[karlosdeville]

...a little delayed, but better late than never.

Earlier this year I was very lucky to attend the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, held every August at the lush greens of Pebble Beach just outside of Monterey, California.

http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/

It was my first trip to the US, and I didn't see much else (besides a couple of car museums), and I must admit, its not a bad way to see the States for the first time

The Concours, as it is commonly referred to, has been called 'the world cup of vintage and classic car shows', and it is a well deserved title. The best of the best cars from all over the world come together for a spectacular display, each one more extravagant than the other, competing for the coveted 'Best of Show' title.

Here is what the official website has to say about the event.

First conducted in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is often said to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and rare automobiles are invited to appear on the famed eighteenth fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links each year, and connoisseurs of art and technology congregate to see them.

The annual affair, which has raised over $16 million for charity, includes a series of related events, such as the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex, Pebble Beach RetroAuto, Pebble Beach Motoring Classic and the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company.

Here are some miscellaneous images of previous events over the last few years, to give you some perspective on the scale of the event, the variety and quality of cars presented, and of course the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. Cars range from early veterans, outrageous French coachbuilts, brash American saloons, exotic Italian racers and much much more. Besides the main Concours, there are various other motoring events/displays and auctions on the property, besides other associated events outside the property. These include sponsor stalls by many present-day manufacturers, and a superb concept car display. Another landmark event are the historic races at the Laguna Seca Raceway - a great opportunity to see classic racers fight it out on track. I missed this chance unfortunately, but saw much else.

[karlosdeville]

This year since there was a special showcase on cars of the Maharajas, there was plenty of interest shown locally to attend. We started off with 12 people planning to attend together, but I ended up going alone after multiple drop outs Accomodation was hanging till the last minute, but Gautam Sen was very gracious to accomodate me in his rented accomodation within Pebble Beach itself, which was fantastic. Usually visitors who don't have this privilege stay near by at Carmel or Monterey, but everything was booked well in advance, and expensive as far as motels go - rooms which are normally 50$ a night can climb well over 250!

I am sharing my experiences of the trip here.

Day one - Wednesday, 15th August 2012. I reached Carmel from San Francisco hitching a ride with a buddy (you can see his 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS here https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/beyon...ml#post2882785 (Pictures of Vintage & Classic Cars spotted on our trips abroad)), The plan was to get off at Carmel in the morning and meet Gautam later in the day. Carmel is a beautiful little town, laid back and by the sea, with multiple quaint little shops and restaurants catering mainly to holiday goers. People who holiday at Pebble are usually high society and well heeled aristocrats (with exceptions like me), so naturally everything is on the expensive side, especially during concours season. But every shop, whether it be selling clothes toys, art or even food supplies had pictures, automobilia and scale model cars in the window in the spirit of the season.





Now since this is such an iconic event, and during the best weather, car guys come visiting from all over, and they come in their classics! At every corner of every street of Carmel, during the concours week you will see some fantastic automobiles of all kinds, just visiting, not necessarily participating.

This duo of custom Rolls Royces had me completely. Both apparently identical, they have been recently built with this radical boat tail design - for the most part its completely period looking, barring some custom touches.





Ferraris, Porsches and Alfas were seen by the dozen (many looking for new homes), and by the end of the day I wouldn't give them a second look. Well almost.









Then every once in a while I would see some favorites of mine, like this mint Chevy Nomad, or an early E Type (with European plates).




The hot rod and custom scene is of course huge, and quite a few burbled by like this Ford pickup and Plymouth that I really liked.





Many women were seen driving their classics too, like this pair of Mercedes convertibles.

[karlosdeville]

Day two - Thursday, 16th August 2012. Tour d'Elegance


(Logo image courtesy Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance)

The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that delights entrants and spectators alike.

Initiated to showcase the elegance of the automobile in motion, the Tour also underscores the early history of the place that is Pebble Beach. Decades before golf links were laid out along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this area was known for its scenic drive, winding for miles through pine and cypress forest, dancing alongside dramatic cliffs and leading, ultimately, to a beautiful crescent-shaped bay.

The traditional Tour traces portions of the original 17-Mile Drive, traverses nearby mountains and valleys, and pauses for a time in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tour participants enjoy a catered gourmet lunch, a champagne celebration at the finish and commemorative gifts.

The Tour is open to all entrants in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. And spectators are invited to view the Tour at key points along the route, particularly along Ocean Avenue in Carmel.

It is important to note that the Tour and the Concours are directly linked. If two vehicles tie in class competition at the Concours, the vehicle that has successfully completed the Tour gets the nod.

The Tour is the first event for the week, where participants drive through a spectacular scenic route along the coast. I couldn't make it for the flag off, but I did manage to catch them at the end of the drive, down Ocean Avenue at Carmel. They shut down the whole stretch of the main road to accomodate the cars, but the beauty is that it is accessable to all enthusiasts. The downside? Crowds! Getting good photographs is nearly impossible. By the end I gave up and spent more time oggling at the cars.




A map of the event and a handy booklet featuring their trademark posters artwork was available to track the cars.




(Poster image courtesy Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance)

The range of cars as I said before was really wide, and a large number completed the whole run, including the 1907 Locomobile driven by the young Prakash sisters from Bangalore. From India we also saw the Udaipur Rolls and Rajkot Rolls.

[karlosdeville]

Over 30 Ferraris (both race and road) were entered at the Tour. The sounds they made in unison were something else (as were the multiple Cobras, special class this time). The whole thing is a bit overwhelming for someone seeing these things for the first time.











Some period Customs too made their presence felt.







Can you believe this 300SL roadster was a Preservation entry? Completely original. Astonishing!



Stirling Moss was also driving a red 300SL roadster.



Many have said that cars at Pebble are overrestored, and possibly some are. But just look at the effort that would have gone into detailing this Pegaso engine bay. And at the other end there is this Packard, from Preservation class. Completely original (down to decals), I couldn't tell it was running till I noticed the fan.





Some of the Indian cars.

[karlosdeville]

Some more sights and sounds of visitors to the Tour. You simply have to be there to believe that one can spot so many exotic cars on the streets at one go. Modern cars as well. And I don't mean passé Ferraris and Maseratis - I saw 2 Bugatti Veyrons, a Fisker, a couple of Paganis including a Huyara. But never even gave them a second look

Even saw a few Astons doing the rounds, including a gorgeous Zagato bubble top.






Cool old bus.






Carmel's finest were in full force.












Porsches were aplenty. 550 Spider was probably a replica. Notice the top on the blue car?










The most radical outrageous car of the day for me was this custom job. God knows what it was based on, but it drew inspiriation from the avant garde French coachbuilders, with heavy doses of Star Wars thrown in for good measure!

[karlosdeville]

Day two - Thursday, 16th August 2012. Press Conference.

I was lucky to be able to attend the Press Conference being held the evening after the Tour. Master of Ceremonies was Tony and Emmy award winning actor Edward Herrmann.

Amongst the points presented was a rememberance of Carol Shelby, who we unfortunately lost earlier this year. Cobras were a special class this year, and rather than having a moment's silence for him, they brought out a very special Cobra and revved the engine to create the most memorable sound - completely befitting the man methinks.



Then there was the Indian contingent who were invited on stage to talk about their cars and involvment, including Manvendra Barwani, Ravi Prakash, Arvind Singh of Udaipur, Yuvraj of Rajkot and Nitin Dossa.

















Lastly was the unveiling of an Infiniti concept car. Infiniti I think was one of the chief sponsors.



Nearby were some of the sponsor stalls - here are Cadillac and Jaguar. Nearby was BMW and Land Rover, a little further down was Porsche. Mercedes had prime placement closer to the lodge, and a larger 'Star lounge'.

[karlosdeville]

Day three - Friday, 17th August 2012. RM Auctions.

The auction scene thrives during Concours week. I think there were 5 major auctions that week, including RM, Mecum, Goodings and a couple more. I was told this year around 2000 cars were put up for auction altogether!

I missed Russo & Steele and Mecum, but managed RM, Gooding and Mid America. Made sure I at least got literature of what I missed.





Here are some misc images of the event. The star attraction was the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder (estimated at $7.5 - $9 million, though I don't know what she sold for).



































There was a special display of microcars, as soon they will be auctioning off one of the worlds greatest micro car collections.

[karlosdeville]

Some cars were placed outside, which meant much better lighting for photos. The display was varied, ranging from a quaint 1905 Rapid to modern German Silver Arrows.



































Fancy a low milage Ferrari? How about an 89 Testarossa thats covered 130 miles, still with first owner?





This particular Ford with detailed woodwork looked smashing.







Horch roadster looked like a million bucks. Look at the intricate interior work, down to matching bespoke keychain.









Talbot Lago teardrop was another favorite.







Since Cobras were a featured marque at most events, this racecar transporter (by Fiat) was a fitting sight.

[karlosdeville]

Just when I thought I had seen all the cars, I walked further back to see this!







The three woodies lined up together looked superb, as did the Hudson Italia showcar. I still couldn't believe I got to see so many historically important cars in the flesh.















Gautam's keen eye immediately pointed out that the dimensions on the Peugeout were a bit off, and right enough, it was a replica.



Jag-henge anyone?








Some cars proudly displayed their provenance.



Most bikes had been put away for the day by the time I got to the stand. Loved the unrestored Indian.

[karlosdeville]

And of course I can't end the day without sharing misc sightings on the streets. Even if I had been there the whole week without attending the Concours itself, I would have been thrilled.





















Particularly impressive was the coachbuilt special MG.







Back at Pebble I wandered through the holding area for some behind the scenes action. The lineup of specialised transporters seemed unending.



And of all things, with the truck in the back reading 'The world's finest motor cars', I spotted a humble Gremlin. In Pebble Beach no less!

[karlosdeville]

Day three - Friday, 17th August 2012. A special drive.

There were 2 very special cars entered by a collector from Austria, Alexander Schauffler. And I was lucky to get a spin in both.

One is the Rolls Royce 17EX 'Experimental'. It has tremendous history, being commissioned by Henry Royce himself, with unusually rakish lines. It found its way to the royal garages of Kashmir, onto the Mitter brothers in Calcutta, and later celebrated car-buff Protap Roy. A few owners later it was owned and restored by Victor Mueller of Spyker and SAAB fame, before passing on to Schauffler, who has extensively rallied in it. The car is in great shape, with some minor aids for the regular touring it undertakes. One can read more about the terrific book Gautam has written on 17EX here.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/pre-w...autam-sen.html ('Rolls Royce 17 EX - A Fabulous Destiny' by Gautam Sen)







Also entered in the Maharaja class this year was a long lost stablemate of 17EX - the 1930 Mercedes SS, ex Kashmir, now owned by Mercedes Benz. They had displayed the car at their 'Star Lounge' facility (I could hardly call it a stall or display, it was a beautiful purpose built hall). We couldn't miss the opportunity to shoot both cars together. Some cajoling with Mercedes PR later, we did the shoot.







The other special car entered by Schauffler was a 1936 Mercedes Benz 500K, longer wheelbase than normal. The car was ordered new by an Argentian socialite named Arturo Lopez who lived in France (with his partner of the Rothschild family no less). It had many bespoke features, resembling a Special roadster almost. It later passed hands to Fiat supremo Gianni Agneli, celebrated Japanese collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, and finally Schauffler. The car is a very geniune, low milage example. I am truly lucky for having had a spin in both cars, thanks of course to Gautam.

[karlosdeville]

Day four - Saturday, 18th August 2012. Gala dinner.

On Saturday night before the Concour they organized a Gala dinner for invitees. The theme was set to royal Indian flavours, seen in the decor, live (Indian) band and cuisine. There was even a stall with Maharaja cut-outs where you could get your photo taken as a Maharaja.

On the large screen a video was projected showing various royal cars in India (I think only Rolls Royces, now I'm not too sure).









It was a great atmosphere and a more informal opportunity to chat up owners and guests. From Bangalore I think there was a group of about a dozen!

[karlosdeville]

Day four - Saturday, 18th August 2012. Gooding auction.

Another highlight to the event is the Gooding auction that takes place within Pebble Beach itself (unlike RM and Mecum which are in nearby Monterey).

Pebble Beach Auctions presented by Gooding & Company

The gavel first fell at Pebble Beach back in 1990 and now the Pebble Beach Auctions, conducted by the highly regarded firm of Gooding & Company on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, are among the most attended and anticipated collector car events of all Pebble Beach Automotive Week.

“The Pebble Beach Auctions are now viewed as leading indicators for the worldwide collector car and luxury car markets. In recent years, the success of these auctions has been due in large part to the high standards of Gooding & Company,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button in a recent interview.

The auction house has set numerous world records on the grounds of Pebble Beach, including the highest sale total in automotive auction history with $113.7 million in two days.

This matching pair of Cadillacs looked stunning.













Early Duesenberg was seemed original and unrestored.



This later Duesey had simply stunning lines. Rakish, with terrific presence and style. It too seemed unrestored, or at the least a very old restoration. It still wore gas rationing permits.









The newest car on offer was Jay Leno's Fiat 500.

[karlosdeville]

Part 2 of the Gooding Auction.







Lancia was displayed in 'as found' condition.







This Mercedes 540K Special Roadster was star of the show, being the Baroness von Krieger car discussed here.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2...lost-mercedes/













Loved these 'non skid' tyres on a veteran roadster.









This Rolls P1 (57 EF?) was also an attraction, and with an Indian connection, being ordered new by Pithapuram in present day Andhra Pradesh. I believe it did not sell.















Woodies galore, including my favorite Chryler 'Barrel back'

[karlosdeville]

Day four - Saturday, 18th August 2012. Mid-America auction and Retro Auto.



The motorcycle marketplace had some fantastic bikes available at surprisingly reasonable prices.











Jim Morrison's custom Honda.





1975 MV Augusta had only 25 miles from new!











Completely insane twin engined racer was being completed.

Pebble Beach RetroAuto

RetroAuto rounds out Concours Week with exhibits of the very finest auto accoutrements.

Located immediately adjacent to the main pedestrian entrance to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the elegant RetroAuto pavilion features rare collectibles and memorabilia from our automotive past, as well as the latest luxury goods and technological tools to enhance today’s driving experience. Exhibitors represent a variety of retail and manufacturing categories, including historic automobilia, auto parts, original poster art, books and literature, fine art, photography and posters, as well as luxury items to complement the motoring lifestyle.

The RetroAuto pavilion is also the site of select parties and special events throughout the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend.

(Retro Auto Poster image courtesy Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance)





Niche custom car builder Delahaye USA was also present with their modern incarnation of a Bugatti Atlantic. While it was striking, I prefer some of the other radical work they do. Check out for more crazy designs here. I love them!

http://www.delahayeusa.com/



This is a design study from their catalogue



Porsche's stall was adjacent, and they had a 550 Spyder and early 356 on display plus selling loads of merchandise.