We went to a party at the Monterey Jet Center on Wednesday, August 13th. It had a red carpet entry, a photo area, complimentary champagne, sushi, caviar, an oyster bar, live music and DJ(s). We saw Chad McQueen, Wayne Carini and various captains of industry. It was quite a party, but the real stars were the airplanes, helicopters, cars and motorcycles in the two hangers and the tarmac in front. The
vehicles were the recipients of all the oohing and ahing.

Gordon McCall hosted another spectacular kick-off party for the Monterey Car week. At $325 per person for a VIP ticket, it is not inexpensive, but it is a spectacular party that just happens to host a world-class vehicle show. Prominent displays of car manufacturers included Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Ford, Icon 4x4, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Pagani, Panoz, Singer Vehicle Design, Tesla, and Toyota. The big sponsor was the CHP 11-99 foundation raffling the new 2015 Ford Mustang 50th anniversary edition, Parmigiani and Baum Mercier watches, a Hasselbrad camera and a Foxy Couture brooch. Gleim the Jeweler, Weather Tech, Feadship shipping cooperative, Carmel Realty Company and others also had displays.

Out on the tarmac there were spectacular aircraft on display including Gulfstream, helicopters and a P-51 Mustang. Rick Cole Auctions parked a number of very fine entries to pre-preview before the Thursday viewing and auction starting on Friday. Other notable highlights were sport coupes from the Petersen Auto Museum, the freakishly massive 30 foot, 1600hp Packard Royal with a PT Boat engine and Ford Mustang concept car.

Speaking with other attendees was fascinating with collectors, business owners, philanthropists, visitors to the US to buy or sell at upcoming auctions and others there just to enjoy the festivities. With so much varied and finely engineered hardware to peruse at this spectacularly prepared and attended venue, a big thank you and standing applause to Gordon McCall for a magical evening.

Photo album here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539829769455072.1073741838.378354382269279&type=1&l=ae000feea1

The event that is considered the kickoff for the Monterey weekend is fabulous. Gordon McCall’s 22nd Motorworks Revival party held Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 featured bright colors, fascinating designs, great lines, the well-known and not-so-well known. The featured cars, motorcycles and airplanes were really special too!

Despite being a cloudy late afternoon at the Monterey airport, the number of vehicle carriers along the way and small jets at the airport was a hopeful indicator of what attendees were in store for. Jason, the ever-present parking director and his crew did an excellent job of lining up the cars.
A short stroll around the Monterey Jet Center administrative building, around the corner, and ta-da! Plenty of staff to hand out waiting tickets and at the entrance, two rows of identically dressed servers each with flutes of champagne on a tray as party goers walk on the blue carpet. What a start!

Sleek lines best describes the attendees, both mechanical and carbon based! Several luxury jets and propeller planes could be boarded, and various exotic cars could be sat in. Aston Martin had the largest presence with many models present including the ultra-rare One-77, the debut of the 2013 Vanquish and the V-12 Vantage S! Breitling watches partnered with the California Highway Patrol 11-99 charity foundation for a $100 per ticket raffle of the Skyracer watch. Breitling also featured a display of watches along with a Bentley having a stunning Breitling limited edition Continental with a factory representative to answer questions.

The North American debut of two examples of the superb and obtainable 2014 Maserati Ghibli was compliments of Maserati of Sacramento. Mr. Pagani was present with a carbon fiber intensive, sculpted Pagani Huayra masterpiece; a crowd and enthusiasts favorite. Octane Magazine hosted an even more exclusive lounge upstairs. Copious amounts of champagne and wine was served and the hors d’oeuvres were a culinary delight compliments of the Bernardus Lodge with Chef Cal Stamenov.

The music made for the perfect accompaniment of the atmosphere. Particularly telling was how well the event was attended even at the 10pm closing time despite starting at 5pm. Capturing the essence of the weekend is what Gordon McCall’s party does best. Phenomenal vintage and modern automobiles, motorcycles and aircraft with a first class atmosphere and accommodations make for a superb event!