Car Week on the Monterey Peninsula is known for it’s multi-million dollar car auctions, concept unveilings, glamorous parties, and of course the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The premier motoring event in the world to show off your great grandfathers 1906 Rolls Royce or that newly purchased Ferrari GTO with a long racing history, if you can get invited.
For the last few years, event organizer, Alan Galbraith, of Billetproof fame, has led a different type of event in the area. I won’t say it punches Pebble Beach events in the nose, but definitely gives them a Three Stooges style “honk” in the you-know-where.
The Tour d’LeMons, billed as the Worst Car Event in the World, showcases some of the world’s worst heaps, odd-balls, and bizarro cars in one place. Finally you have a place to show off that mistake you purchased in 1972. This year the event was sponsored by the good-humored guys at Hagerty, who agreed to write the event insurance. They were very thankful the fire-prone Pintos and Fieros did not explode and shoot flaming K-cars all over Seaside, Californa.
This year was the first “Tour” d’LeMons. I can’t believe Alan thought driving some of these cars was a good idea, but even he bragged that there were no breakdowns, while there where six on the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance a couple of days ago. If you ask me, that leaves a lofty goal for next year.
Here are some of my pictures from the funnest event during Car Week. The Tour d’Lemons is horribly awesome and shouldn’t be missed.
Pete with Atomic Toasters showing off his 1977 MGB, nick-named the ZomBee.
Have you ever heard of a DAF Daffodil? I’m sure you have, but I haven’t. It was built in Holland in 1965. The awesome owner, Mike, explained the transmission is like a jumbo mountain bike gear and would beat every car at the Tour, if they were driving in reverse. That sounds like a good idea for next year.
Crosley collector, Evelyn Fasnacht, from Houston, Texas had a 1949 Crosley Hot Shot on display. She was kind enough to let me sit in it and I think it lowered a foot or two when I sat down.

I heard that bribing the voters and judges is fair game, and apparently that's true based on this Jeep's tail gate. Nothing says "vote for me" like a $1.25, some 3.5'' floppies, and Sun-warmed Corona.
Rust Bucket Award went to this International Scout. The owners wore life preservers just in case the brakes went through the rusted out floorboards and they plunged into the Pacific Ocean. The Best of Show and Most Sour award went to a nice little Sunbeam Tiger. My picture of the Tiger looked like garbage, which is unfortunate since the car was actually very clean.
Again, thanks to Hagerty Collector Car Insurance for saving the day. They do a pretty good job on insuring my antique Scooters. I’m saying this because it’s all true, not because they gave me tickets to the Russo and Steele Auction tonight. Thanks again for checking out the Sir Wheelsy site. – Grant Griffin
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Awesomeness!
Odd-balls and bizarro cars yes, but what a fun event. I would love to go sometime. Your pictures are great. Thanks for sharing them with all of us car-crazy guys.
Hello Grant
I am the owner of the Green Gremlin fondly known as Sherman! Would you be kind enough to send me a copy of the Gremlin Pictures you have, for my personal file?
Thank you for hosting him on your blog.
Best regards,
Verity
I bet you don’t charge $100 for admission like the other Monterey car show!
I see the Vega has rust — that brings back memories.