Buzz and Jackie's Monterey Adventure 2002

Sunday, August 18th

Sunday was a day for decisions. We had tickets for the race track and knew that there would be some great racing for us to watch, but it was also the day for the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance. This is one of if not the best automobile shows in the world, and we will most likely not be here again, so we decided to go for it. We arrived early, so we could park somewhat near the show. That meant that we were only between bus stops 4 and 5. I wonder how early the ones at bus stop 1 got there. We took a shuttle to the Black Hawk display of autos for sale. Yea right, it should be high priced toys for the rich and famous. We are talking some beautiful cars at likewise beautiful prices. At least we can dream. Strolling along toward the 18th hole, we passed the display of Corvettes and saw some that we will not see in one place again. We are talking cars from Chip Miller, Corvette Mike, and even a Mosler.

















From there it was off toward the Lodge and even more cars. The Bentley boys were well represented, as were many American Auto Manufacturers, who displayed their prototype cars. While we were viewing, someone wandered over to the GT-40 Ford, sat inside and fired it up. WOW! This got everyone's attention in a hurry. All this had gone on and we weren't even inside the show.

We entered the show grounds and proceeded to the tent marked "Champagne" for a little refreshment. After purchasing a bottle, getting our plastic flutes, we all felt that we were a part of the proper audience. We strolled onto the grounds and immediately were very overwhelmed with the quality of the autos. There wasn't a vehicle that you could see anywhere else except in a private collection. Cadillac, Maybach and Fiat 8V's were the featured marques and well-represented. There were a few old prototype Cadillac's, and many one of a kind cars. There must have been ten or more Fiats, and I was amazed that they were so varied in body styles. The Maybach row had some of the most magnificent automobiles I have ever seen. We discussed the finishing of the restored cars and were amazed that there was one here with the original finish intact. Boy, did it still look good.

While looking at the magnificent vehicles, we noticed that one in particular was drawing a huge crowd. We decided to go over and see what was the draw and low and behold who should be there but Jay Leno:



He seemed to be doing some sort of interview in front of the purple Bugatti he had entered in the show. There were many people in the crowd who looked like they should be famous even if they were not. I did spot Al Jardine of the Beach Boys wandering among the throngs of people. Also we managed to run into Karen Hill and her family as we stared at the gorgeous machinery. She may not be famous to many others, but was infamous to us Corvette enthusiasts. After walking for what seemed like miles and consuming another bottle of Champagne, we finally decided that it was time to head to the hotel and think of packing our belongings for the long flight home.

We boarded the shuttle, rode to our car and drove the 17-mile drive for one last time. Upon arrival at the hotel, Skip was waiting in the lobby for the keys to both his ZR-1 and Veronica's Fixed Roof Coupe. I knew that this super trip was coming to a swift end. We packed, went to dinner and saw Veronica in the parking garage ready to leave with her car. Both Jackie & I reiterated how thankful we were to her for lending her baby to us for the whole time we were out in California. We can only hope that in the future we can repay her kindness is some small way. Well, it was off to bed, arise early in the morning and take the shuttle, not anywhere near as exciting as the road tours, to the airport for the long flight back to Tampa.

We would have to make this story even longer if we thanked everyone individually for all they did for us, so I guess we will end with a great big "THANK YOU" for all! Don't forget the Wave.

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