Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Pacific Grove’s Little Car Show is one of the Peninsula’s most popular events during Monterey Car Week.
Held in downtown on Lighthouse Avenue, the show displays classic cars from all countries, including all-electric cars. While about 100 cars will be showcased, unlike in years past, the Aug. 14th event won’t be featuring any particular mark of car. It will, however, feature a performance of the National Anthem at the beginning of the show by 13-year-old vocalist Barbra Ann Wagner.
It was John Moulton, who had the idea for The Little Car Show in 2011 and has overseen it ever since. To him, what makes this particular gathering of cars so special is the uniqueness of the automobiles and the fact that it’s also one event that’s free to the public.
He said this year there are more cars from the 1950s and ‘60s and not as many automobiles from earlier eras. That’s because, according to Moulton, the age group of those investing in these types of cars is getting younger.
“When people get cars they get ones that remind them of the one in their youth,” said Moulton. “And a lot of car collectors are now in middle age so you see more from the 50s and 60s. “The older they are the harder they are to keep up,” he added.
“Visitors to the Little Car Show are unique in the sense that they can relate to the size, make & models,” added Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce President Moe Ammar. “Little cars bring back memories of the early days of driving. It is a nostalgic experience.”
At this year’s event, retired meteorologist and local celebrity Jim Vanderzwaan will present trophies while the Dick Robins Ragtime Stompers will provide music.
The show, which will be followed by a cruise down Pacific Grove’s Ocean View Boulevard, is presented by Marina Motorsports. Acceptance of $50 participant fees will go to benefit the Pacific Grove Library, the P.G. Youth Center and the Veterans Transition Center.
Additionally, for the third year, the 18th hole of the Pacific Grove Golf Links will be the setting for Worldwide Auctioneer’s annual car auction on Aug. 15.
This year, slated to cross the auction block is an original 1898 Riker Electric, owned and raced by early automotive pioneer Andrew Riker himself.
Other consignments to this year’s auction include a 1947 Cisitalia D46 Single-Seater Monoposto, raced in 1948 by Roger Loyer, with original chassis, engine and body and an all numbers-matching 1931 Cadillac V-12 Roadster, accompanied by GM Cadillac Heritage Certificate.
Auction preview days begin Monday, August 12th up until the sale itself.
Also in P.G. on Friday, Aug. 16, the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally will take place from 12 to 5 p.m. Presented by the Rotary Club of Pacific Grove, over 200 cars will cruise down Lighthouse Avenue.
