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.

Now that is a party! Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival

The event that is considered the kickoff for the Monterey weekend is fabulous. Gordon McCall’s 22nd Motorworks Revival party held Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 featured bright colors, fascinating designs, great lines, the well-known and not-so-well known. The featured cars, motorcycles and airplanes were really special too!

Despite being a cloudy late afternoon at the Monterey airport, the number of vehicle carriers along the way and small jets at the airport was a hopeful indicator of what attendees were in store for. Jason, the ever-present parking director and his crew did an excellent job of lining up the cars.
A short stroll around the Monterey Jet Center administrative building, around the corner, and ta-da! Plenty of staff to hand out waiting tickets and at the entrance, two rows of identically dressed servers each with flutes of champagne on a tray as party goers walk on the blue carpet. What a start!

Sleek lines best describes the attendees, both mechanical and carbon based! Several luxury jets and propeller planes could be boarded, and various exotic cars could be sat in. Aston Martin had the largest presence with many models present including the ultra-rare One-77, the debut of the 2013 Vanquish and the V-12 Vantage S! Breitling watches partnered with the California Highway Patrol 11-99 charity foundation for a $100 per ticket raffle of the Skyracer watch. Breitling also featured a display of watches along with a Bentley having a stunning Breitling limited edition Continental with a factory representative to answer questions.

The North American debut of two examples of the superb and obtainable 2014 Maserati Ghibli was compliments of Maserati of Sacramento. Mr. Pagani was present with a carbon fiber intensive, sculpted Pagani Huayra masterpiece; a crowd and enthusiasts favorite. Octane Magazine hosted an even more exclusive lounge upstairs. Copious amounts of champagne and wine was served and the hors d’oeuvres were a culinary delight compliments of the Bernardus Lodge with Chef Cal Stamenov.

The music made for the perfect accompaniment of the atmosphere. Particularly telling was how well the event was attended even at the 10pm closing time despite starting at 5pm. Capturing the essence of the weekend is what Gordon McCall’s party does best. Phenomenal vintage and modern automobiles, motorcycles and aircraft with a first class atmosphere and accommodations make for a superb event!