Pebble Beach is on the map for its exquisite, world-class golf course. But every summer for one week only, the automobile reigns supreme. Since 1950, Concours d’Elegance has attracted the finest wheels on the market for an auction and other events that rarely fail to exceed expectations. This past August offered no exception.
A discerning collection of cars lined up at the Quail
The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering
“The Quail” is always a favorite amongst the vast and diverse events happening throughout the Monterey Peninsula over this busy week. Not only does the Quail offer a wide variety of the finest classic and modern day cars showcased in a beautiful setting, the diverse food vendors make this a culinary concours of its own.
Highlights of the event included unveilings from luxury coach builder Rolls Royce and exotic marquee Lamborghini, to name a few, as well as spectacular classic and racing Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, Jaguars, and other rare autos, including French and American classics.
The Quail Event is one of the crown jewels of the Monterey Car Week and is limited to just 3,000 spectators. Tickets are pricey, but it’s a must see.
1952 Jaguar XK 120 Supersonic by Ghia (Photo by Darin Schmabel)
RM Auction
The RM auction is held at the Monterey Portola Hotel and Spa in downtown Monterey. This auction always presents the highest caliber cars for sale ranging from early pre-war classics, to rare, race winning sportscars. The cars are nicely displayed pre-auction in the hotel lobby as well as the outdoor stable. Some of the highlights of this year’s event include the sale of the 1953 C-Type Jaguar for $13,200,000, the sale of the McLaren F-1 for $13,750,000, and the sale of the Ferrari 250LM for $17,600,000.
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione “Tour De France” (Photo by Patrick Ernzen)
TOP 10 SALES AT 2015 CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Totalling more than $110mm and featuring 7 Ferraris
|
Automobile |
Sell Price |
Auction House |
|
1 1964 FERRARI 250LM |
$17,600,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
|
2 1961 FERRARI 250GT California SWB Spider (closed headlight) |
$16,830,000 |
Gooding |
|
3 1962 FERRARI 250GT SWB Speciale |
$16,500,000 |
Gooding |
|
4 1998 MCLAREN F1 |
$13,750,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
|
5 1953 JAGUAR C-type lightweight roadster |
$13,200,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
|
6 1956 FERRARI 250GT Berlinetta Competizione “Tour de France” |
$13,200,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
|
7 1982 PORSCHE 956 |
$10,120,000 |
Gooding |
|
8 1959 FERRARI 250GT Interim |
$8,525,000 |
Bonhams |
|
9 1959 FERRARI 250GT California LWB Spider (open headlight) |
$8,500,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
|
10 1950 FERRARI 275 S/340 America Barchetta |
$7,975,000 |
RM Sotheby’s |
Werks Reunion
The Porsche Club of America hosted its second annual Werks Reunion Friday, August 14, 2015. It is the premier Porsche event and took place at the Rancho Canada Golf Club. Attendees were treated to a stunning display of more than 500 Porsches and vendor booths, and the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. The 2015 show featured the latest Porsches, special vehicle presentations, and celebrity guests.
Concorso Italiano
Located on the beautiful Black Horse Bayonet Golf Course, the Concorso Italiano is the largest gathering of Italian motorcars on the Peninsula. Hundreds of Italy’s finest are showcased amongst art and food vendors. This is another fabulous event that allows you to get up close and personal to some of the rarest and coveted collectors cars, such as one of my favorites, the new La Ferrari or older Ferrari Enzo.
Rolex Motorsports Reunion
This is always my favorite event of the week. Held at Mazda Raceway in Sonoma, vintage racers come from all over the world to participate in this world-class historic racing event.
This unique setting allows you to see some of the most spectacular race cars in the world racing fender to fender around the track or even up close and personal in the pits, giving you the opportunity to talk with the owners and drivers about these legendary historical vehicles. I had the pleasure of meeting race legend Jackie Stewart as he sat in one of his former race cars and posed for pictures at this year’s event.
Legendary Formula One driver Jackie Stewart
Concours d’Elegance
Considered one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance never ceases to amaze. The stunning collection of the world’s finest and rarest motorcars are displayed on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Upon entering the event you are greeted by a vast collection of modern prototype cars from manufacturers such as McLaren, Rolls Royce, and Chrysler. This display gives you a glimpse into the future of motorcars to come.
As you walk to the main event, you are immediately taken back by the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. Among the featured marquees in 2015 were Ferrari, duPont, Pope, Cunningham, and Touring Superleggera, while the 50th and 75th anniversaries of the Shelby Mustang and the Lincoln Continental, respectively, were also celebrated.
1998 McLaren F1, the most valuable British car ever sold at auction (photo by Darin Schnabel)
