If you’re a car enthusiast and haven’t been to the Pebble Beach Car Show – or, more specifically, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – then you’re missing out. 2021 marked the festival’s seventieth anniversary year, but this year is promising to be just as special. Find out exactly what the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is, where and when it’s held, and how to make the most of it in this beginner’s guide.
What is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?
Taking place this year on Sunday August 21st, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the flagship event of Pebble Beach Automotive Week. With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Pebble Beach is located in Monterey, California, and plays host every year to this internationally-renowned classic car competition.
The finest collector cars gather annually in August on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links – a course designed by none other than Tiger Woods – as they compete for the top prize of Best of Show.
It’s an event that every classic car enthusiast must catch at least once in their lifetime. Automobiles and motorcycles are judged according to their elegance, technical merit, and historical accuracy. It goes without saying that this car competition is about style rather than speed.
Who won the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show last year?
Last year, the Best of Show Winner was a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier presented by The Keller Collection at The Pyramids. First unveiled at the 1938 Berlin Motor Show, this vehicle made no less of a stir when it appeared at the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Its long, sweeping hood and aerodynamic design is matched only for its exceptional engineering and performance – and this piece from the Kellers’ Collection is all the more special for the fact that it’s the only car of its kind still in existence. The win marked the Kellers’ third at Pebble Beach, and the ninth overall for Mercedes.
What to expect this year
The 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance promises highlights to please all classic car enthusiasts. Two of the key celebrations this year are focussed around the centennial of both Lincoln luxury automobiles and the 24 hours Le Mans race – but there are plenty of other things to look forward to, including featured classes of the Talbot-Lago Grand Sports, Graber Coachwork, McFarlan, Otto Vu, and 1932 Ford Historic Roadsters.
Lincoln Centennial
2022 marks the celebration of Lincoln luxury automobiles’ centennial. Initially responsible for building the Liberty engines that powered World War 1 aircraft, Lincoln Motor Company then transitioned to the production of automobiles. After some financial hardship, the company was purchased by Ford Motor Company, who soon steered it to success, and Lincoln remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication today.
24 hours of Le Mans Centennial
The historic 24-hour Le Mans race is known to be a nail-biting test of man and machine. Competitors participate in this endurance race for 24 hours straight at speeds that can exceed 200mph – so it’s not for the faint of heart. The race takes place in Le Mans, France, and is one of the world’s greatest sports car races. It’s a test of skill, strategy, and teamwork, as much as engineering prowess, and the 2022 Pebble Beach Car Show is celebrating its centennial. Look out for many celebrations and events, as well as a unique display of important Le Mans competitors.
Talbot-Lago Grand Sport
One class of classic cars to keep an eye out for is the Talbot-Lago Grand Sports. Two years in the making, the appearance of these incredible cars has had enthusiasts on their toes for months. Only 28 of the T26 Grand Sport chassis are still in existence of 32 made, so be sure to catch these superlative vehicles whilst you can.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300
Considered by many to be the ultimate classic touring car, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 is still highly sought after today. First produced in the early 1930s, the 8C 2300 has since been produced in three forms: the Le Mans, the Mille Miglia Spider, and the Grand Prix Monza. Known for their tractability, endurance, and reliability, this class of cars are worth catching for this year.
How to make the most of the show
Remember, there’s so much on display, so you’re unlikely to catch everything. That said, planning in advance will help you to ensure that you can make the most of your experience and see all the classes you want to, so being organised and arriving early makes a real difference. Be sure that you dress elegantly for the event – it’s not just the cars on display! Serious style is encouraged.
You can also take advantage of the Concours Village in the days leading up to Concours Sunday. Open at no cost, this space allows members of the public to take stock of all the manufacturer displays, and you can even go for a ride on an official Ride and Drive.
What is the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance?
Don’t confuse the two – the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance and Concours d’Elegance run in the same week, but they aren’t the same event. The Concours d’Elegance is the flagship event of Pebble Brach Automotive Week, gathering the finest collector cars together, but the Tour is an opportunity for non-ticket holders to watch the classic cars rev their engines along the scenic route of Highway One at pre-designated points.
Beginning in Pebble Beach, the Tour traces seventeen miles along Highway One to Big Sur, before looping back to finish in Pebble Beach. Audience members don’t need a ticket to enjoy this stunning display of classic cars, meaning you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the field due to show at the Concours.
Participants can choose to join the Tour as it gives them a potential edge over competitors at the Concours. If two cars tie in class competition at the Concours, it’s an advantage to have completed the Tour, which may be just enough to secure a higher ranking, depending on the circumstances.
