As dusk fell on August 14, 2024, the Monterey Jet Center transformed into a living tapestry of automotive artistry and culinary craftsmanship. Motorlux, the unofficial but undeniably glamorous gatekeeper of Monterey Car Week, beckoned more than 4,100 aficionados to a night where steel, speed, and savored flavors converged in dazzling harmony.
The evening unfolded like a symphony orchestrated across time and terrain. Anchoring the display were 225 enthusiast vehicles and 14 aircraft, each gleaming under the hangar lights, offering a sensory journey from vintage classics to bold, avant-garde debutantes.
Yet Motorlux wasn’t purely an exhibition—it was a living gallery where culinary artistry met mechanical mastery. Twenty-five local chefs spelled culinary magic, crafting plates that complemented the vehicles’ stories. From delicate amuse-bouches to full-bodied creations, each dish whispered of California’s gastronomic soul.
In a stroke of theatrical flair, the Broad Arrow Auction opened amidst Motorlux’s festivities, unfolding in a fashion-show-inspired runway format. Bidders and enthusiasts gathered on dual galleries, experiencing one of the most spirited auctions in collector-car history. The result: a staggering $71.5 million in sales.
The night also celebrated innovation. Highlights included tremors of the future—the Kindred Motorworks EV Bronco, the rugged Meyers Manx Tarmac Touring Edition, the atmospheric McMurtry Sparrow, and the electrifying Evoluto 355, all making their grand exits onto the Monterey stage.
And amid all the glamour, Motorlux stayed true to heart. A portion of proceeds supported noble causes: the CHP 11‑99 Foundation, aiding families of California Highway Patrol officers, and the Navy Postgraduate School Foundation, where car club members volunteered as integral parts of the event’s machinery.
Motorlux 2024 was more than a celebration—it was a narrative woven from metal, flavors, flight, and collective passion. Under the hangar lights, cars and planes were more than machines—they were stories in motion. Guests left not just impressed, but inspired; reminded that at the heart of Monterey Car Week is a community that loves beauty, heritage, and human connection.
