Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2008
Only 175 of the most prized collector cars in the world are invited to participate in this very competitive event, and to win in its class is an affirmation that the car is the best example of its breed.
The Pebble Beach Concours was initiated in 1950 as a compliment to the first Pebble Beach Road Race, and quickly grew to be the automotive social event to attend. In 1956, driver Ernie McAfee died when he lost control of his 1955 Ferrari 121LM Scaglietti Spyder during the races. That caused the end of the racing at Pebble Beach, but the Concours continued.
Ten years ago a driving event was introduced, known as the Tour d'Elegance, allowing both drivers and spectators to enjoy the vehicles on a scenic seventeen mile drive. So much for the notion that the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance only attracts museum pieces and trailer queens.
Each year the event will highlight a particular marque and present a special guest. Famed designers have been brought back together with their creations and racing greats have been reunited with their steeds. This year the Pebble Beach Concours will showcase the Lancia, Lamborghini and the General Motors centennial.
We are particularly excited about the return of a 1934 Packard V12 Convertible Victoria. In 1955, San Francisco police officer Marvin Zukor drove this car 100 miles down the California coast to participate in the third Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. On August 17th, fifty three years later, Zukor and his Packard will be competing again in this year’s Concours.
More information about the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is available on their website.
Comments
The Concours d’Elegance is one of the shows I’ve always wanted to see. Hopefully one day in the near future I can sync my life to the events date.
Jeff – I hope you get your wish, the Monterey Concours is a truly spectacular event. It was one of my “once in a lifetime” adventures, along with Bonneville Speed Week. Both were well worth it. But if you go to Monterey, better bring some big bucks, and if you want to “fit in” wear some fancy duds -a blue blazer with cream-color trousers would be just about perfect. (At Bonneville, a sweatshirt, jeans, and some pocket change are all you need, and some powerful sun block.)
We’re looking forward to it too – this is my 15th year in a row. To share what we know, we’ve published the following page – 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance as a Hubpage. We’ll be updating it with insider photos.
Great info on Pebble Beach Concours, I attend every year and also love the Monterrey Historic Races which start on Saturday. If you go down for the weekend, make sure to check out the races and the multiple car auctions too!