An intoxicating mix of speculation, excitement, and intrigue abounds as the judges, spectators, and commentators anticipate which of the fanciest of cars will be named “Best of Show” at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Surrounded by magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, a parage of treasured historical cars drive onto the acclaimed Pebble Beach fairways for the world cup of luxury car shows at the Concours d’Elegance. Champagne and caviar set the stage on one of the most luxurious estates in the world as a connoisseur of cars admires these manicured four-wheel machines. 

The finale of Monterey Car Week

Over 200 of the best collector cars in the world roll onto the legendary 18th fairway, notably for the views among the finest in golf and where the U.S. Open hosts famed names such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Said to be the world’s premier automobile celebration, Concours draws collector car enthusiasts and gathers international crowds to cheer their favorites and participate in a competition of elegance. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the finale of Monterey Car Week held in August every year as a fundraising event for charities. 

The Pebble Beach “Best of Show” Trophy is often regarded as the loftiest of honors and guarantees a place in history. Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has attracted car enthusiasts of all ages. Among the world’s Concours, this internationally renowned classic-car competition is one of the big three. The other two are the original Concours d’Elegance Chantilly Richard Mille and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in Italy. 

Contest of elegance

Concours d’Elegance (French: Concours d’élégance) is a French term origin that means a “competition of elegance” and refers to an event where prestigious vehicles are displayed and judged. It dates back to 17th-century France, where aristocrats paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer. Over time, carriages became horseless, and the gatherings became a competition among vehicle owners to be judged on the appearance of their vehicles. The Concours is not a contest of speed but of elegance. Concours d’Elegance has raised more than $32 million for nearly 100 charities on the Monterey Peninsula.

The Kentucky Derby of motorsports

This is the Kentucky Derby of motorsports, where smartly dressed judges with fedora hats and clipboards tout each coupe for its period-correct preservation and restoration. Patrons such as actors Jerry Seinfeld and car enthusiast Jay Leno join the audience of admirers in their garden party-style suits and dresses, bright colors, and big hats. The setting is made complete with a live jazz band,  hospitality suites operated by luxury automakers, and lots of bubbly to fuel the celebratory vibe. The ultimate VIP experience is at the Chairman’s Suite, where guests enjoy a direct panoramic overview of all the winners driving up the ramp. Here, you won’t want to miss the spectacular view of the climatic “Best of Show” presentation when the winner is announced amidst an explosion of confetti and the popping of corks.

Best of Show

However, there can only be one “Best of Show.” The 2021 winner was none other than a black 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K named “Best of Show” at the climactic event of the Monterey Car Week. The rare fastback is the only known survivor of the three built at Mercedes’s factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. Alongside winning the revered Concours trophy, Arturo Keller also received a $15,000 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch and a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne specially chosen from their premium collection for the event. 

The Competition

The recent “Best of Show” competition included a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica Drophead Coupé; a 1966 Ferrari 365 P Pininfarina Berlinetta Speciale; and a 1956 Maserati A6G Zagato Coupé. In 2019, The Drako GTE made its first public appearance. An all-electric, 1200-hp sedan with a claimed top speed of 206 mph. Each one will cost at least $1.3 million. The GTE is built by California-based startup Drako Motors, which says it plans to sell just 25 copies.

California Dreamin’

There are about sixty Concours d’elegance events in the United States. In addition to the outlandish array of classics, automakers often show new exotics, concept cars, and production models. At Pebble Beach, it truly is one of the edge-of-your-seat moments to be a part of elite history in a Beverly Hills, Carmel, and Monterey scene where many films are made, and fame and fortune do exist. California dreamin’ on such a summer’s day.