losingtime: The Streets of Carmel

Though we've been to Pebble Beach and much of the Monterey experience, this is the first time on the streets of Carmel for the Tour d'Elegance... this is certainly a different way to see the cars. The streets of Carmel were flooded with most of the cars we'll see on the lawn of Pebble Beach on Sunday, but there were many more surprises on the side streets as well.

We arived early to poke around the shops and take in the beautiful european village feel of Carmel. We did a little shopping and then you could hear them as they came down Ocean Avenue... what an experience. Sure you can see these cars on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach, but seeing them drive down the street and allow the general public to interact with the cars and their owners was a joy. Bentleys, Bugattis, Alfas, Mercedes, and even an unrestored Shelby Cobra! People not only own and pamper these million dollar cars, they actually drive them. After all of my years revering vintage cars and living with the fear of breathing on them wrong, I am changed. These people have shown how cars should be appreciated. The are an approachable form of design, engineering and beauty. People need the chance to appreciate them.

Not only were the vintage participants a treat, the surprises around every corner were amazing. To turn a corner and see the prototype of the upcoming Tesla Sedan or the new Porsche Panamera in person or to see a special Versace Edition Lamborghini or the Maybach Landaulet parked on a side street or the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead parked behind a UPS truck... everywhere you look, there was something special. There is so much opportunity to see and appreciate some of the most unique vehicles of the world located in one small area.