One of my favorite parts of Monterey Car Week is the annual Concours D’Lemons, where the actually interesting cars show up, freed from all of the absurd status bullshit gatekeeping like making sure a car doesn’t have parts falling off it or isn’t over 75% rust or doesn’t have potentially dangerous molds growing inside it or any of that other classist nonsense. This year’s selection of cars was fantastic as usual, so let me share some highlights with you, because you deserve it.
This year I was assigned to judge the Mopar category, of which there were only two cars: a Voyager with a filthy interior and a PT Cruiser. I chose the PT Cruiser for the victory, but was a little disappointed that the Mopar category was so thin. Where were all the Volarés and Aspens and Cordobas and K-Cars and Sundances and all that other glorious Mopar swill? Time to step it up, Moparians.
There was an excellent selection of non-Mopars at the event, though, and some of them were actually in beautiful, perhaps even near-real-concours condition. It’s important to remember that not all the Lemons cars are filthy shitboxes; some are incredibly clean and well-maintained shitboxes, like this beautiful avocado-green Trabant:
I actually think the Trabant is an incredible vehicular triumph, a wonder of making something from nothing and using what you have – remember, the bodies on these were made from a composite that was mostly old Soviet underwear.
This one was just stunning, and I hope one day the actual Concours D’Elegance makes room on their lawn for Eastern Bloc wonders like these. They have good stories to tell!
This Corvair Monza was another great example of an immaculate car kept out of the Fancy Shows just because of stigma, or something. This car is incredible, and it’s worth remembering just how influential its design was. Do I need to pull out the chart again? Fine, I will:
Yeah, that’s right. Plus, don’t forget this was one of the first turbocharged production cars to be sold ever, and made an incredible 180 horsepower in the mid-’60s!
That’s what an Audi TT put out about three decades later!
Want more immaculate cars with stigma? How about this one, a Daimler Dart!
Lovely condition, but, oy, those Darts were pretty ugly. In a sort of deep-sea, ocean-trench aquatic life kind of way. Angler fish-chic. That face!
This Studebaker truck is the color of Orange Fanta and almost as healthy to lick. I always liked these, especially because of how the bed looks like it came from some other truck.
Someone put a lot of work into this narrowed Beetle, and I think it turned out great, the answer to everyone who has wanted a Beetle but really demanded tandem seating and wheels that were entirely freed from the tyranny of being covered by a fender.
I like how the engine just barely fits in there; I think the Baja exposed-engine approach was really the only way to make this work. Is that real glass in the back window? I forgot to check.
Another clean and tidy little car, this Fiat 500 was just charming. I never get tired of these.
Look at this stunner! Someone finally decided to do the thing Ford never had the guts to do: Ranchero-ize the Lincoln Continental. This conversion is strikingly well-done, and even understands the truly important details, like keeping the opera windows even when the whole rear of the car is a truck bed.
When was the last time you saw such a clean Pacer, let alone a Pacer wagon? I still like these.
This was a real treat to see: a 1980 BMA Brio, a little 49cc Italian-built microcar designed to fit into France’s sans-permit classification for 14 year olds, drunks, and other people who don’t have or lost drivers’ licenses. It’s right-rear-wheel drive (RRW), and is built like a porta-potty, but with a little more style. Amazing!
Even in rough shape, a Citroën Traction Avant has so much grace and presence. These are amazing cars, among the first production FWD cars and early unibody cars. They’re so far ahead of their time.
I drove one once, and despite their vintage look, they drive in a shockingly modern way. I feel like an Accord driver could get in one of these and adapt pretty quickly. They’re incredible.
If you wanted to find a flying saucer-inspired car anywhere in Monterey, it was really only the Concours D’Lemons that delivered. Look at this thing!
I think it’s even better from the rear. And very creative uses of motorcycle lighting!
I think this beast was made from a bunch of old carnival rides. It lit up in all manner of fun ways and delighted children at the show and within a 12-mile radius, even through several inches of drywall.
This big old Mercedes-Benz van is a very rare sight in America, but I love the intense rationality of these things. This one was modified to be a sort of RV, and the inside was quite appealing:
Those soft wall-mounted storage units remind me of the similar sorts of things used on space stations.
This little Morris Minor Traveller was really lovely, and we got a nice video of it, along with an interesting tale of Minor lore, that we’ll have up soon!
And finally, while this car wasn’t actually part of the Concours D’Lemons, it was parked right nearby, and may be the nicest example of an Opel GT I’ve ever seen.
David says Opel GTs are one of those cars that are almost always beat to hell when you see them, but this one was absolutely and exception. Seeing one all perfect like this really reminds you how lovely these cars were.
the tire hump on the ranchonental is the cherry on top
Great selection. Much more interesting than the six-figures-and-above-machines to me.
But one thing that offen rubs me the wrong way is badly made german number plates.
The base on the Mercedes Düdo (Düsseldorfer Transporter) is OK, but 5 numbers are not allowed (while 2 letters and 4 Numbers are) and on the front plate there is no inspection/TÜV-roundel, only the sign of the area the car is registered.
Absolutely minor things, but if one goes through the trouble of getting the plate in the first place, why don’t do it 100%…
That orange Subaru 350 stands out, I’ve only ever seen them in white or a light blue.
Sorry but If I had the money I would buy at least half of these. Really need a picture layout and not the video with 4 commercials and only 15 minutes of video
That Daimler Dart is tops on my dream car list. Few know it has a V8 rumbling behind that unassuming bass-face. A true sleeper.
This is no sleeper, this is the thing hiding under the bed of sleepers. This is Freddy Tavarish Krueger. This is Randall from Monsters Inc if it was set in the world of Cars. Come to think about it, this car has Steve Buscemi’s eyes as factory standard.
And now I also want one. Thanks!
Fun AI prompt: Show me a Daimler Dart with a fish scale paint job.
If I had billionaire money, I’d make it happen.
I’ve always like the Opek GTs, and that one is very nice. For some reason I always picture those and Saab Sonnets in orange.
Outran a cop in WPB in an Opel GT. I Would gladly have one
I’ve seen it before, but not often. I like the chrome rub strip on the bottom edge of the fuel door. It’s just such a nice touch for leaning the filler on.
I can’t help but notice the credits on the Autopian videos don’t have a credit for hair or wardrobe, they should have one
I really love those weirdo custom builds. Superior LeMons vibes.
Ok but they shouldn’t count against the real car
Oh absolutely agreed. That Trabont in particular is incredibly well done. A shitbox, but a well-done shitbox.
I’m loving these pictures. That Opel GT is every bit as good looking as a Dino.
That Studebaker’s bed *did* come from another truck! From the factory.
If I recall, it’s a Dodge Sweptline bed.