When Pebble Beach became an exotic car town

The exclusive golf course at Pebble Beach has opened, allowing 4,000-6,000 pounds of classic and future classic cars to drive on the 18th fairway of the carefully manicured course. The 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show celebrated the birth of the car in the California sun on the third Sunday of August. Since 1960, 175 of the most prestigious antique cars from all over the world have gathered together. This year's event once again brought a feast of car charm to the audience.

With show proceeding at Pebble Beach running from the Wednesday prior to the Concours d’Elegance award presentation, the days consists of a classic car parade called the Tour d’Elegance, an automotive collectible show and a car auction. Through the five days, this is the one time of the year to experience a near non-stop bombardment of 60 to 80 year metal and chrome. As well as showing off nostalgia, an exciting look into some vehicles of the near future was provided by Infiniti including a look at their new Infiniti Performance Line.

Included in this year’s display docket were commemorations to several automotive anniversaries. The 75th year of Jaguar as well as the 100th year of the Alfa Romeo nameplate received honours. In the celebration of the Alfa Romeo centennial several rare, living examples of the Italian company’s past were brought to Pebble Beach. One such example of these masterpieces was the 1938 Gran Premio Tipo 158 “Alfetta” race car developed by than Alfa Romeo supporter Enzo Ferrari.

Speaking about Ferrari, one of their creations was also given special credit in the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Recognizing the 50 anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, a special class award was gifted to the best example presented in the show. Other commemorative class awards given out through this year’s show also included one for the best vintage Indy car honouring the 100th year of the Indianapolis 500 and one for the best prewar American motorcycle.

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance traditionally started as a showcase for pre-World War 2 motoring excellence, 1920s Duesenberg and 1930 Bugatti cars were present attractions. Since then, the car show and event has initiated many steps to incorporate contemporary classics. In 1997, the Pebble Beach grounds were opened up to vintage-based hot rods providing those vehicles their own category to be judged. In this year’s Pebble Beach show, the hot rod trophy went to the 1950 Eddie Miller Streamliner.

For overall Best in Show honours in 2010, the award nominees consisted of four vehicles. With the competition coming down to a 1929 Bentley Speed Six Park Ward Open Two Seater, 1930 Duesenberg J Graber Cabriolet, 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster and a 1939 Delage D8 120 Henri Chapron Cabriolet, the 1933 Delage Roadster took the top trophy.

While this mass celebration of automotive history at Pebble Beach is opening up to the multiple faucets of motoring tastes, the event seems to have an easier time attracting vehicles than the general automotive admiring crowd. A downside for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a price of admission starting at $150, when purchased in advance of the show. With families typically attending auto shows, the Concours ticket price has certainly averted what could otherwise be a weekend outing. Perhaps on a plus side, adult automotive enthusiasts may not hear parents telling their kids to “look and not touch” on a consist basis. For the higher-rolling car fan, a $500 Club d’Elegance allows you executive privilege. VIP badges, commemorative gifts, buffet meals and even special restroom areas are provided to Club d’Elegance members. In respect to the high admission price, it should be noted that the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has contributed over $13 million dollars to their affiliated charities benefiting the United Way as well as the Boys and Girls Club.

With the main judging of the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d”Elegance wrapped, the cars return to their respected temperature-controlled garages around the world.

Information Credit: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Source: Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance