Design, photography and illustrations by Tommy Scalera

This year’s Guide to Monterey Car Week focuses exclusively on the salient facts and details concerning the current edition of this annual celebration of the motor vehicle. It is even more user-friendly with the addition of links that connect readers to comprehensive information about each event that is contained within CarShowSafari.com’s Events Page. Maps that illustrate the location of each venue are included as an aid to navigating within the Monterey area. The result is that this year’s guide is once again a one-stop source about the events and activities of Monterey Car Week.

Additional information about lesser-known automotive history, much of it directly connected to the Monterey Peninsula, is available only on CarShowSafari.com. Periodically, these stories will appear in the weeks before Monterey Car Week and will continue to be accessible afterward to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire readers. Readers should regularly check the site for announcements about their publication in order to not miss any items of interest.

This year’s format for the guide is just the latest example of why CarShowSafari.com is the website for car enthusiasts that lists car shows and motorsport events nationwide, along with news, reviews, podcasts, videos, pictorials, games, a storefront, and car club resources.

Like many cars that are displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this 1950 Leo Lyons Custom Mercury was restored from its original state as seen above to a degree that warranted its invitation to this prestigious event in 2015. (Top, Wolfmann / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; bottom, courtesy of Autoweek Archives)

MONTEREY CAR WEEK CALENDAR

Ford GT40 chassis number GT/108 was at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2018. It was the first of the open-top GT40s built for sale to the public, and is the only one of six Roadster prototypes still in its original form. (Sicnag / via Wikimedia Commons CC-BY SA 2.0)

The number and variety of events during Monterey Car Week leading to the capstone Concours d’Elegance means that there is something for fans of almost every aspect of automotive history and technology to enjoy. The events of Monterey Car Week are listed on the following pages by day, date, and time for quick reference. To view full information on each event, click on the event’s name to link directly to CarShowSafari.com’s “Event Details” pages.

In addition, you can also use CarShowSafari’s Find an Event section to get information on other car shows and motorsport events around the nation that span the entire spectrum of automotive enthusiasts’ interests.

It is worth taking time to explore other features on CarShowSafari.com’s website. These additional features include car-themed merchandise and accessories for sale in Safari Five and Dime, automotive and racing news in Safari News, entertaining and informative commentary on car-related subjects in Safari Vision, automotive history in Motorama, car club resources, virtual car shows, and so much more!

SCHEDULE

1904 Pope-Toledo 24 HP Type IV Tonneau, 4-cylinder engine at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2015. (Jay Cross from Berkeley, California, US / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

1913 Mercer Model 35 J Raceabout at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009. (Craig Howell / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

 

1937 Packard (15th series) Super Eight Convertible Sedan at the 2005 Concours d’elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. (BrendelSignature / CC-BY SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

 

 

1952 Siata 208CS 2+2 Coupé, with coachwork by Bertone at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (Prova Mo / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025
Automobilia Collectors Expo Day 2	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Concours For A Cause	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

After Road & Track magazine’s staff got soaked during a rainy Pebble Beach Road Race & Concours d’Elegance in 1955, the company purchased this DKW Schnellaster van as a mobile office for the 1956 season. It was equipped with a two-burner stove, a typewriter, could sleep three, and had a large hole in the roof through which three people could watch a race. Power came from a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine developing 42 hp. (Google News Archive)

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2025
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Day 1	7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bonham’s Quail Lodge Auction: Preview Day 1	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
RM Sotheby’s Auction Preview Day 1	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Broad Arrow Auction At Monterey Jet Center Preview Day 1	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Automobilia Monterey Expo Day 3	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company Preview Day 1	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Astons On The Avenue	11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Little Car Show	12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
BMW M SPORT Event by BMW Monterey	3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pebble Beach Motoring Classic Arrival	4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Broad Arrow Auction At Monterey Jet Center Auction Day 1	6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Motorlux	6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

 

ATS 2500 GTS Alemano Coupé 1963 at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009. (Rex Gray / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

1967 Porsche 906E Weinsberg Coupé, chassis 906-158, on display at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (Prova Mo / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

1972 Porsche 916 prototype on the show field at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (Prova Mo / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

The Machiavelli GTS 305 2+2 of 1986 was a custom-made American sports car that aimed to compete with the Ferrari in terms of looks and performance. It was designed by the former project manager for the original Trans Am and built on a Pontiac Firebird chassis by VSE in Del Rey Oaks on the Monterey Peninsula. VSE’s headquarters another assembly facility were in Miami, FL. VSE also had another connection with that city in that Philip Michael Thomas, co-star of the TV show Miami Vice, was a partner in the company. (Courtesy of exoticcartrader.com)

1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series 2 “Cannonball Run”, on display at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. . (Prova Mo / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

2025 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE

This section of the guide presents a combination of narrative and numbers to illustrate selected factoids concerning the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Since the nature of the concours does not warrant a detailed breakdown that is such a vital aspect of professional sports today, the metrics information in this section can also be described as fun facts or data that in some cases confirms some common observations of the event.

Concours Overview

Replica of Pebble Beach Best Of Show trophy in 2023. (CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

The Entry Process for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Considering the high value of the vast majority of the cars that compete in such an event, and their undoubted very well-heeled owners, it is easy to assume that the payment of a tidy admission fee is the major item that a potential participant would need to take care of to enter the competition. Anyone in the hobby who has attended and/or participated in relatively formal shows has experienced such an occurrence. Unlike a standard Car Show, Cars & Coffee, Cruise Night, or other classic car gathering, it takes more than money to be an entrant in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In conjunction with the grandeur and prestige of such an event, and perhaps to emphasize its importance, participants are selected to compete through a formalized and lengthy process.

The whole thing kicks off each November, when entry applications go to many annual participants with a due date at the beginning of January for all completed applications. The Concours Selection Committee reviews the material over several weeks, then meets in late February to determine which cars to invite to the contest.

Most of the applicants are notified of the committee’s decision by April. Logically, one would expect a key factor in their decision to be that (just as in life) experience is an advantage, therefore giving previously successful applicants an edge over first-timers. Once again, the Concours application process does not follow convention. In this case, cars that have not previously been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance or another major Concours are given preference. Additionally, cars are usually screened out by the Concours Selection Committee for a period of ten years unless they have 1) changed ownership, and 2) are freshly restored, or they are an original preservation car.

After acceptance to the Concours there are more conditions for owners to adhere. The first is that cars cannot be entered during the month of August at any other event prior to the Concours, with the possible exception for certain cars that are participating in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. A second condition is that Concours personnel request that they be informed before a car accepted for the Concours is shown at another venue earlier in the year. The reason for this request is that the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has a strong desire to be unique. A car shown in another event may diminish its rarity by just being seen too often, which subsequently may diminish the Concours team’s interest in its display at Pebble Beach.

The Green Ribbon

A 1955 OSCA MT4 Morelli Spyder sports a green ribbon after driving the route of the Tour d’Elegance and providing proof that it is not a “trailer-queen”. (James Bond / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

A glance across the show field on Concours Sunday will yield a host of cars sporting bright green ribbons — proof that they’ve participated in one of the time-honored traditions, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex. The Tour affirms one important fact in that automobiles are not merely objects of beauty; they are designed to transport people from one place to another.

Faced with criticism that concours beauties were too seldom driven, Concours Co-Chairmen Lorin Tryon and Jules “J.” Heumann (at the urging of local car guy Craig Davis), decided in 1998 to ask Concours entries to prove themselves. They invited them to participate in a tour of the area — part driving test, part social outing — just a few days prior to the Concours. As incentive, they stipulated that cars that participated in the Tour would have the advantage if they tied in Concours class competition. Also on offer was a new Elegance in Motion trophy.

Seventy cars, about a third of the entrants, participated in that first Tour, and it was deemed a grand success. Today, about 80 percent of Concours competitors traverse the scenic 70-mile route of the Tour — and they are cheered by spectators all along the way.

The route has changed over the years, variously incorporating a trip along Cannery Row, climbing steep Laureles grade, taking a turn at the track, or tracing the coast to Big Sur. But always waiting at the finish line are glasses of champagne and the gift of a green ribbon to mark each car’s successful completion of the Tour.

2025 Best of Show and Vehicle Classes Criteria

Winners of First, Second and Third in Class are selected by the Concours’ Class Judges, led by the Chief Judge, based on originality, authenticity, and proper and excellent preservation or restoration. A team of Honorary Judges, headed by the Chief Honorary Judge, then approach the field with an eye on elegance.

Both Class and Honorary Judges work in tandem to review and oversee their designated classes. Eligibility to win the top award of Best of Show a car must first win its class. Once all of the Class winners are announced and reviewed, a team consisting of the following personnel casts their vote for their choice for Best of Show, and the car with the most votes wins the award:

• Chief Judge
• Chief Honorary Judge
• Each Chief Class Judge
• Each Honorary Judge team leader
• Selected Class Judges

Identification and information concerning each of this year’s featured classes is in the next section.

Honorary Judges at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance review concours entrants to determine the winners of many additional special awards separate from class competition and Best Of Show. One early Honorary Judge was Pebble Beach resident Ernest K. Gann (October 13, 1910 – December 19, 1991). Gann was an ex-airline pilot and author of several renowned aviation novels, including Fate Is The Hunter, generally acknowledged to be the best novel about aviation ever written. Gann moved to Pebble Beach with his family in the early 1950s and lived in a cottage off the 17-Mile Drive until the mid-1960s that was named “Island In the Sky” after his then-current bestseller. During this period, he completed The High and the Mighty, Fiddler’s Green, Soldier of Fortune, and associated screenplays for their movie adaptations. He also owned a green 1950s MG that he kept well into the 1960s along with an early Austin-Healey. (Left, Fair Use via Wikimedia Commons; right, Find A Grave.com)

This 1921 Kissel 6-45 Gold Bug Speedster was featured in the 2018 TV show Long Road to Monterey on MotorTrend. The photograph captures the moment that it was awarded a trophy and blue ribbon denoting Best-In-Class at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This status qualified it for consideration for the Best Of Show award, which it did not win in that year’s event. (Classicsworkshop / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Invicta Centennial

In a short period from 1925 to 1935, English company Invicta made a lasting impression in the international automobile industry. The company was founded by Noel Macklin in Cobham, England, with backing by Sir Oliver Lyle of sugar refiner Tate & Lyle, Ltd. Macklin’s initial designs, the Silver Hawk and Eric-Campbell, had excellent performance as evidenced through wins in them by famous British racer Violette Cordery. She had been Macklin’s driver during World War I and was later his sister-in-law. Starting in 1920, Cordery drove the cars to victory in hill climbs and sprints, then set endurance records at Monza and Montlhéry in 1926 in the Invicta powered by a 6-cylinder Meadows engine. In 1927, Cordery drove an Invicta around the world in five months at an average speed of 24.6 mph, then in 1929 drove 30,000 miles over 20 days in an Invicta Tourer to set another record. She finished the decade with separate long-distance trips from London to Monte Carlo, Edinburgh, and the northern tip of Scotland.

Invicta’s sporty S-type was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1930 and was a promising design, as Donald Healey drove one to a class win in the 1930 Monte Carlo Rally and an outright win of the event in 1931. Unfortunately, only about 75 of the cars were produced before the company went under after the last cars were built in 1935. Since that time the Invicta name was revived in two separate periods, from 1946-1950 and 2004-2012. The success of Invicta cars has resulted in their being highly collectable and sought by classic car enthusiasts into the present day.

1931 Invicta S Type at Silverstone Classic 2021.(David Merrett from Daventry, England / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Chrysler Centennial

Walter P. Chrysler did not get involved with automobiles until he was 36 years old, as his career to that point had been in the railroad industry. His life-long passion for machinery brought him into a new chapter of his life in 1908 when he purchased his first car, a Locomobile, even though he did not know how to drive. He quickly learned its workings by taking it apart and putting it together again. A short time later he was recruited to work for General Motors, from which he eventually achieved success in the auto industry by rising through the ranks to eventually take the ownership of multiple marques. Under his leadership the Chrysler Corporation successfully competed with Ford and General Motors in producing innovative and affordable cars for the average consumer as well as providing some of the most luxurious transports of the time through partnerships with high-end coachbuilders. Examples of these beautifully crafted vehicles have graced the lawn at Pebble Beach almost since the beginning of the concours, with two adding the Chrysler name to the handful of American marques awarded Best Of Show.

Today, although Chrysler is now a part of Stellantis, it is still building Chryslers. It is also continuing its 100-year history as an innovator in areas such as engine design, vibration reduction, and vehicle aerodynamics.

1941 Chrysler LeBaron Thunderbolt at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009. (Rex Gray / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Virgil Exner Creations

Virgil Exner gave a new shape to motion with innovative designs that made many American cars of the 1950s true “dream machines.” Born in 1909 and displaying artistic talent as a youth, Exner studied art at Notre Dame University but left before completing a degree to take employment as a layout artist and illustrator with a South Bend, IN firm named Advertising Artists. It was here that Exner began his association with Studebaker Corporation, who held an account with the agency. In 1934 he joined General Motors’ Art and Color Section under Harley Earl and at age 24 became the youngest head of a GM styling division. In 1938, designer Raymond Loewy recruited Exner to join Loewy’s design studio, where Exner renewed his relationship with Studebaker by being in charge of their corporate account. As chief styling engineer for Studebaker, Exner was responsible for developing several new lines of automobiles: the first Champion in 1939, a new line of Champion, Commander, and President models in 1941, and the postwar Starlight coupe in 1947.

In 1949, Exner joined Chrysler Corporation as head of the newly established Advanced Design Studio. While at Chrysler, Exner was responsible for the development of sixteen “idea” cars that were built by the Ghia firm of Italy and used by Chrysler as styling survey and sales promotion products. In the area of production vehicles, Exner was responsible for the “Forward Look” lines of 1955 and 1956. His revolutionary line of 1957 “wedge theme” cars were the culmination of the Forward Look line and epitomize his contribution to Chrysler Corporation, to the automobile industry, and to the art of automotive styling. Although he is best remembered as “The Fin Man,” his talents extended to all areas of styling. One historian noted: “Exner’s designs incorporated elements of art and science to create practical transportation that also had grace and flair.”

The 1954 Dodge Firearrow III was the third in a series of four Chrysler concept cars developed by Carozzerria Ghia. Acclaimed aerobatic pilot Betty Skelton set a closed-course speed record of 143.44 mph in this car at Chrysler’s Chelsea, MI, test track in 1954 while reportedly wearing a dress and high heels. The Firearrow’s subsequent history includes being sold for $852,500 by RM Sotheby’s as Lot 121 in their auction at Monterey on August 11, 2011. (James Emery from Douglassville, United States / CC-BY SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Formula 1: 75th Anniversary

The roots of Formula 1 racing can be traced back to the earliest Grand Prix races of the late 1800s, in which public roads between two towns constituted the race course. Over time these simple races evolved into more organized events regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), founded in 1904, who sanctions F1 races. The initial plans for a Formula One championship were discussed in the late 1930s but were shelved due to World War II. The idea was revived in 1946, and the first world championship took place in 1950 at Silverstone, England. At this time, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz dominated the race makeup.

The Italians were the successors in these early World Championship races as both manufacturers and drivers. The first World Champion was Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo, while Ferrari appeared in the second race at Monaco, and has the distinction of being the only manufacturer who has competed throughout the history of the sport. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance hopes to trace the history of Formula 1 from its origins to the present day.

The advancement of design and technology of cars competing in Formula 1 over 75 years is starkly evident in these images. Top, a Maserati 4CLT-48 is being driven by José Froilán Gonzalez in the Dutch Grand Prix in July 1950. Bottom, Sergio Pérez drives a Honda RBPT in the Austrian Grand Prix in 2024. (Top, Wikimedia Commons via Public Domain [cropped]; bottom, Lukas Raich / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Moretti Centennial

Although Giovanni Moretti did not start building cars until after World War II, his company’s history dates back to its founding in 1925 as a manufacturer of motorcycles, microcars, commercial trucks, and three-wheeler delivery vans. The Moretti company had lots of competition in the postwar period as many individuals and small firms in Italy produced small sports cars utilizing parts and assemblies obtained from major manufacturers, particularly Fiat. However, Moretti distinguished itself by not only producing their own mechanicals but they also eschewed reliance on specialist coachbuilders by building their own bodies from design by Giovanni Michelotti and others. The 1200 Sport was arguably Moretti’s most appealing product, as it was powered by the company’s own twin-cam four-cylinder engine that had grown from 750cc to a little over 1.2 liters displacement. Its 80-hp output was controlled by a manual four-speed transmission which was another proprietary product.

This 1955 1200 Sport Spyder, chassis 5007, has a current U.K. license plate but was registered to a Belgian owner when it was previously entered in Class O-3 – Postwar Racing in the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. As of June 2025, it is slated for sale by RM Sotheby’s at their Monterey auction in August. (Courtesy of Bonham’s)

Moretti cars were favorably received by the press, the public, and their owners. Unfortunately, the cost of building these excellent performers was too high to be economically viable for sustained production. As a result, by 1959 Giovanni Moretti completed the transition of the company into modifying existing cars like many of his competitors. Through a relationship with Fiat that lasted until 1989, when Moretti ceased automobile production, it is remembered for its stylish designs and its use of Fiat platforms in some of its later models.

Shelby Cobra

Of the almost 1,000 original Cobras built, the Shelby Cobra 427 that was produced from 1965 to 1967 comprises approximately 348 units built. This includes both street versions (260) and competition/semi-competition models. Major redesign of the Cobra frame was required to install the Ford 427FE engine. In addition, Shelby developed a new independent suspension, strengthened the frame to handle the increase in torque and modified the body to accommodate bigger wheels and tires. Performance was the hallmark of all of the Cobras, and the Shelby 427 was the pinnacle of development of the car. A good 427 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds and to 100 mph in 8.8. Legendary driver Ken Miles took this capability a step further by going from zero to 100 and back to zero in under 13 seconds. In celebration of this illustrious brand, all four versions of the original 427 Cobra will be displayed on the Concours lawn along with the first and last production Cobras to represent the entire Cobra production run. This is a fitting homage to the history of this ground-breaking machine from start to finish.

This is an example from the second batch of Cobra 427s (100) that were distinguished from the first group by being fitted with Ford’s 428 cubic inch engine. This powerplant was intended for road use rather than racing. In spite of this change, they are still identified as Shelby Cobra 427s. (Stahlkocher / CC-BY SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Awards and Trophies

As noted in the list below, there are many other awards besides Best of Show given to Pebble Beach participants. Special committees of Honorary Judges select Special Awards and Elegance Awards winners per the stated criteria.

Interestingly, the Concours website notes that most Special Award Trophies are perpetual and are maintained at Pebble Beach. As a result, winners receive a suitable trophy often based on the Pebble Beach Concours Trophy.

Special Awards and Established Dates

Alec Ulmann Trophy (2012): Awarded to the car that best embodies the combination of excellence in performance and elegance in design.

Ansel Adams Award (1984): Named for the famous photographer who was a frequent Honorary Judge at Pebble Beach, this award is given to the most desirable touring car in its era.

Art Center College of Design Award (2002): Awarded to the car that showed the best use of new technology in its era, had groundbreaking style and engineering, and has had the greatest impact on car design today.

Briggs Cunningham Trophy (1978): Well-known automobile creator and collector Briggs Cunningham donated this trophy to recognize the most exciting open car at the Concours.

Cars At Stanford Award (2013): The winner of this trophy is determined to be the most technologically advanced automobile of its time on the show field by students and professors from The Center of Automotive Research at Stanford University (CARS).

Classic Car Club of America Trophy (2000): Awarded to the most significant classic car at the show.

Chairman’s Trophy (1983): This award is for the most deserving car in the show as selected by the Chairman.

Charles A. Chayne Trophy (1978): Named for a former General Motors Vice President of Engineering and noted supporter of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this is another award to the car with the most advanced engineering of its era.

Dean Batchelor Trophy (1977): In homage to the noted automotive writer and historian, this award to the most significant car associated with Hot Rod heritage was donated by Ford Motor Company.

Elegance in Motion Trophy (1988): Recognizes the car deemed to be the most elegant participant that successfully completed the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance.

Enzo Ferrari Trophy (2005): As an award to the best Ferrari in the show, the name speaks for itself. The trophy also has its own history in that it was preceded by the Hans Tanner Trophy from 1974 – 1995 and the Luigi Chinetti Trophy from 1996 – 2004.

FIVA Awards (1999): Presented to the best preserved and regularly driven cars as determined by a special committee guided by FIVA regulations.

Gran Turismo Trophy (2008): Awarded to the most significant car balancing both artistic beauty and performance at the highest level and most desired for inclusion in the Gran Turismo game series.

Lincoln Trophy: This award goes to the most significant Lincoln at Pebble Beach.

Lorin Tryon Trophy (1999): Named for the long-time and dedicated Co-Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance who was a significant contributor in the successful efforts to attract the most elegant cars to the event. As a result, the award recognizes an automotive enthusiast who has contributed significantly to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the car collector world.

Lucius Beebe Trophy (1966): Given in recognition of the Rolls-Royce considered most in tradition of Lucius Beebe, a show judge in the Concours’ early years who contributed greatly to its success, and is also the first perpetual trophy established at the Concours.

Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award (1987): Donated by Mercedes-Benz and presented to the most significant example of its products in the show field.

Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy (1982): Donated by noted English vintage car collector and hobby supporter Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott-Montagu, more familiarly known as Lord Montagu, this award is presented to the most significant car of British origin.

Road & Track Trophy (1989): Donated by one of the industry’s leading publications and awarded to the car that the editors of that magazine would most like to drive.

The French Cup (Mid-1980s): Awarded to the most significant car of French origin.

The Phil Hill Cup (2005): In its original incarnation this award was called The Pebble Beach Cup and given to the winner of the Pebble Beach Road Races, which was the marquee event from which stemmed the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. With the end of the road races after 1956 it transitioned to a Concours award for the most significant race car. Since 2005 it takes its name from the celebrated racer who also participated in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as a two-time winner of Best of Show as well as being a longtime judge.

Tony Hulman Trophy (1993): Awarded to the most significant open wheel race car by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation in honor of the man who owned the iconic race track for decades.

Elegance Awards

J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car: This award given to the most elegant closed car in the show is particularly noteworthy as a recognition of excellence in that it is named for the owners who accumulated the highest number of Best of Show awards (6) at Pebble Beach.

Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible: Named for one of the event’s founders, this award goes to the most elegant convertible at the Concours.

Jules Heumann Most Elegant Open Car: Annually awarded to the most elegant open car in the show, competing amongst other cars of its type classified by not having side windows.

Strother Macminn Most Elegant Sports Car: This award to the most elegant sports car in the show field is named for a respected automotive designer, instructor, and historian who served for years as Chief Honorary Judge at this event.

Winning a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours is a notable achievement as evidenced by the reactions of the owners of a 1953 Stanguellini 750 Bialbero in 2007. (Classicsworkshop / CC-BY SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Complete List Of Best of Show Winners

The table below is a complete list of winners of the ultimate prize at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Each car is identified by the year that it won Best Of Show, marque and model, and owner. This information is the basis for presentations of the results of analyses that illustrate other breakdowns of Best Of Show winners as listed below:

• Owners who have garnered more than one Best Of Show award are listed on page 34.
• Marques with multiple Best of Show awards and their total wins are listed on pages 35-37. After a Bugatti won the award in 2024, that marque is now tied with Mercedes at 10 after the latter’s win in 2023 broke their previous tie at 9 wins following the 2021 event.
• Tables that summarize the number of Best Of Show winners by model year within each decade in which cars have earned the top award are on page 38.

Owners with Multiple Best of Show Wins

Marques With Multiple Best Of Show Wins

Marque		No. of Wins
Mercedes-Benz 1971, 1973, 1982, 1986, 1993, 2001, 2012, 2017, 2021, 2023		10
Bugatti 1956, 1959, 1964, 1966, 1976, 1985, 1990, 1998, 2003, 2024		10
Duesenberg 1969, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1994, 2007, 2022		7
Rolls Royce 1957, 1962, 1967 1974, 1992		5
Packard 1961, 1975, 1977, 2013		4
Alfa Romeo 1988, 2008, 2018		3
Daimler 1970, 1999, 2006		3
Delage 1996, 2005, 2010		3
Isotta Fraschini 1983, 1995, 2015		3
Jaguar 1951, 1952, 1954		3
Bentley 1927, 1931		2
Chrysler 1979, 1991		2
Hispano-Suiza 1972, 1989		2
Horch 2004, 2009		2
Pierce Arrow 1955, 1963		2
Voisin 2002, 2011		2

Best Of Show Winners By Model Year Per Decade

The tables above summarize the number of Pebble Beach Best Of Show awards individually by model year and grouped together within each decade.

Confirmation of the general observation that cars from the 1930s have predominated as winners of Best Of Show at Pebble Beach is clearly illustrated in the total of 51 cars from that decade taking the top prize.

Two further notes are that 1930s cars received the award in consecutive years from 1993-2011 (19 awards) and 2018-2024 (6 awards), which are the longest win streaks of any of the decades containing show entries.

See You In Monterey!