Nestled gracefully along the serene shores of the Monterey Peninsula, in August 2023, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is regarded as the pinnacle of Monterey Car Week, once again captivated automobile enthusiasts and aficionados from around the world.
Strolling through the impeccably manicured lawns of the renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, surrounded by an extraordinary array of automotive treasures, it’s easy to see why this alluring event has captured the hearts of people from around the globe. What makes the event special (aside from the fact that it’s one of the world’s most prestigious historic auto shows), is that it’s the driving force behind what has now become Auto Week, and it’s considered to be the epicenter of the week-long extravaganza.
To grasp the true essence of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, it’s important to note that its illustrious history is intimately intertwined with the very development of Pebble Beach, California itself. In the 1950s, the Del Monte Forest was still a work in progress, with Samuel Morse diligently working to turn it into an appealing residential hub and travel destination.
At that time, as part of an ingenious effort to attract people to the area, a confluence of events emerged. Alongside the ambitious development efforts, road races were organized to showcase the area’s scenic beauty and its potential as a playground for automotive enthusiasts. These road races would later coincide with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, creating a unique synergy that has endured for decades.
As the Pebble Beach area flourished, so did the event itself. In the early 1950s, it began as an unassuming gathering of automotive enthusiasts. Just 30 cars were initially parked along the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Little could they imagine that this modest showcase would evolve into a globally renowned automotive institution, one that would become essentially the epicenter of the automotive world for one week every year. Because of this singular event, many decades later, the entire Monterey Peninsula has transformed into the ultimate destination for automakers and car collectors.
The significance of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance extends beyond the grand Sunday showcase. The multi-day event now encompasses various complementary events that enrich the overall experience.
The Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum, a more recent addition to the festivities that has been going on for the past several years, serves as a platform for passionate enthusiasts to delve into the automotive world’s intricacies. This noteworthy speaker series brings together industry luminaries who recount their groundbreaking achievements. From car-collecting celebrities like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld to legendary racing champions, notable industry leaders, and chief designers, all types of illustrious people speak at these riveting forums.
During this year’s event, I attended Ant Anstead’s exciting forum entitled “How To Build a Supercar in 100 Days”. During his presentation, he shared an unbelievable story about his company, Radford Motors, experiencing an unexpected triumph at the death-defying Pikes Peak race, which they won after a grueling 100-day challenge to build the winning racecar. The forum not only epitomized the relentless pursuit of innovation that reverberates across the automotive spectrum, but it also showed how interconnected the entire industry is, as Ant made the point that if it weren’t for the participation of many auto companies who specialized in the production of specific parts, they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this daunting challenge.
The historical significance of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance cannot be overstated. It not only paved the way for the exponential growth of Monterey Car Week but also catalyzed the entire collector car industry. Today, it stands as the benchmark of automotive excellence, an emblematic gathering for enthusiasts, collectors, and industry leaders from every corner of the globe.
During the Concours itself, my breath was taken away by the spectacle that was displayed on the 18th Fairway. From immaculate vintage Ferraris to distinguished Bentleys and legendary Bugattis, at every glance, there was something beautiful and unique to behold.
During the event, two of the car collectors (Patrick and Misty Peronnet, pictured above) were proudly showcasing their cherished classic, an impeccably restored white 1955 Cadillac. Patrick explained, “I have a small car collection that is very versatile – a little bit of everything, from pre-war to modern supercars. But for me, the top of the American elegance was the 50s cars, and the 55 El Dorado is probably the most special of all of these cars.”
Like many car collectors, these special gems are not only viewed as relatively “safe” investments, as “you might not lose too much money on it” (as Patrick remarked) but more importantly, they’re cherished as enjoyable pieces of art and technology. He exclaimed that being able to now have access to this car is a childhood “dream come true”.
For him and many of the car collectors who were exhibiting their prized possessions, they not only have a connection with their vehicles, but they usually have a story or two to tell as well. This is one of the reasons why auto aficionados are so passionate about this hobby – it connects them with a moment in time, and it helps them keep memories of the past alive for years to come.
As I walked through the event, it became evident that each vehicle had its own story to tell. As a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of both its creators and its owners, the cars that are exhibited at this event are not only painstakingly preserved or restored, but they’re also an integral part of people’s lives.
From the designers and engineers to the people who have owned and driven them, each car is distinctively special and significant, much like the people who have loved and cared for them.
If there’s anything that I can take away from this event, it’s this – Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance serves as a poignant reminder that the automobile transcends just a mode of transportation. It embodies human ingenuity and creativity. It pays homage to the passion and unwavering dedication of those who have etched their mark on the automotive industry, ranging the full spectrum – from the automakers, mechanics, and restoration experts, to the collectors who treat their beloved vehicles as the rare gems that they are.
In many ways, Concours d’Elegance continues to serve as the heartbeat of Monterey Car Week, a living testament to the enduring love affair between humanity and automobiles. For as long as there are those who hold a deep appreciation for the beauty and engineering marvels of the automotive world, this event will continue to shine as a guiding light of excellence for generations to come.
