Finally back at McCall's Motorworks Revival Party!

Now in its 28th year, this event is dialed in and superbly planned. Running later than I wanted, I was concerned about parking availability. As a media/VIP ticket holder, it meant parking on Garden Road and catching a shuttle. This worked out much better than expected, was as simple as could be, found a spot easily and a short walk to the clearly marked shuttle stop. 

An exciting gala, greeted with champagne and perfect weather made for a great evening. Security was noticeably increased and thoughtfully mentioned by Gordon McCall during his short thank you speech. There were metal detectors and wands with lines moving faster than any airport. Plenty of friendly CHP and DHS uniformed officers were on hand, and Gordon mentioned the FBI and Navy Seals from the local Naval Post Graduate School in attendance. 

The variety was of vehicles, winged and otherwise, was impressive as always. From old modded trucks sitting in the shadows of modern jet aircraft, an electric motorcycle across the aisle from the new Ford GT500 and GT Mk II. Also on display was McLaren’s new GT and F1 long tail race car, multiple special construction hot rods, Ruf Porsches along with Porsches reimagined by Singer. On the aviation side there were stand-outs such as warbirds, a B-25 and P-51 Mustang, private class jets such as the new Gulfstream G500 and Dassault 900EX and much more. 

Drinks flowed, with quite a variety from champagne, beer, wine, tequila and vodka. Appetizers were particularly delicious and for those seeking a real (i.e. big) meal, the paella on a massive wok was awesome. 

Considering the temporary nature of the jewelry and watch displays, they were done quite well with Bremont, Eberhard & Co., H. Moser & Cie, Kerbedanz, Reservoir Watch SA, Chronoswiss A.G. and Winston’s Estate Jewelers. As always, the CHP 11-99 Foundation was well represented and had a very successful fundraiser as the event is a major sponsor and supporter.

The 28th Annual McCall’s Motorworks Revival was a wonderful evening with 3000 fun-loving vehicle enthusiasts. It is a must-attend to really get a feel of what the Monterey Car Week is all about and kick it off in proper fashion.

See my Barely Streetable Facebook page for the full photo album.

McCalls Motorworks Revival off Monterey Car Week with objects of speed and style

Monterey Car Week started a week later than usual this year and the big event kickoff is McCall’s Motorworks Revival party. Held at the Monterey Jet Center, held Wednesday the 22nd. It's like entering a magical world of high fashion, amazing vehicles and celebration of life. The complementary champagne starts as soon as you walk in on the red carpet. Suddenly the mood lifts, the demands of work fade away, and you stroll into the playground of highly engineered objects for individuals of high net worth.

Always a great show, if it rolls it’s there. From old military aircraft to private jets open for tours, helicopters (they don’t roll), a variety of motorcycles of course, the cars. Oh also trucks and SUVs, Toss in some jewelry and all the bases are covered. Comparisons are from two years ago, a conflict prevented attendance last year. This year the event was smaller in terms of the second hanger being closed. The field of vehicles was still large and varied.

This year parking for non-VIP wasn’t organized as opposed to 2016 when it was a separate lot with shuttles. So we self-parked in the large valet lot. Which was an exotic car show in itself with a Porsche Carrera GT and a Bugatti Chiron among others. The DJ/band we really like was back, their set starting later in the evening with infectious, high energy dance music and a live drummer who was a show himself. This year was supposed to feature an after-hours party off-site until 2am but was sadly cancelled a week or so before the party. I can’t imagine the hoops to jump through to get such an approval in California but hopefully they’ll have it next year!

The variety of drinks available was particularly good except the champagne ran out early. A great party needs endless champaign! Unfortunately the variety and volume of food needed improving. After all many arrive via $625 Red Carpet tickets as early as 4pm and stay until the 10pm closing.
Many great sponsors participate in the event but the fundraiser is for the California Highway Patrol’s CHP 11-99 Foundation. This year the raffle is for a Ford Mustang GT Bullitt edition.

Smaller or larger than years past, it doesn't matter. This is the must-attend party every year for the unofficial start of the Monterey Car Week.  

Album link here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1550196661751706&type=1&l=809d800294

McCall's 25th Motorworks Revival Party rocked the Monterey Car Week kickoff

Gordon and Molly McCall celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center on Wednesday, August 17^th with a proper party that continues to evolve. It had all the requisite aircraft, cars, appetizers, and ambiance. This year a live DJ at 9pm was joined by a live drummer and violinist for a modern dance party. Needless to say, this party rocked.

Non-Red Carpet parking was well organized with comfortable shuttles delivering guests to the Monterey Jet Center. The caliber of cars in the remote lot and the number of helpful attendants made it hassle free. The complimentary professional photography at the entrance is always a treat.

Once past the entry its always, “Mind blown” with photography and ogle time. Modern and classic aircraft, specialty vehicles and stunning examples from various manufacturers. In the hanger itself, Koenigsegg had the Regera, Agera S and CCX there. Pagani had several models, McLaren, Alpha Romeo including the upcoming Giulia, Acura with the NSX, and Toyota had the Kyle Busch 2015 Sprint Cup Camry along with other Toyota racing standouts. Vintage motorcycles and war planes, executive jets, fine jewelry and more offered an incredible variety of visual treats.

Interestingly the second hanger wasn’t open this year without any detriment and kept the crowd from thinning out too much. One complaint was that there needed to be more places to sit, either to take a break, enjoy the wine, or rest some weary feet especially for the ladies in heels. There was no goody bag this year but the event lifestyle program is excellent and the branded wineglasses were favorite keepsakes so the bags weren’t necessary.

Food and drink seemed endless with four top chefs and six wineries kept the crowd well fed and in a party mood.  Tickets are available far in advance every year, this year for $395 and the excellent CHP 11-99 foundation continues to be the beneficiary of the raffle. Every year Gordon and Molly McCall continue to evolve the party with world class vehicles, food, drink and entertainment. It’s the Monterey car week kickoff party that should not be missed.

Photo album: Album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.868755033229209.1073741874.378354382269279&type=1&l=c5246730dc

McCalls Motorworks Revival sets the tone for the 2014 Monterey Car Week

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