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Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
written by David M. Brown
The 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is Sunday, August 12, at The Lodge at Pebble Beach™, 1700 17Mile Drive.
The world’s premier celebration of the automobile, the event showcases approximately 200 of the world’s finest collector cars, which will be judged and awarded in 30 classes, including Early Electrics, on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. This year, the 50th anniversary of the first “supercar,” the Lamborghini Countach, will be celebrated.
Begun in 1950, the Concours first showed new cars, based on the European model, but the event began to focus on collector cars in 1955. Experts critique elegance, technical merit and history as the vehicles compete to be named Best of Show — the ultimate award for automobiles. In 2019, that honor was given to the 931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer shown by The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie.
On Sunday, August 15, the field opens to car entrants at dawn. Ticket spectators are not admitted prior to 5:30 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., the judging begins, and at 10:30 a.m. the field officially opens. The awards are presented 1:30–5 p.m.
In addition to Best of Show, awards include the Ansel Adams Trophy, for the most desirable touring car in its era; the Art Center College of Design Award, the car that showed the best use of new technology in its era; the Briggs Cunningham Trophy, most exciting open car; the Chairman’s Trophy, his or her choice for the most deserving car; and the Phil Hill Cup, the most significant race car. Associated Concours events include the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic, a 1,500-mile journey from Kirkland, Washington, to Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach, Monday, August 2, to Wednesday, August 11.
Also, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, August 12, presented by Rolex, is a noncompetition rally for approximately 150 Concours entrants along sections of 17-Mile Drive and historic Highway 1 and Big Sur, returning to Pebble Beach for the finish line.
And, the 16th Pebble Beach RetroAuto is a curated collection of collectibles, automobilia, luxury goods and tools. The event is held at The Inn at Concours Village at Pebble Beach, August 12–14, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Concours Sunday, August 15, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Finally, the Pebble Beach Car Forum, presented by AIG & Alliant, features prominent automotive people discussing topics of concern to collectors. This takes place August 12–14 9 a.m.– 6 p.m., and Concours Sunday, August 15, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
General admission tickets for the Concours are still available for $500 as of August 1: Stroll through the show field, visit manufacturer displays, bring a meal or purchase an al fresco lunch. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
For more information on tickets and events for the 2021 Concours D'Elegance, visit pebblebeachconcours.net, email them at info@pebblebeachconcours.net or call 831.622.1700.
