Car Week kicks off in Monterey

Car fans in Monterey got a little taste of what it is going to be like on the peninsula this week.

Friday marked the beginning Car Week, where owners and enthusiasts alike get to share in their love of the automobile.

It was certainly a slice of heaven on Alvarado Street in Monterey for car lovers, where about 30 classic autos stopped by.

“Car Week is a support group for the addicts, and if you are addicted to old cars, you’re just going to be here and soak it in,” said John Tennyson, a Pacifica resident.

To say people love cars would be an understatement.

“They bring out a passion in people, all different cars, all different passions whether it’s a car that your dad owned when you were a kid in school you really liked it,” said Tim McGrane, the chief executive officer of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Whether you own a car or are just an enthusiast, something like Car Week brings everyone together to enjoy the same passion.

And for the Adairs, cars are a family affair. They brought a couple of racing cars to Alvarado Street. One is a 1955 Elva Mark 1.

“We actually lucked out. We bought it at an auction…and we were looking for a vintage car,” said Denis Adair, the owner. “It was a little rough when we got it, but got us started.”

He insures the car for about $100,000, but when asked about the value of the car itself, he said it is priceless.

“For me it’s a great thing because it’s something I can do with a grown son and a family, so we have a very good time with it,” said Adair. “And we really enjoy driving them, working on them and showing them off.”

The cars on Alvarado Street are all competing on the race track this Saturday and Sunday. It is all part of the pre-reunion list of events before the big Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

For a list of Car Week events, click here.