So much has been written about the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that it is difficult to say anything about it that hasn’t already been said. Even something as simple as the word “wow” with 12 exclamation points has probably been done. As a result, while this review may cover old ground, it is some of the most incredible ground that one may encounter. The concours’ setting on the manicured grass of the historic 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links and the vivid backdrop of picturesque Carmel Bay provide a stunning visual feast that enhances the display of priceless automobiles. As the capstone of the myriad events that constitute Monterey Car Week, its well-earned reputation as the most prestigious collector car event in the world has firmly established it on possibly every car enthusiast’s bucket list.

With a venerable history dating back to 1950, the 2025 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance appeared to run as seamlessly as one would expect of such a long-running affair. Elegance permeates every aspect of the show. It starts from the moment one enters the event and receives a detailed and beautifully illustrated show guide. It then continues with the panorama of artfully placed automobiles on the show field as well as in the groupings around the property of marques displaying anticipated concepts and new car debuts. The understated choreography of the awards to class winners, line up of finalists for Best of Show, and the announcement of the winner with accompanying ceremonies may be duplicated elsewhere but not exceeded.

This year’s concours was also not unlike previous events in that one’s senses may be easily overwhelmed after strolling among so many amazing cars. The obvious consequence is that in time the abundance of exceptional vehicles can make the most spectacular examples seem almost ordinary. Fortunately, the CarShowSafari.com team did not fall prey to this common malady. This was evident in the course of conversations with the leader of the team that restored the Best of Show winner, a mahogany-bodied 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo. In response to a query as to our opinion of this astonishing machine, the team emphatically stated that despite the presence of many contenders, something would have to be terribly wrong if the car did not win. Later, when the Hispano-Suiza was announced as the winner, the team was very happy to learn that nothing was wrong and that they were right.

One item of note to future attendees that is not apparent in other reviews is that anyone seeking to capture uncluttered images of competing cars does not need to go to the show field in the early hours. Instead, upon the conclusion of the show many of the cars leave the competition field along a roped-off path that follows the shoreline to the show’s entry point below the 2-story buildings at the far edge of the 18th hole. Their slow speeds along this route provide ample opportunities to photograph the cars without waiting for breaks in the crowd and with just the waters of Carmel Bay as background.

In summary, there is only one word that needs to be said about the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: Go!.

– Andre Swygert, 2026