The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the world’s most prestigious automotive beauty contest, held annually in August on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, showcasing multi-million dollar classics judged on originality and restoration quality.
Ultra-Wealthy Playground
Entry fees exceed $5,000; winning increases a car’s value by $1-5 million overnight. The 2013 Best of Show—a 1934 Packard Twelve—was valued at $5 million after winning. Attendees arrive via private jets and superyachts moored in Monterey Bay.
Auctions Week
Pebble Beach anchors Monterey Car Week, featuring simultaneous auctions by RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Company, Bonhams, and Mecum where $300+ million changes hands annually. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé sold for $142 million, the most expensive car ever.
Featured Marques
Each year honors specific brands or coachbuilders. 2019 celebrated Zagato’s 100th anniversary with Italian design masterpieces. 2022 honored Hispano-Suiza, showcasing Art Deco luxury. 2023 featured Lincoln alongside electric vehicle pioneers.
The Concept Lawn
Modern supercar manufacturers unveil bespoke creations on Concept Car Lawn: Bugatti Chiron variants, Pagani one-offs, Singer Porsche commissions, and Pininfarina design studies aimed at billionaires seeking investment-grade metal.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Strictly enforced formal attire: blazers for men, sundresses or slacks for women. Touching cars without permission is social suicide. Photography is encouraged but flash is forbidden—reflections damage concours finishes.
Sources:
- Pebble Beach Concours official: https://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/
- RM Sotheby’s auction results: https://rmsothebys.com/en/results/