Monterey Car Week is one of the biggest automotive events in the world, if not the biggest. There is action and awesome cars literally around every corner. Even for diehard enthusiasts, it’s easy to get “carred out” and a bit overwhelmed with everything going on. So, when it comes to relative respite, one of our favorite places to hang out is the RM Auctions in downtown Monterey.
This is one of the most prestigious auctions in the world, and the fact it takes places in downtown Monterey is just awesome.
Downtown Monterey is full of great bars, restaurants, and is within walking distance to the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll find all kinds of attractions and things to do, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you decide you have had enough of cars for the day or night, it’s easy to just walk away and do whatever you please in one of the most charming and historic towns on the California coast.
The auction itself is full of some of the rarest and most beautiful cars in the world that you can watch get auctioned off right in front of your eyes. It’s amazing to watch an old MG sell for somewhere in the low teens followed by a multi-million-dollar. Being there and experiencing the vibe—and at times tense bidding—in the room is something you just have to experience firsthand.
This year’s event was packed with a diverse collection of fantastic cars, but we’ve always had a soft spot for SS Jaguars and there just happened to be two SS100 Jaguars being auctioned off while we were there. The first car that caught our eye was a perfectly restored 3 1/2 liter SS that had just undergone a fresh restoration by Classic Showcase. This car ended up selling for a staggering $852,500, which by our knowledge has to be close to, if not a world record. The second SS was a 2 1/2 liter car that was an older but fantastic restoration showing just a slight amount of wear. This one sold for $484,000 and was our favorite of the two cars because we would not have been afraid to drive and enjoy it.
If you’re planning on going to Monterey Car Week anytime in the future, the RM Auctions in downtown Monterey is the place to be. Be sure to book your hotel well in advance and plan everything ahead of time the best you can. If you have any questions or comments, p[please feel free to reach out to us.
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