Steve McQueen's Ferrari Set for Auction in Weeklong Monterey Peninsula Automotive Extravaganza

Pebble Beach Golf Links to Spyglass Hill, golf still rules on the famed Monterey Peninsula. But automotive enthusiasts will have a dozen good reasons to disagree next week.

A diverse selection of auto-related activities - displays of opulent classic cars to muscle car memorabilia - will be showcased Aug. 14-19 at various venues throughout the Monterey Peninsula.

The most renowned event, the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, will again provide the week's concluding pinnacle highlight Sunday. It's often described as "automotive works of art on display."

Toss in vintage Indy car racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to Christie's auction days at Monterey Jet Center where Steve McQueen's Ferrari Lusso will be "on the block" and any automotive enthusiast will be close to nirvana.

Here's a synopsis of the automotive events Aug. 14-19 on the Monterey Peninsula:

Tuesday, Aug. 14

* To begin the week, the famous Ocean Ave. in Carmel will be closed for the day as more than 100 vehicles, dating from 1946-1971, will be on display. Many small businesses get into the spirit of the occasion with a auto-themed window decor competition called "Concours in the Windows." Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-372-9311) Web site: www.mcallmotorsports.com.

Tuesday-Wednesday, Aug. 14-15

* Exhibits featuring vintage posters and signs, auto-themed clothes and books from an estimated 50 vendors will for sale at the Embassy Suites hotel in Seaside. Admission $10. Telephone: (831-659-5335; Web site: www.automobiliamonterey.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 15

* An invitation-only gathering of an expected 1,000, hosted by Gordon McCall, purveyor of Christie's auction, will commence several days of rare car buying at the Monterey Airport. Telephone: (831-372-9311); Web site: www.mccallmotorsports.com.

Thursday, Aug. 16

* Christie's auction will begin at the Monterey Jet Center with some rare vehicles at the that have been in the media for months - the aforementioned Ferrari Lusso, once owned by Steve McQueen, to Peter Fonda's Harley-Davidson Road King. Admission $60 (admits two to the presale and auction). Telephone: (310-385-2600); Web site: www.christies.com.

* Starting and finishing at Collins Field in Pebble Beach, the Tour d'Elegance is a 65-mile Highway Patrol-escorted tour of the Monterey Peninsula by vintage classics. A suggested vantage point is Laureles Grade nearly Laguna Seca Raceway. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-622-1700); Web site: www.pebblebeachconcurs.net.

* The Baja Cantina, en route to Carmel Valley, will host a collection of roadsters, muscle cars and American classics while offering some well-known "South-of-the-Border" fare. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-625-2252. Web site: www.bajacantinacarmel.com.

Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 16-18

* Russo & Steele auctioneers will offer a jumbo TV screen on the street outside the Marriott Hotel in Monterey to watch it auction. This year, the group includes a 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 R and the "Batman Returns" Batmobile. Admission $60 the auction; free to view it outside on TV

Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 16-19

* Indianapolis roadsters will be featured this year for four days of racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The historic vehicles are open-wheel wonders. Admission $45-$125. Telephone: (805-686-9292); Web site: www.montereyhistoric.com.

Friday, Aug. 17

* Fine dining, fine wine, test drives, helicopter rides to Laguna Seca Raceway and auctions of historic cars, sponsored by the Quail Lodge and Resort. Admission: $200. Telephone: (831-626-2478); Web site: www.quaillodge.com.

* In the nearby community of Seaside, the Concorso Italiano is a gathering of more than 500 Italian classics - Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Fiats and Alfa-Romeos are paired with festival-style food, drink and exhibits at Bayonet Golf Course. In short, it's the Concours d'Elegance, all Italian. Admission: $100. Telephone: (425-742-0632); Web site: www.concourse.com.

* In quaint, nearby Pacific Grove, classic, simple sports cars will be the rage - MGs, Austin Healeys, Corvettes, Porsches. This won't be the one-of-a-kind-million-dollar-car crowd, and that's just fine. Admission: Free. Telephone: (831-372-6585); Web site: www.pgautorally.org.

Sunday, Aug. 19

* The Concours d'Elegance is the still the king. Many of the world's most rare cars will be on display behind The Lodge off the 18th green at Pebble Beach. One vehicle gets the prize. Admission $100-$350. Telephone: (831-622-1700); Web site: www.pebblebeachconcours.net.