Legends of the Autobahn meet in Monterey (pictures)

Part owners' meet and part exhibition, The Legends of the Autobahn concours is a showcase of classic and modern Bimmers, Benzes, and Audis.

Wide and low, the BMW M1 was one of the first cars to greet us at the entrance to the concours.

The M1 features a mid-rear engine, rear-driven configuration that is fairly unusual among BMWs.

Back in the 60s, however, BMW built another rear-engined coupe: the 700.

The tubular framed 700 RS was a racing version of the 700 that output 69 horsepower -- more than double the coupe's 30hp!

The BMW 2002 is a classic Bimmer that laid the foundation for what would become the modern 3 Series. Interestingly, it's much smaller than today's 2-Series coupe.

There were plenty of BMW 2000s and 2002s on hand at LotA. This 2000 Touring model that we spotted parked nearby featured a unique asymmetrical paint job.

The 2800 CS was an enlarged variant of BMW's "Neue Klasse" of sedans and coupes which started production in 1968.

The 3.0 CSL was a lightweight version of the 3.0 CS (the 2800's replacement) built to satisfy European racing homologation rules.

After the "New Class" came the "New Six," a series of larger luxury sedans built to challenge Mercedes-Benz.

Penned by Henrik Fisker -- the guy behind the Fisker Karma -- the BMW Z8 is one of the most attractive roadsters in the brand's history.

Five generations of BMW M3 parked in a row give a quick rundown of how the marque's styling has changed.

Its no surprise that among these Bimmerphiles that we'd spot a shiny new M4 parked nearby.

Legends of the Autobahn started as a BMW enthusiasts' show, but quickly grew to include Mercedes-Benz and, most recently, Audi models.

Cars were typically grouped by make and again by model, as is the case with these W110 chassis Benz.

Benz 220 sedans and cabriolets of this vintage were powered by an 80-horsepower straight-six.

Coming later in the brand's history, the 220S Ponton featured an upgraded version of Merc's 2.2-liter engine, outputting 124 horsepower.

The 190 SL was the less powerful compliment to the elusive and rare 300 SL.

The "gull wing" 300 SL is one of the most legendary models in Mercedes-Benz' long history of road and race vehicles.

The vehicles showcased are privately owned by enthusiasts and judged by experts in each brand's history.

Judges grade each vehicle on how well they've been preserved, maintained, or restored.

The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL was designed to slot in beneath the legendary 300 SL, bringing performance to a wider audience.

In the US, the 230 was nicknamed the "Pagoda Top" because of its concave roof.

Audi is a relative newcomer to the Legends of the Autobahn concours. As a result, there weren't very many examples on hand. This 1990 Ur-Quattro was the oldest model showcased.

Peering into the various vehicles, we also take a look back at the history of car tech. This 1980 Blaupunkt radio had a two-part construction that relocated the controls to a easily reachable stalk-mounted pod.

As is the case at most events happening around Monterey on this Pebble Beach weekend, some of the best gems can be found in the parking lots.

Legends took place on the pristine green and fairway of a golf resort, so a few golf carts here and there are, well, par for the course.

Porsche owners had their own event at a separate location, but we spotted a few interesting models at LotA.

Typically snubbed for not being a 911, the Porsche 944 is one of the more interesting-looking models in that brand's history.

One of the more curious cars on prominent display is the Zelectric VW Beetle conversion.

In place of the chirping air-cooled engine, you'll find an electric motor.

Zelectric claims about a 100-mile range and a top speed of over 90 mph for this battery-powered bug.

Parked far away from the Germans, a lone Maserati Gran Turismo broods and smolders.

Legends of the Autobahn was just one of dozens of concours, auctions, and showcases happening around the Monterey area during this year's Pebble Beach Concours Weekend.