The Paddock Monterey Inaugural Event Success

A Heartfelt Thank You

The inaugural Paddock Monterey launched on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course with a spectacular gathering of enthusiasts, industry leaders, sponsors, and media. We are deeply grateful to our vehicle owners, car clubs, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, the team at Bayonet Black Horse, and our media partners—your presence and support made this first-year event an overwhelming success.

Relaxed and Open Format

The Paddock was intentionally designed as a non-judged, open-format car show. This approach gave owners and builders the freedom to display their cars without the pressure of score sheets, while allowing visitors to enjoy the field at their own pace. The atmosphere emphasized photography, conversation, and camaraderie over competition.

From beautiful British cars like Dave Reid's 1959 Jaguar XK150S, to the 2026 Topolinos provided by FIAT, The Paddock Monterey show field had something wonderful for everyone to enjoy.

Images by Igor Braslavsky & Crazy Jacket Guy

RADwood Steals the Show

Among the day’s highlights was Hagerty’s RADwood curated display of 50+ cars from the 1980s and 1990s. DJ DP Fonix brought the era back to life with music that filled the entire event. Guests danced throughout the afternoon and joined a lively clothing contest, where a guest dressed as Pee-wee Herman took top honors in the men’s division and became a crowd favorite. RADwood also awarded Raddest Ride to the famed Victoria’s Secret Lamborghini Diablo, brought by influencer and VINwiki founder Ed Bolian.

Icons Across the Field

The Paddock show field was filled with feature vehicles ranging from Pebble Beach–level European classics to American performance and modern exotics:

A robust gathering of Spyker cars were present in celebration of the marque’s 25th anniversary, wowing spectators with wings raised in unison as Spyker founder Victor Muller autographed vehicles and mingled with the owners. Igor Braslavsky & SingleLens Images

VIP Experience and Hospitality

General admission guests enjoyed a dozen carefully selected food trucks and other food and beverage vendors. The VIP Experience in the Bayonet Black Horse Clubhouse offered guests a curated menu, cocktail bar, and sweeping views of the event lawn from the patio. Smiles, conversation, and shared passion made the clubhouse atmosphere a highlight of the day. Spyker owners could be found enjoying their private cabana on the hilltop where they enjoyed food and beverages.

The Perfect Stage

The infrastructure and production established a world-class tone. The low-profile stage framed the beautiful Monterey Bay backdrop, flanked by Meguiar’s® sponsor flags fluttering in the coastal breeze. Glastonbury Inc. amplified the experience with a powerful sound system and massive video screen perched on the hill, ensuring the entire show field was connected to the day’s program.

Activations

Sponsor Kindred Motorworks showcased three of their incredible reimagined vintage Broncos and even offered guests the chance to take test drives just outside the event.

Sponsor Shea Homes welcomed guests into their tent with examples of the beautiful homes they construct. They went one step further by organizing a tour along the perimeter of Bayonet Black Horse to view an actual home they recently built.

Sponsor Adobe Road Winery poured wine for vehicle owners in the Grand Hospitality tent.

The Grand Hospitality tent, available to those with vehicles on display on the show field, was made possible by sponsor Monterey Motor Club, who presented an intriguing video showcasing the innovative design of their future Monterey facility, both inside and out. The business concept, which emphasizes secure vehicle storage in an elegant display space overlooking Monterey Bay, was enthusiastically received, with many attendees expressing interest in taking advantage of the services when the facility opens in 2027—ensuring they can keep their collector cars on the Monterey Peninsula year-round.

Sponsor Vossen Wheels had an impressive display of their signature precision-crafted wheels, with fitted examples on vehicles as well.

Event sponsor Aerovault’s founder, Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Peter Brock, was on hand to talk about the incredible trailers and sign autographs. Gentlemen from the Franco Uomo team circulated the event in svelte, stylish attire from their clothing line.

Vendors

In addition to the wonderful vendors onsite offering art, jewelry, and more, The Mr. Car Week tent was a big success. Hosted in conjunction with the Automobilia Collector’s Expo held earlier during Monterey Car Week, the tent offered multiple automobilia-themed vendors with a variety of items available for purchase.

Sponsors

The inaugural Paddock Monterey would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Adobe Road Winery, Aerovault, Drako Motors, FIAT, Franco Uomo, Glastonbury Inc., Kindred Motorworks, Meguiar’s®, Monterey Motor Club, Saleen, Shea Homes, Shelby American, Superformance, and Vossen Wheels.

Media Partners

We also thank our media partners for helping us share the story of The Paddock Monterey: Ferrari Market Letter, Highline Autos, KMBY Radio, My Car Quest, VeloceToday, and What’s Up Monterey.

Giving Back

Community benefit is central to our mission. During the online registration process, vehicle owners were given the opportunity to include a donation to one or more local charities when entering their cars including Global Empowerment Mission, The Food Bank for Monterey County, ALL IN Monterey County, and Sweet Grace, Inc.

Closing Note

The Paddock Monterey is more than a car show—it is a celebration of car culture across eras, and of the community that makes it all possible. The day truly felt like one big summer party filled with friends, music, and unforgettable cars. Thank you for being part of our inaugural event, and for helping us launch The Paddock Monterey with such great success.