The Little Car Show held on Lighthouse Avenue in the quaint little town of Pacific Grove stands out among the other shows in Monterey Car Week for at least two notable reasons. The first is that it is an excellent showcase of multi-marque mini, micro, steam, electric, and arcane vehicles of 1,800cc displacement or less that are 25 years and older. This is a great idea to feature cars of this type in their own event, since these smaller vehicles can be often overlooked in other venues, both as displays and as contenders for awards. The second reason is that unlike the expensive classics and exotics seen at other Car Week events, almost everyone has some connection to many of the cars in this show through personal ownership or by knowing someone who owned an example of the Volkswagens, MGs, Nash Metropolitans, Fiats, and other small cars on display. This aspect provides an element of relatability that enhances an attendee’s experience.

In addition to the display of standard small automobiles, a “special interest” category offers select limited production, custom, and modified vehicles. Some of the more radical examples of modified cars are the Bamboo Beetle and a Nash Metropolitan with a gas jet that produces a huge flame to cook fish on an extended rear skewer. These and others look like they could also be contestants in the Concours d’Lemons, which is described in a separate review in this report.

After the awards are presented, the show offers viewers an opportunity to see the cars in motion by including a cruise in which the cars follow a planned route to Asilomar State Beach via the 17-Mile Drive and back to Lighthouse Avenue.

One of the awards in The Little Car Show is Most Smiles Per Mile, which I believe sums up the entire experience. The criteria for this totally subjective award is for “the entry that best delivers that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, delivers great satisfaction, and makes you break into a grin, or sometimes even outright laughter.” I think that description applies to the entire event, and makes it a fun addition to anyone’s Car Week itinerary.  

– Andre Swygert, 2025