I’ve been going to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for more than 30 years. For a few of those, I was the emcee for part of the morning activities, interviewing owners who had cars entered.
I have to confess that watching the livestream on YouTube actually gives me a better perspective on the field. (Not to mention that it is free, compared to today’s $650 general admission ticket.)
Of course, nothing can compare with actually being close to the cars and hanging out with my car gang. But the livestream, with excellent commentary by co-hosts Justin Bell and Tommy Kendall, and emcee’d by Amanda Stretton, was fulfilling.
This was the 75th anniversary of the concours. Over the years, it has raised over $50m for Monterey-based charities.
As I watched, I saw many SCMers winning awards. Among them were Jon Shirley with his Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, Bruce McCaw with his Ferrari 250 GT Sperimentale, Chip Connor both with his Miura and his Talbot-Lago T150 C-SS, and Miles Collier with his Alfa 8C 2900B. In addition, McCaw won the Charles A. Chayne trophy, with a 1938 Tatra T77A Limousine.
William E. Connor & Associates also sponsored the Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sportscar trophy, which went to a Fiat 8V.
But what brought my biggest smile was local enthusiast Ed Godshalk winning Best in Class with his 1948 Cisitalia 202 Corsa Farina coupe. Unlike many owners who have prestigious (and expensive) shops restore their cars, Ed did most of the work himself. His trophy is a tremendous achievement.
Best of Show was awarded to the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Special Speedster, owned by Harry Yeaggy of Cincinnati, OH. There were only two built.
The other three finalists were two Italian and one French car. it seemed fitting that the winner of this American event, the most prestigious in the world, was an American car.
Have you been to a high-end concours? How do you rate them compared to a Cars & Coffee in terms of the fun you have?
I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments below.
Read my previous blog posts here.
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