Classic / California
California Classic Rentals — Monterey, PCH, Mulholland on PickRV
California is the global capital of classic-car culture — Pebble Beach Concours, Pacific Coast Highway driving, Mulholland-LA-area sports-car heritage, plus desert backdrops at Joshua Tree and Death Valley. PickRV's California cohort spans all four eras.
State
California
Signature events
5 listed
Best routes
4 routes
Sources cited
3 cited
Classic culture in California
California's classic-car culture is the deepest in the US. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (since 1950) is the world's most prestigious concours. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most-driven scenic roads on the planet. Mulholland Drive in LA, the Pacific Crest desert routes, and the Big Sur coastline all anchor PickRV's CA cohort.
Beyond Monterey Car Week, California hosts Concours on the Avenue (Carmel), Rodeo Drive Concours (Beverly Hills), Hilton Head Concours (counter-event, not CA), and dozens of regional Concours weekends.
PickRV's California cohort stages in Monterey (Car Week premium), LA basin (Mulholland and PCH access), and San Diego (Coronado classic events). Driver-grade for multi-day touring; Show-grade for venue and event delivery.
Signature events
- Monterey Car Week (August, third weekend) — Pebble Beach Concours + The Quail + Rolex Reunion.
- Concours on the Avenue Carmel (during Car Week).
- Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance (June, Beverly Hills).
- Cars & Coffee LA (weekly, multiple locations).
- Pacific Coast Highway driving tour (year-round, weather permitting).
Best routes
- PCH from San Francisco to LA (450 miles, 3-7 days) — classic American touring route.
- Mulholland Drive (LA) — 21 miles of mountain road, classic sports-car driving terrain.
- Big Sur loop (Carmel to San Simeon) — 90 miles, 1-2 day classic Mercedes or Porsche cruise.
- Joshua Tree to Palm Springs — desert backdrop for VW Westfalia or Vanagon weekend.
Sources cited (AACA / Hagerty / SCM / manufacturer archives)
FAQs
When is the best time to do PCH in a classic?
May, September, and October — peak weather, lighter tourist traffic. Avoid winter (storms, road closures) and Memorial Day / July 4 weekends (heavy traffic).
Can I rent a Pagoda in LA?
Yes — the LA basin has 2-3 Mercedes Pagoda hosts on PickRV. Driver-grade, suitable for weekend Mulholland and PCH driving.
Are Monterey Car Week rentals worth booking?
If you're attending Car Week, yes — local rentals avoid airport-pickup logistics during the highest-traffic week of the year on the peninsula.
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