Frequently referred to as the best car show in the world, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the year’s most anticipated event for any car enthusiast. Every August, spectators descend upon the legendary 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf< Links in Monterey County, California, to experience the prestigious event with 200 collector cars and motorcycles vying for top prize. Not a contest of speed, but rather a contest of elegance, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a must-do for anyone who considers themselves an automotive fan. Here’s our guide to attending the 65th edition of the show.
When is Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?
Slated to take place on Sunday, August 16th at 10:30am, visitors can choose from two types of show tickets – General Admission and Club d’Elegance tickets (tickets.theconcoursstore.com).
How to Get Tickets
General Admission tickets can be purchased prior to the show for $300, or $350 on the day of the show and it includes admission, parking and free shuttle. Priced at $750 per ticket, The Club d’Elegance tickets offer attendees a deluxe experience with benefits including early access, VIP parking, breakfast and lunch, beverages, gifts and guided tours.
Getting There
Arrive in style via private jet from NetJets (www.netjets.com) and fly into Monterey Peninsula Airport, a short 20 minutes drive away from the event.
Where to Stay
The Pebble Beach Resorts accommodations – The Lodge at Pebble Beach, and Casa Palmero – are reserved for Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance entrants, officials and sponsors only during the event, however there are plenty of luxurious lodgings in neighboring Carmel-By-The-Sea. Our top pick is L’Auberge Carmel (www.laubergecarmel.com), an elegant European style Relais & Châteaux property with individually designed guest rooms and the award-winning restaurant, Aubergine.
What to Wear
Complement your chic resort wear attire with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona – the ultimate chronograph inspired by racecar drivers – with either a vintage piece such as the famed Daytona Paul Newman, or a modern model like the Anniversary Daytona in platinum.
What To Do
Enjoy a round of golf at one of California’s most beautiful courses. Pebble Beach Golf offers spectacular oceanside views and is among the greatest public golf courses in the country.
Highlights
Jim Kimberly’s 1949 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia was the first Ferrari ever to race in California back in 1951 at the 2nd edition of the Pebble Beach Road Races. The car unfortunately endured an accident during the race, but the driver remained unharmed. At this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Kimberly’s car will compete in a special class honoring Ferraris that raced in the Del Monte Forest. Another highlight of the show will be the 1931 duPont Model H Sport Phaeton, the only duPont Model H in existence, owned by Richard “Dicky” Riegel III, a member of the duPont family.
Good to Know
Taking place on the Thursday prior to the Concours d’Elegance, The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that takes route along portions of the original 17-Mile Drive. Open to all entrants of the Concours d’Elegance, the collection of historic cars will drive through nearby mountains and valleys with a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea and spectators are encouraged to watch the tour along its course.