Learn about the history of the Concours d’Elegance in this post!
Pebble Beach might be most well-known for its idyllic beaches and world-class golfing, but the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is, as its name suggests, among the most elegant celebrations of fine automobiles in the world.
Each summer, the well-heeled — and the “well-wheeled” — gather in Pebble Beach to view vintage automobiles that have been lovingly and extensively restored by their owners in the hopes of taking home a trophy.
If you’re curious about the history of the Concours d’Elegance and would like to learn more, we’ve got you covered! Here are some facts to get you excited for this most stylish and sophisticated event, which takes place on August 21, 2022!
- Last minute addition
- On the green
- A variety of awards
- International showing
- Green ribbons
- Oldie but a goodie
Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Concours d’Elegance and how you can snag Pebble Beach Concours tickets of your own.
Last minute addition
The Concours d’Elegance, which means “competition of elegance” in French, was actually a late addition to the Pebble Beach Road Races in 1950. The events were held in tandem until the death of early hot rod racer Ernie McAfree in 1956.
On the green
The Concours d’Elegance is held on the 18th green of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links course, and the Sunday that the event is held is the only day each year that the course is closed to golfers.
A variety of awards
It seems only fitting that this event has an entire section of awards dedicated to elegance, including Most Elegant Convertible and Most Elegant Sports Car. Other awards at the Concours d’Elegance include the French Cup, awarded to a car of French origin, and the Gran Turismo, which is awarded to the overall most exemplary vehicle.
International showing
While most winners of the Best in Show award have been made by foreign manufacturers, American-made cars hold the distinction of most victories by a single country at 17. France is a close second with 16 wins, followed by the United Kingdom with 14 and Germany with 10.
Green ribbons
If you’re fortunate enough to attend the Concours d’Elegance with Superior, you may notice many entrants sporting large green ribbons. These ribbons indicate that the vehicle participated in the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, a 70-mile drive around the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.
The tour portion of the event was added in 1998 after some believed the cars entered in the contest were not driven often enough. According to the event’s organizers, the tour is meant to affirm an important fact — “automobiles are not merely objects of beauty; they are designed to transport people from one place to another.”
Oldie but a goodie
The oldest car to win Best in Show was in 1962 when a 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost took home the top prize.
Want to experience this time-honored celebration of one-of-a-kind automobiles in person next year?
Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan an unforgettable trip complete with Pebble Beach Concours tickets and world-class accommodations. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message to start planning your 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance travel package!
