Cause. I suspect it will become as popular as the event it has replaced.
More photos are in the gallery below.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Ocean Avenue
During the Concours the beach was quiet
Hi Mike
The new Tuesday event on the Avenue was terrific. We participated. It was well organized, not terribly crowded but at the same time loads of people came by our car to chat. The weather was sensational and the “judging” concept unique and fun (everyone gets tokens to drop in a bucket next to the car they think is worthy).
No doubt that next year the organizers will be inundated with requests to participate. We will be there.
Hi Buddy,
Which car did you take to this event?
I will be there next year too.
On the way he stopped at Pep Boys….
Hi Mike, Hi Buddy! It was a pleasure to meet you both at The Quail this year. It was my first participation experience at Monterey Car Week. My car, however, was shown by the previous owner (Lee Wilson) at Carmel Concours on the Avenue in 2021. Lee let me know just how fun that was! That said, I’m thrilled to earn another Carmel event is rising up in its place. I would love to attend this next year and hope to see you both there.
Hi Mike and Buzz,
Congrats to Buzz on winning a prestigious award at The Quail. Your E-type is stunning. We plan to be in Carmel and at The Quail next year. Until then, stay well and enjoy.
Buddy
Thanks, Buddy! Nice of you to say; I appreciate it. Your Pantera is equally stunning, as was Mike’s Aston. I posted pics of both back in the “Found it” thread.
https://mycarquest.com/2024/07/jaguar-xke-found-without-even-looking.html#comment-624708
Best wishes until next year.