Each year a different marque is featured and this year BMW took center stage. Many pre-war cars seldom seen elsewhere were on display including 315/1s, 327s, 328 Roadsters, 3.0CSs and more. Not only vintage cars were present, others included a 1995 BMW-powered McLaren F1 Le Mans car and the famous Art Cars, a series of BMW race cars painted by such famous artists as Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Alexander Calder, and Roy Lichtenstein. Next year, the 24th consecutive year the event has been held, the featured marque will be Porsche.

For me, the most interesting part of the races is wandering the paddock area where you begin to get a real sense of the way racing used to be. Now a tradition long lost, at least in Formula 1, it was once possible to get an up-close look at the latest racing machines. It is at these type of events where enthusiasts once again get an opportunity to become acquainted with the cars and drivers. Watch the owners and mechanics prepare their cars, listen to the racing stories of veteran drivers, and feel the rumble of the engines. After strolling around the paddocks, it's time to climb the hill to get a great view of the infamous Corkscrew and a chance watch the actual races. There are fourteen different classes, everything from pre-war sports and Grand Prix racing cars to Can Am cars.

The following is a small collection of my photographs taken at Monterey in August 1996. I hope it brings back memories or instills a desire to attend next years event. If you ever get the opportunity to attend the Monterey Historic Automobile Races don't hesitate, you won't be disappointed.