Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance began in 1950 as a celebration of automotive elegance on the Monterey Peninsula. Over decades it became a juried, invitation-only showcase that anchors Monterey Car Week and sets standards for restoration and preservation of classic cars.
Origins and Growth
Historically, the event originated in 1950 to honor automotive design during Pebble Beach's postwar revival. It began as a modest local exhibition. Over time, it drew collectors and media from abroad. By the late 20th century, judging became formal and classes expanded, elevating the show to a premier international concours.
Milestones
Over the years, the Pebble Beach Concours introduced notable milestones. It formalized judging with era- and marque-specific classes and adopted a coveted Best of Show award. The event became part of Monterey Car Week, synchronizing with other exhibitions and driving attendance from around the world. It weathered challenges, including cancellations during the 2020 pandemic era, returning with renewed focus.
In 2025, the show continues as a signature element of Monterey Car Week. Entrants are invited or accepted by invitation; each entry is assigned to a class by era, style, and marque. The judging emphasizes authenticity and restoration quality, and the Best of Show honors a single car for overall excellence. The event also features public viewing, media coverage, and charity components.
Current format emphasizes selective entries and meticulous judging across multiple classes. Vehicles are evaluated for historical accuracy, originality, presentation, and preservation quality. In addition to Best of Show, regional winners and special awards recognize design achievements and historical significance. The 2025 edition highlights European and American designs spanning from 1920s to 1970s.
As a capstone to Pebble Beach Car Week, the Concours d'Elegance preserves automotive heritage while showcasing advanced restoration craft and design philosophy. It serves as a barometer for collector tastes and a public education platform about preservation ethics. The 2025 edition continues this dual role, connecting historians, enthusiasts, and manufacturers. It remains a benchmark among international concours.
