The extravaganza known as Pebble Beach just keeps getting bigger, which would be okay with humble auto writers like me if it didn't continue to push room rates beyond reach. (Yes, the rich are different than you and me.) The latest announcement comes from La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse, "dedicated to showcasing under-served marques with just a few hundred cars." Oh, just a few hundred? Gee, thanks. Classic Driver magazine remarks "La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse was formed to deliver a proper Italian car show on the green, reminiscent of earlier days on the peninsula, when people gathered at The Quail on Friday prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to admire 'etceterini' as much as supercars." Or maybe Classic Driver was just quoting a press release. I hope so.

I'm not against concours that feature prize-winning cars from the past. But most of those cars were beyond reach of average folks when new and are even more so today. What upsets me is the price of the show, especially in places like Monterey where affordable accommodation is already in short supply. I, for one, think that Pebble Beach has outgrown itself and maybe should be split into two or more events at different times in the calendar. Having said that, I acknowledge that a La Dolce Vita Scholarship Fund has been established to assist young people aiming to follow a career in automotive design, shaping the classic cars of tomorrow. Tickets are set at $70.00. Those aged 17 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult.

$70.00? The average room rent at a Motel 6 if there was one handy.