Gotham City Collision

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

There are many automotive charitable events held in the United States throughout the year that involve luxury cars. One of the most prestigious is the Concours d’Elegance. (The French translation is "a competition of elegance.") In Long Island City, NY, car lovers know about this incredible annual event, and that's why Gotham City Collision is sharing it on our blog.

Known by many as “the world’s premier celebration of the automobile,” Concours d’Elegance is held at the Pebble Beach Golf Links located in Pebble Beach, California. The event draws thousands of spectators each year and will be taking place on August 20, 2017. This is the last day of Monterey Car Week when numerous car-related events are held in Monterey, California.  

If you are nearby or looking to plan a trip, it is a great opportunity to view some of the most prized collector cars in the world.

Months before the big event, the competition for a spot on the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links begins. Car owners from as far away as India, China and Australia apply for one of the 225 spots available. Although car owners must be invited to appear, anyone can be considered by providing a description of their vehicle.

The vehicles are arranged by type, manufacturer, country of origin and time period. This year will feature special classes such as:

• Isotta Fraschini
• Castagna Coachwork
• American Dream Cars of the 1960s
• Ferrari Major Race Winners
• Ferrari One-off Spéciales
• Jaguar Custom Coachwork

First-, second, and third place awards are given out to vehicles in each class. Class judges look at originality and authenticity, and honorary judges focus on design, styling and elegance. A top award—Best of Show at Pebble Beach—is chosen out of all the first-place recipients.

Concours d’Elegance was first held in 1950 on a practice tee and driving range. There were about 30 cars on display from three different classes of cars: MGs, pre-war and post-war. The Pebble Beach Road Race was also held at the same time.

The successful event has continued every year except for one, attracting car aficionados, their families and friends. In 1952, it was moved to the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Concours d’Elegance raises more than $1 million a year for local charities and has given more than $23 million to charities throughout the years.

For those interested in attending, there are general admission tickets, as well as VIP and luxury packages available that include parking, lunch, special show access and commemorative gifts.

Information is available by visiting http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/visitor-guide/tickets.html.

Sources: Wikipedia, AOL and CNN