THE MONTEREY CLASSIC CAR WEEK: Where Rolex and Motorsport Heritage Meet
Each August, the Monterey Peninsula, one of California’s most scenic locations, becomes the international focal point for vintage car and motor racing enthusiasts at the Monterey Classic Car Week.
This week-long celebration of the classic car was pioneered by the Pebble Beach Concours and Road Races. After briefly showcasing new cars, from 1955 the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance® focused on the heritage of the automobile and presented their top award to an “old car”, now known as a “classic”. Seeing an increasing demand and passion for classic cars, the event shifted to concentrate entirely on collector cars and proved to be the inspiration for other heritage events staged around the world.
The week comprises a series of exceptional gatherings of the world's most beautiful classic cars. Event-goers honor the heritage and tradition of motor racing, sharing their enthusiasm for the history of the automobile, while enjoying a unique combination of concours, tours, racing and auctions. Stepping back in time, they reflect on the inventiveness and creativity of the cars' designers and manufacturers and celebrate the style and beauty of a bygone era.
Each unique in its own way, the events are linked by a common theme: a passion for preserving finely crafted vehicles that are no less exceptional today than when they were first created. Those that stand out are the prestigious Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex. All of these prestigious contests are supported by Rolex and, along with The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, are the high point of the Monterey meeting.
The partnership between Rolex and the Monterey Classic Car Week is a natural fit, based on the brand's long-standing association with motorsports. These ties date back to the 1930s, when Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the 300 mile per hour barrier at the wheel of his World Land Speed Record car, Bluebird, with a Rolex watch on his wrist. Since then, Rolex's presence in the sport has grown steadily, driven by a passion for performance and innovation.
Whether supporting the leading motorsports series, Formula 1®; iconic endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA; or maintaining tradition with events that showcase the heritage of the sport, Rolex maintains a privileged relationship with this fast-paced world. This support also extends to the Goodwood Revival and the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, premier gatherings that both represent a step back in time to the glorious heyday of motor racing.
These ties include partnerships with some of the sport's most successful drivers: in 1968, Rolex formed a close relationship with three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers' World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, which this year is reaching its 50th anniversary.
In 2010, Rolex welcomed to its family of Testimonees record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, who joins this year's Monterey Classic Car Week as a special guest. And more recently, the brand partnered with Australian Mark Webber, the former racing driver who won nine Formula 1® Grand Prix races and the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship; as well as German-Finnish Nico Rosberg, the 2016 F1 World Champion who retired from active racing and now spends his time as an ambassador for the Formula 1® community.
Rolex is at the very heart of performance excellence and precision environments, pushing the boundaries of human and technological endeavour. Automobile racing offers a powerful combination of accuracy, skill, endurance and elegance, exemplified by the legendary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. In Testimonee Tom Kristensen's own words: “The Rolex way represents understated ambition. It is about making the most of your passion, while earning the respect of your competitors and everyone involved. It means that when you wear your Rolex, you feel you have achieved something very special.”