If you own a spectacular vehicle worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Pebble Beach, California is where you need to be from August 21-26. It’s also the place to be if you want to just see these rare beauties up close. There are many events, forums and even automotive-inspired artwork to keep you entertained if you’re looking for an end-of-the-summer getaway full of gorgeous cars.
History of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Concours d’Elegance first began in 1950 as a series of races. In 1955, the first true classic car won a race, and the annual event began to focus on vintage, 
antique and classic cars thereafter. Over the past few decades, the races and events at Pebble Beach have made automotive history. This is due to events like a driver being killed during a race and several posters for the show becoming exceedingly valuable collectibles. Bob Hope and Jay Leno have even been in attendance to entertain the crowds. Leno is also expected to return for the 2018 show.
This classic car event has evolved over the years to include other types of vehicles and workshops, as well. In 1993, concept cars were included in the lineup. In 1997, the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance classes about car preservation gained popularity. Now, in 2018, new luxury cars are expected to win the show.
Concours d’Elegance
On the last day of the historic week-long event, the famous golf links open for the most famous of the events held at Pebble Beach. Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours ‘Elegance has been showcasing the finest and rarest cars from all around the globe. The Financial Times even called the show “the number one event of its type in the world.” Not only is homage paid to the collector cars displayed here, but there is usually a debut of the latest luxury cars worthy of mention.
Unlike most car shows, the judges at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are not looking for speed or strength. Here, cars are judged by their elegance, beauty, history, originality and even the accuracy of the restoration or preservation to the cars’ original condition. You’ll find collector cars, racing greats and more.
This year, the marques and special classes will include:
- Motor Cars of the Raj
Rollston Coachwork- OSCA
- Tucker
- Postwar Custom Citroen
- Vintage-Era Sporting Cars
- Eisenhower-Era Dream Convertibles
Tour d’Elegance
The Tour d’Elegance leg of the Pebble Beach car show is legendary for celebrating the craftmanship that once went into making beautiful cars. The tour of classic and vintage cars begins in Pebble Beach before moving along in a parade. The parade marks portions of the famous 17-Mile Drive before returning to Pebble Beach for a quieter display of artistry and Champagne toasts. You need to attend this one-of-a-kind tour if you’re dying to hear the engines roar in these incredible cars.
Motoring Classics
This event starts in Kirkland, Washington, with participants taking to the road for a 1,500-mile trip to the Lodge at Pebble Beach. It’s a great way for enthusiasts to get their cars on the road and take in some unforgettably scenic backroads. For a package fee, participants can have the trip of their lives, as all meals, accommodations and entertainment is included.
So many car lovers hope to take part in this event that the venue requires entry applications to determine the quality of the automobile. Your vehicle needs to have been manufactured before 1968 in order to be eligible. Only 30 cars maximum are accepted each year. If you own such a car that is in mint condition, it’s certainly worth a try!
More Events at Pebble Beach
In addition to the events listed above, you can also visit the Pebble Beach RetroAuto. The RetroAuto is a curated collection of rare collectibles and memorabilia from Pebble Beach Concours’ rich history. You’ll also find luxury goods and interesting driving gadgets here.
If you’re interested in hearing celebrities and experts speak about cars, the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum from August 23-25th at the Inn at Spanish Bay is the place to be. Guests expected to attend this year are Jay Leno, Donald Osborne, Spike Feresten, Jerry Seinfeld and Wayne Carini. The featured session costs $85 for attendees, and advance reservations are required if you’re interested in hearing the speakers.
Auction Days are Friday and Saturday, or August 24 and 25. Admission is only $40 but it is $200 for a bidder registration, catalogue and admission for two.
If you can’t attend the event this year but don’t want to miss it, you can watch livestream of events here:
- Livestream of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
August 26 at 2:00 pm
motortrend.com/pebblebeach - One-Hour Post-Show Special
September 2018 (Times TBA)
motortrend.com/pebblebeach - Facebook
Live feeds of events all week
facebook.com/pebblebeachconcours
For more about the Pebble Beach car events, visit here. You can also buy tickets on the website.
Classic Car Insurance
Many classic, antique and rare or collectible car owners know that regular Auto Insurance is not the right fit for a fabulous car. Whether you just bought your car at an auction, or have had it for years, you need to invest in Classic Car Insurance. Luckily, Hagerty Insurance specializes in cars like yours and they know what it means to protect something precious. Before putting your special automobile on a standard Car Insurance policy, call an AIS Classic Car Specialist at (855) 919-4247 to find out what kinds of Classic Car coverages are available for you.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different from those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
