PEBBLE BEACH

RESPECTING AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AND ELEGANCE

Each August, the Monterey peninsula, one of California’s most venerated locations, becomes the international focal point for motoring excellence and elegance. Monterey Classic Car Week (13 –16 August) comprises an exceptional gathering of the world’s most beautiful vintage cars. The outstanding events are the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (16 August) and the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex (13 August). Both of these major tributes are supported by Rolex and, along with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, are the high point of the Monterey meeting.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: in the service of heritage
A great many moments of glory and triumph have passed into history at Pebble Beach golf course, including the U.S. Open victories of two champions connected to Rolex: Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The atmosphere is different, of course, but the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the crown of Monterey Classic Car Week and a mark of Rolex’s commitment to motor sports – also recognizes the triumph of excellence, in this case in preserving heritage and beauty.

The final Sunday will see some 200 of the world’s most desirable cars gathered on the 18th fairway. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most sumptuous motor shows ever staged. Created in 1950 to demonstrate the virtues of the latest cars, this meeting has become a jewel in the crown of historic vehicle restoration and conservation. The vehicles are judged based on technical value, style and elegance, with the aim of encouraging the preservation of our mechanical heritage. This yearly meeting of people passionate about automotive design, style and innovation pays homage to the great eras of motoring history.

Most of the cars on show at the 65th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will have left the factory before 1972. Among the essential, unmissable and iconic models are Mustang Shelby GT350s, celebrating their 50th birthday; Lincoln Continental, now 75 years old; Ferrari Grand Touring and Competition cars; DuPont; Pope; designs by Carrozzeria Touring; post-war Cunninghams and Mercury Custom. Pre-war British sports models will also occupy a place of honour this year.

Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex: history on the move
The idea of a parade on the highway linked to the Concours d’Elegance was launched in 1998. It resulted in the first Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, a vibrant tribute to vintage cars in motion. The Tour, which traditionally takes place on the Thursday before the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is open to all participants in the Concours.

This year, the cars will gather at Pebble Beach in the early morning of 13 August, before setting off to parade along roads bordered with pines and cypress trees or overlooking the magnificent cliffs of the bay opposite Carmel-by-the-Sea. At Carmel, a gourmet lunch will be served to the participants while the cars will be on display on Ocean Avenue. Then the cars will set off back to Pebble Beach and the end of the Tour will be celebrated with champagne. It should not be forgotten that there is a competitive edge and that if two cars are tied in judging during the Concours, the car which successfully completed the Tour will gain the advantage.