Each of the drop-tops sport besoke finishes evoking the sights and sounds of the Monterey region of California. This year's Mercedes-Maybach special edition pays homage to California's central coast.

From August 13 through 17, Northern California’s Monterey Peninsula once again became the annual bellwether for the collector-car market, as the world’s leading auction houses presented masterworks through the automotive ages. The annual sales events also shine the light on emerging trends while reflecting any economic vagaries.

After four years of attending Monterey Car Week, one would think that I could come up with some poetic way to start my traditional overview article of California's finest celebration of automotive madness.