Monterey Car Week 2025: Three Key Trends to Watch

Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the epicenter of the automotive world during Monterey Car Week, attracting thousands of collectors, enthusiasts, and industry insiders. As the event unfolds from August 8 to 17, 2025, there’s palpable anticipation surrounding both the established traditions and new developments that define this 10-day celebration. This year, several key trends and moments stand out for anyone invested in the car market, collecting, or simply automotive culture.

1. Auctions as Market Barometers

Monterey Car Week is legendary for its high-profile auctions, which not only set records but also serve as real-time indicators of demand for rare and collectible cars. The RM Sotheby’s Auction continues to be one of the most watched events, featuring the world’s most exceptional automobiles. With competitive bidding likely to push prices to new heights, collectors and investment-minded attendees pay close attention to these sales to gauge the health of the classic and exotic car market.

In addition to RM Sotheby’s, Motorlux by Broad Arrow Auctions and the Pebble Beach Auction by Gooding & Company will offer hundreds of rare vehicles under the hammer. Each sale offers insights into shifting market tastes—classic versus modern collectibles, electric supercars versus analog icons, and restored originals versus tastefully modified examples. For financial bloggers and investors, tracking which models fetch the highest bids can shed light on asset appreciation trends, buyer demographics, and even broader economic sentiment.

2. Hypercars and Limited Editions Take Center Stage

This year’s Car Week sees a significant focus on hypercars, limited-production supercars, and exclusive debuts. Events like Exotics on Broadway will showcase over 40 hypercars in a ticketed, enclosed area, while Broadway Avenue remains open for free viewing of exotic, luxury, and classic cars. Notable appearances—including the production De Tomaso P72, McLaren F1, Koenigsegg Agera HH, Maserati MC12, Lamborghini Essence SCV12, and Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider—highlight how manufacturers and collectors are prioritizing rarity, performance, and cutting-edge design.

The luxury market’s appetite for both established legends and bold newcomers is also on display at Motorlux, where state-of-the-art vehicles are presented alongside gourmet experiences and private aviation. The intersection of automobile and lifestyle continues to deepen, making Car Week an unparalleled showcase for the world’s most valuable machines.

3. Expanding Access and Experiences

While Monterey Car Week has traditionally been associated with high-ticket events, organizers are increasingly emphasizing accessibility and family-friendly programming. Free gatherings like the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum offer enthusiasts a chance to engage with automotive leaders on the future of collecting, design innovation, and sustainability.

The Automobilia Collectors Expo, open for browsing collections from 45 international dealers, attracts not only seasoned collectors but also those newly interested in the investing side of automobilia and rare parts. Meanwhile, themed festivities like the Ferrari Event at The Barnyard combine automotive passion with curated wine tastings, supporting local charities and community engagement.

The Monterey Motorsports Festival and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion bring vibrant racing culture and live music into the fold, encouraging attendees to experience not just the cars, but the broader lifestyle and energy of the event. With ticketed areas for hypercar showcases and expanded amenities, the event continues to evolve in response to a younger, digitally-engaged audience.

What Financial Bloggers Should Monitor

Monterey Car Week serves as a microcosm of the collector car market and, increasingly, luxury investment trends. Key things to watch include:

• Auction results: These reveal what buyers are willing to pay for top-tier vehicles and can forecast trends for the rest of the year.
• Model and brand popularity: Manufacturer reveals and collector preferences highlight emerging opportunities for investment.
• Broadening participation: The growth of free and family-oriented events may signal durable interest in classic and collectible cars across generations, supporting long-term value.

In a world where rare automobiles increasingly function as both passion purchases and savvy investments, the activity and sentiment at Monterey Car Week offer crucial clues. Whether you’re tracking market performance, seeking inspiration, or just exploring the spectacle, this year’s event is set to deliver unforgettable moments—and valuable insights—at every turn.