From August 12–14, 2024, the Automobilia Collectors Expo brought together car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders for a three-day celebration of automotive culture during Monterey Car Week. The event, held at the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, showcased the finest in vintage automobilia, rare cars, and a vibrant community of passionate collectors. Here’s a look back at the unforgettable moments from this prestigious event.

A Premier Automotive Showcase

The 2024 Automobilia Collectors Expo celebrated its theme of "Preserving Automotive History" with an impressive array of highlights. Among the standouts was the introduction of Anna-Louise Felstead as our Artist in Residence for the 2024 edition of the event. In her role, Felstead brought her extraordinary talent to the forefront by hand-painting the official poster for the expo, which captivated attendees and added a unique artistic dimension to the event.

The Pit Stop experience was another highlight, featuring an exclusive visit from the Central Coast Poker Rally. This event brought over 75 spectacular cars across five exciting categories to our venue:

• Exotics (Lamborghini/Ferrari)
• Porsche
• Autobahn (German luxury and performance vehicles)
• Corvette
• New American Muscle

Attendees enjoyed a lively atmosphere with a poker table setup, a VIP cash bar, and a DJ that kept the energy high throughout the event. The Pit Stop served as a vibrant social hub where automotive enthusiasts could mingle and marvel at the incredible lineup of vehicles.

“Being part of the Automobilia Collectors Expo is always a highlight for us. The energy, the crowd, and the sense of community are unparalleled,” said Patrick Strong, Model Citizen Diecast.

Adding to the excitement, the expo showcased a very rare 2008 Tesla Roadster, which delighted attendees with its status as one of the first 500 units ever produced. Alongside it was a 1927 Bugatti 35B replica, a conversation starter for its stunning craftsmanship.

Supporting Local Communities

The expo proudly supported several nonprofit organizations by hosting exciting raffle ticket sales. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase tickets for a chance to win two stunning cars:

• Monday, August 12, 2024: A 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 was on display, with raffle proceeds benefiting MY Museum and Montage Health Foundation.
• Tuesday, August 13, 2024: A 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium was featured, supporting United Way Monterey County and Natividad Foundation.

Both raffles offered attendees the chance to win these exceptional vehicles while supporting meaningful causes. The winners were announced during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, ensuring a seamless tie-in with Monterey Car Week's charitable efforts.

Media Coverage and Live Broadcasts

The event received widespread media coverage, highlighting its importance as a key part of Monterey Car Week. Major outlets such as KSBW, KMBY, KRML, AutoMobilia Resource Magazine, Linkage Magazine, Sports Car Market, Octane, Magneto, SeeCarmel, and eLab Communications provided extensive coverage, capturing the vibrant energy of the expo.

An exclusive live broadcast by KMBY Radio further amplified the event’s reach. From 12 PM to 3 PM on Tuesday, attendees experienced live interviews with esteemed exhibitors and collectors, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the world of automobilia. This live-streamed coverage not only highlighted key moments but also gave exhibitors a platform to share their stories.

Sponsors and Global Participation

The 2024 expo was made possible by the generous support of notable sponsors, including Amazon Ads, Swinerton, and WhatsUpMonterey, the official Monterey Car Week Guide. Their contributions ensured the event's success and added significant value for attendees.

The expo welcomed exhibitors from around the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, showcasing a diverse range of automobilia treasures and rare collectibles. This international representation reinforced the expo’s position as a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts.

Leadership and Success

The event’s seamless execution was a testament to the expertise and dedication of Will Elkadi, affectionately known as “Mr. Car Week”. His unmatched expertise in event management and digital media ensured that every detail ran smoothly. His vision and dedication make the Automobilia Collectors Expo an unmissable highlight of Monterey Car Week.

Likewise, Ben Horton, a renowned authority on rare motoring literature, has been instrumental in shaping the expo’s reputation as a hub for collectors and enthusiasts. His unwavering commitment to preserving automotive history drives the spirit of the event and inspires our community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

For 2025, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting expansion to our event: the first-ever Automobilia Auction, taking place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This highly anticipated addition will provide a unique platform for collectors to bid on rare automobilia treasures, further strengthening our vibrant community of enthusiasts.

As we gear up for the 2025 expo, we invite you to join us for another unforgettable experience during Monterey Car Week. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements about this year’s event!