The 2017 Monterey International Healey Week, sponsored by the Golden Gate Healey club, was a great success, with most people enjoying the events, scenic surroundings and Healey enthusiasts from around the U.S. and the world. There were over 200 registrants with nearly as many Healeys attending, including the last Big Healey made in March of 1968.
The marque class was the 1967 BJ8, which is now 50 years old, and there were many which attended. The headquarters for the event was the Monterey Hyatt Regency hotel. The AHASC had 40 parties attending, after several cancellations.
Arrival day was Monday, September 11th, with registration, silent auction bidding, arts & craft displays & voting, the opening reception and Rocker Cover Racer display & voting for Best Presentation.
Tuesday was a full day, with car photos followed by a short drive to the car show in downtown Pacific Grove on Lighthouse Ave. The show and popular voting by Healey category took place from 10 am to 2:30 pm. There were many restaurants nearby for lunch.
At 2:30, we departed for the Laguna Seca race track for photos and track time. This was a “bucket List” opportunity to get your Healey out on the iconic race track for a few laps.
Before going out on the track, we assembled in one large group in front of the Cooper Tire tunnel/walking overpass. Then, we were on the track for three laps in four groups, led by Terry Cowan.
Following Laguna Seca, we headed back to the hotel for cocktail hour and Rocker Cover preliminary races. This was followed by dinner on our own, with many great local restaurants to choose from.
Wednesday included a funkhana, concours judging, several self tours and drives, as well as tech sessions.
The day was concluded by silent auction bidding, cocktail hour, final Rocker Cover Races and dinner on our own. Two AHASC members faced off in the Rocker Cover Racing finals, Jim Young and Russ Thompson…won by Jim Young after three very close heats.
Thursday, the last full day of events started with several tours and drives. Our group elected to drive north to Scotts Valley to tour Bruce Canepa’s Motorsport showroom, museum and workshop. This was an amazing experience, seeing many outstanding classic cars, including Healeys and Porsches, as well as many famous race cars. We also toured the workshop where several cars were under restoration or repairs. Thursday ended with the Farwell Banquet, awards and live auction.
The AHASC made a very good showing at the awards ceremony, with the following awards presented:
1st Place – 1967 BJ8 – Martin Dispoto & Kris Kouklis
1st Place – Original Owner – Jon Doherty & Family
1st Place – BN6 & BN7 – Dick & Carol Ames
1st Place – Jensen Healey – Steve & Cindi Kirby
2nd Place – Original Owner – Don & Cathy Newman
2nd Place – BN6 & BN7 – Peter & Alexandra Roses
2nd Place – BJ7 – Mitch Gonzales & Lisa Mandell
2nd Place – BN7 & BT7 Tri-carb – Chuck & Marsha House
2nd Place – Bugeye Sprite – Steve & Patricia McHarris
3nd Place – BN1 & BN2 – Charlie & Carol Hart
3rd Place – BN6 & BN7 – Ed & Abbe Neumeyer
Best of Show – Ed & Abbe Neumeyer
1st Place – Rocker Cover Racing – Jim & Sally Young
2nd Place – Rocker Cover Racing – Russ Thompson
1st Place – Funkhana – Brian & Linda Hubbard
Throughout the week, Healeys were seen all over the Monterey peninsula, delighting local residents and drivers alike. Most of our Healeys performed well, although there were a few annoying mechanical issues that required repairs along the roadside or after hours (see sidebar list).
On Friday morning, following breakfast, we bid fond farewells to old and new Healey friends and loaded up for the return home or other destinations.
With the last of Big Healey 50th anniversaries now over, we look forward to the 75th!