Seventh-Annual Carmel Mission Classic is August 14

Four 1930s classics – one German and two American cars and a Swedish motorcycle – are among the 50 vehicles planned for the seventh-annual Carmel Mission Classic, Wednesday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., August 14, at the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The first, a 1930 Stutz Monte Carlo, features coachwork by Weymann. One of three known to exist, the car comes from the Los Angeles Driving Museum in Los Angeles. A 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton with coachwork by LeBaron will appear from the San Francisco Academy of Art Auto Museum. Completing the ’30s car trio is a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster. And, a 1936 Husqvarna 40 SV motorcycle will also be displayed.

Annually, the event brings more than 1,000 car lovers to the famous Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo, built in 1797, a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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All proceeds benefit the charities of the Knights of Columbus and the Carmel Mission.

The concours begins each year with a U.S. Marine Color guard and the singing of the national anthem at 10 a.m.

Judging of the cars takes place throughout the afternoon. Celebrity judge is custom-car guru, Jon Dagostino. A variety of trophies will be awarded, including Best of Show. Car-Guys’ Barry Meguiar returns to emcee.

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From 11 a.m. to close, a food court and Monterey County vineyards will provide gourmet meals and fine wines. During this time, illustrator Ed Greco will display his “Cars and Cowboys” work, and Carmel Valley harpist Michael Caulfield will offer his repertoire.

At 1 p.m., the Most Reverend Sylvester Ryan, Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, and Father Paul Murphy, Pastor of Carmel Mission Basilica, will bless the cars.

“From Ferraris to funny cars and blessings to beverages, there’s something for everyone at the Carmel Mission Classic, held at the crown jewel of the Monterey Peninsula,” says Chairman Frank DiPaola, who co-founded the event in 2013.

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The entrance fee is $60 at the door and $50 for an online purchase; these include a wine tasting and tour of the Carmel Mission.

For more information, see carmelmissionclassic.org, email info@carmelmissionclassic.org or call 831.915.5311.

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