Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Beautiful cars in pebble beach some of the nicest in the world. It’s amazing how much time and $$$ goes into these cars. But that still doesn’t justify the $ 350.00 entry fee.

For year I have followed this magnificent display of automotive excellence from a far. This year I had the opportunity to attend in person. Concours d’Elegance
met all of my expectations. From the Dawn Patrol hats to the parade cars, to the walking tour I was more than satisfied at having spent the time to go.
The food was a little on the high side. but totally worth the price. Great quality and definitely had the quality to justify the cost. On the plus side I could have split my lasagna and Caesar salad with another person with out being hungry.
My favorite of the show this year was the 1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Cabriolet. While the car did not win best in show it certainly won my heart for the color, design, and restoration perfection. See pics I posted.
In addition to the cars on the green there were other areas setup. One area had concept cars new, old, and coming to market soon. Areas setup by specific manufacturers showing their cars and products. Some manufacturers also have other attractions such as driving games. There were a few areas setup with automotive artwork. And of course later there were the auctions.
The amount of talking was fun. I met people from all over who all were ready to talk about their cars, other cars, and their attendance current and past. More than just a car event, Concours is a social event. One that will have you talking with an average joe one minute, and famous people the next. All sharing an interest with an enthusiasm that breaks down almost all barriers. If you walk through in silence you are missing at least half the fun in sharing your memories and experiences with others.
Some tips:
If you plan to attend one day or more then make sure you pick up your tickets in advance. Even for Sunday only. Why? You will want to arrive before dawn in order to place your blanket in a prime spot of the presentation area. A secondary benefit is the «Dawn Patrol» hat give out by the volunteers for those who arrive early.
Bring a blanket, some travel chairs, and an umbrella and/​or chairs with an attached sunshade.

Bring sunscreen. I was there all day. Even with the tan I have from being outside more than most people I still needed some protection from the sun. The, the people, the food, and the other parts of the event day will distract you. You will not have time to travel off site for sunscreen. So it’s best to be prepared before you go. And when you arrive, put on the sunscreen right away before you forget. There is no touching/​sitting for almost all cars so no worries about sunscreen getting on them.
Plan of having to travel a long ways from your parked car. Unless you purchase the premium pass that includes parking close to green, you will end up walking a fair bit to your car. There is no close parking for those with the regular pass. The plus here is your trek will be a beautiful one. Both on the streets and/​or via the path through the course. For our walk back to where we parked we took the path through the course with its stunning sundown coastal vistas. A walk that was both entertaining and a good stretch after all day of plodding and sitting. The person who was in the wheelchair with us agreed it was a great walk to the car.
Think about bringing cash/​checkbook/​empty credit card to the show. In addition to the tent selling take away items, there are many opportunities to support the event charities and organizations. The main one being the Boys and Girls Club of the local region.
If you want to do more than just look at fine cars then Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a show you want to attend.

At $ 275 per ticket this year, it was painful but I did it, one last time. And yes, the automobiles, the people, the setting — out of a modern day Gatsby setting. And it is for a good cause so, that helps. The cars this year, just a fantastic mix of the most ultra exotic classics.
Kudos to them for having the transportation so well organized. We arrived fairly early on Sunday, about 10:30, and had to park along 17 mile drive (lots already full), but the buses came promptly to take us to the event. Same on the return leg.
If you want to see a small sample of cars of this quality in this area, go to the Blackhawk museum in Danville/​Blackhawk in the east bay. For $ 15, in a very beautiful swanky environment, you’ll be absolutely knocked out.

Believe in beliefs. Believe in principles. Believe in values. Believe that heritage is something to be proud of and lived up to. So believe in the never-​ending search for a better way. That everything is a work in progress. And believe in the creation of something that will challenge the beliefs of all. Believe in the past. Believe in the now. Believe in what’s next.
Mascots and badges as an art form have identified automobiles since the early 19^th century. This automotive jewelry is aesthetically presented annually at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where once a year, 200 of the most prized collector cars from around the world roll onto the famed eighteenth fairway. Standouts receive official recognition for style, technical merit and historical accuracy surrounded by hat-​clad ladies in lace and gentlemen in seersucker and aviators. This year, the event showcased the Porsche 911 and Lamborghini at 50 and variety of significant racing and touring cars such as Aston Martin, Lincoln, Simplex, Dusenberg and French Motorcycles. Since its inception in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours has donated more than $ 20 Million to charitable organizations in the greater Monterey Peninsula including $ 1.2 Million raised in a few hours for the Monterey Hospital. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance see you again soon.

It was so great to see to such an orgy of vintage cars, homage to history, owners, collectors, designer of such fantastic machines. I am saddened that our world has to live in an ocean of ugly mini vans, compact cars and basically SOW. Here, though many of these cars are rare and its difficulty of seeing them in person, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance strives to bring a variety of cars which arrived on both trailer and driven in. This was my first time I have been to this particular event, held on a Tuesday none the less, and to see such a crowd. Perfect weather, the nicest people (no — they are not snobs), and a great place to learn and aspire how we should treat our future. Support Carmel and the Carmel businesses to do such a show.

If you’re a gearhead, do the before you die.
You will see, and experience, things you’ve only read about in books.

World class collection of pre-​WWII (and sometimes later) vehicles. About 400 cars adorn the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach, and the winners driver over the green and head to the winners circle. About 10−20K folks visit (my feeble attempt to estimate, so take the shuttles suggested, arrive 45 minutes earlier than they declare ‘open’, bring plenty of sunscreen (even if there is fog), a bottle of water and enjoy all the people and the cars. Make sure you have footwear for ‘wet grass’ and have ‘layers’ ready for the weather. Bring a hat. Find Jay Leno’s car early on, and meet with him right after sun-​up (6−8am). He is very friendly and will autograph and do the picture thing. Arnold struts around with his body guards and is not as approachable.

Absolutely the finest exhibition of cars and motorcycles on the planet. Pricey BUT worth every dollar!

What a glorious event. So many cars that are absolutely breathtaking. Couldn’t believe that I saw a bugatti.
I was there this year to do some test drives and see all of the amazing cars on display.
I got to test drive the new Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar XF and XJ. Infiniti was there and so was SAAB, Mini, Lexus. Everything was very fun and elegant.

This was my very first time at this event and can say this is elegance at its finest.
I was very fortunate to stay at my Aunt’s house in Pebble Beach for the weekend instead of paying an ungodly amount of money to stay at a hotel. Further, she has a lifetime membership to the place so we were treated like royalty.
I have been to many events in my life but nothing came close to how well this is run.
Once we entered the parking garage, I even found cars that were worth some of the classic cars in the show! Ferraris, Bentleys, Porches, etc. I have never seen so many millions of dollars of cars all in one place in my life.
Everything to the free wine, food demonstrations and especially the employees at Pebble Beach could not have been better. I can’t wait to come back again next year.

As a first timer to the Concours d’Elegance I didn’t really know what to expect so I’m writing this as a guide of sorts for other first timers. I had a lot of fun at the Concours yesterday but with a bit more planning the day could have been much better. These are some things I suggest doing and will do next year!
1. Get there early! I like to sleep in and didn’t arrive until close to 2:00 pm. I will be there at opening next year for sure.
2. Dress Up! The Concours website suggests dressing casually in layers… I would recommend dressing as if you are going to a fine garden party (in layers as the weather can be unpredictable). Fashion runs the gamut from jeans paired with a blouse to ladies who would feel right at home at the Kentucky Derby.
3. Bring a picnic basket filled with goodies, a blanket, some wine, and stemware. Unless you have the luxury of attending one of the private parties picnicking on the green is the way to go. There is food available on the Concours but it is limited to a few basic items. We were lucky enough to have passes that allowed us into the Lodge so we had a nice late lunch in The Tap Room but I would have much preferred to have lunch on the lawn picnic style amongst all the cars.
4. Wear comfy shoes, or at least bring some comfortable shoes with you just in case. I thought my sandals were comfortable but by the end of the day my toes definitely needed a break.
5. Really take your time enjoying the cars. Even if you are not a «car» person you will find automobiles here that are so well designed they absolutely take your breath away.
6. Have your camera ready… you never know when you are going to have that Jay Leno or Arnold Schwarzenegger sighting.

Antique and vintage Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Audi, Morgan, Triumph, Duesenberg, Packard, Mercedes-​Benz, Alfa Romero, Jaguar, Austin Healy, Lamborghini, Packard, American muscle cars, British motorcycles have flooded the streets of Carmel since the beginning of the week. They’re everywhere. The roar of powerful engines carrying through the air in Carmel seemed oddly out of place.
Since 1950, once every year on a Sunday in August the Pebble Beach Company sponsors the Concours d’Elegance. 175 of the world’s premier automobiles assemble on the fairway nearest the 18^th Hole at Pebble Beach where they are judged for their historical accuracy, technical merit, and style.
The event has raised over 12 million dollars for various charities.
A few days before the event, usually on a Tuesday and then Thursday, many antique cars and trucks are assembled along Ocean Avenue for public viewing. I like to look at the cars with friends while they’re on display in Carmel. And afterwards, beeline it to Il Fornaio for Coffee, or Jack London’s for happy hour, or Em Lee’s for an early dinner.
If you’re a car buff, this is the place to be!!!
Mark you calendars for next year…

What a GREAT place to go and drool on a bunch of other peoples cars (I did try to clean up after myself, at least).
You WILL lose a whole day wondering around the 18^th at PB, lusting… oh yes… lusting. These cars aren’t merely perfect restorations of the cars of yesteryear… nooooooo…these cars are the cars that restorers refer to when they are restoring the cars of yesteryear. Scary beautiful. Scary at the lust level. Scary at the price levels of the ones on auction (my first home was ½ the price of most of these cars).
Outrageously priced. Outrageously worth it. Go. Wear protection (you’ll be lusting that much, I assure you). Leave the wallet at home (otherwise you WILL buy one, and then live in the doghouse because I assure you the wife won’t understand).
The only ding is the parking. What a mess. After 59 years, you’d think they’d figure out another system other than taking up both sides of 17 Mile Drive (making you vs the bus coming at you VERY interesting).

gorgeous as always
bit overcrowded this year
motorama treat

This takes car show to a whole new level! As Jay Leno puts it, it’s the Superbowl of cars! Well, definitely with a lot of elegance and class and lots of sponsorships!
I’m not an expert on cars but with bf listing out the prices of each of those super afflluent automobile, my heart skipped a beat! How can anyone afford that? Why are they auctioning? This is WORTH that much? I guess for a millionaire or billionaire, what’s a $ 1.5 million dollar car? I guess a mansion, a yacht and then a few of these puppies to fill up the garage deems the person’s life complete or maybe not!
As we were driving into 17^th mile drive, there were at least 5 Rolls Royce convertible? Again, I’m asking the question, were they giving these cars away for free? Damn, every family seems to be driving one!
We were wined and dined at the Flexjet tent, yup the private/​personal jetliner company was boosting a nice tent with live jazz music, warm and cold foods, yup, lamb chops, baked brie with nuts and fruits and salmon sandwiches and many other Hor D Oeuvres!
We strolled the grounds of the golf course, the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the surrounding areas and admire and ok, maybe gawked at all the beatiful cars, old and new! We saw a Bugati sitting in the front driveway of The Lodge! According to Wikipedia, Bugati is currently the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive street-​legal full production car in the world, with 1001 horsepower (746 kilowatts)!! That’s a whole lot of hp!!!
Overall, a great experience, a chance to roll with the rich and famous and simply view some of the most expensive cars all in one day, one space! And I saw my dream car, SLR which was my screen saver for the longest time…