Navigating Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. This August marks the 60th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the most distinguished and highly acclaimed auto show in the country. More than 175 of the world’s most beautiful, rare, and classic cars from prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, and Bentley will congregate on the famed 18th Hole Fairway at the Pebble Beach Golf Course, where expert judges will rate them by style, historical accuracy, technical merit, and, above all, elegance.

While the first Concours d’Elegance was actually created as a supplementary event to the 1950 Pebble Beach Road Race, the Concours itself eventually out-shined its partner. Unlike races, which were all about speed, the Concours allowed visitors to get up close to the cars to admire their intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, proving to be equally as entertaining (if not more) as watching the stunners roar past.

Historical classics aren’t the only vehicles honored these days. The event also has become a platform for the finest car companies to introduce their newest editions and futuristic concept cars. This year, the Ferrari 599 Spider convertible, Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid, and the special edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 are expected to make appearances.

“In 50 years, we’ll be able to look at historical vehicles on our show field and trace some of their origins back to the Pebble Beach Concours,” reflects Sandra Button, the event’s chairwoman. “The past and future combine effortlessly at this event because we have one primary purpose: celebrating the best automobiles in the world.”

The event has also become a charitable affair that has raised more than $13 million to support various local, national, and international charities. This year, donations will go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, United Way Monterey County, and the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County, all which are dedicated to the youth of Monterey County.

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Edward Herrmann will resume his role as Master of Ceremonies for the 11th year, with other celebrities expected to make appearances. The 2010 Concours d’Elegance is without a doubt one of the most anticipated events of the year for car enthusiasts the world over.

After 60 years, the Concours has evolved into a week-long sensation. With so many events scheduled, it’s almost impossible to know how to tackle scheduling an itinerary. Here, we highlight the must-see attractions of Pebble Beach Auto Week that will be sure to drive auto enthusiasts wild.

THE MAIN EVENT

The Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, August 15

The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

The real reason you came! Highlights this year will include the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Jaguar, featuring the new Jaguar XKR 175, plus many historic Jaguars. Other noteworthy features: Infiniti Journey of Inspiration exhibit; centennial celebration of Alfa Romeo; a showcase on Italian designer, Ghia; and after many years of being considered “stock” cars, Hot Rods will be welcomed back.

Schedule of Events

Dawn Field opens for entrants

10:30 a.m. Field opens to visitors

1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Presentation of Awards

Tickets

Advance tickets (include parking and shuttle service) are $150; the price jumps to $175 the day of the event. Call 877.693.0009.

Club d’Elegance tickets (includes VIP badge, VIP parking, commemorative poster and plaque, plus entrance to special breakfast and lunch buffets, among other perks): $500 per person. Call 877.622.1700.

Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex

Thursday, August 12

This annual event is a preview parade for the entrants from the Concours and is ultimately a tribute to the “elegance of automobile in motion.” The cars will tour through the mountains, valleys, and the famed 17-Mile Drive of Monterey County with a stop mid-day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the public can view the cars.

Schedule of Events

7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Cars line up at Collins Field in Pebble Beach

8:30 a.m. Tour begins

10:45 a.m. Stop at Carmel Mission (Select cars)

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cars are displayed on Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea

3 p.m. Concluding Champagne toast for participants

Pebble Beach RetroAuto

Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
except Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

RetroAuto Pavilion, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, located adjacent to main pedestrian entrance of Concours d’Elegance

The annual RetroAuto is a car aficionado’s heaven. Stop by to purchase or simply marvel at the thousands of rare collectibles, automobilia, unique technology, historic cars, car artwork, photography, books, and more.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Thursday, august 12 Practice Rounds, 8:30 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.

Friday, August 13 Qualifying Rounds, 7 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.

Saturday, august 14 ROLEX Race Groups (10 laps),1 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. (Gates open 7 a.m.)

Sunday, August 15 ROLEX race groups 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony (Gates open 7 .a.m.)

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas

Formally known as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, this annual racing event is a rare opportunity to see some of the most historic racecars compete against one another. This year, about 400 cars will participate in the event, which takes place at the world-renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The event pays tribute to the golden days of racing, and often features celebrity race-car drivers. “It’s a new dawn for the event and we are embracing it by honoring the authenticity of the race cars and integrating social and lifestyle elements that present guests with new discoveries to keep it exciting and innovative,” said Barry Toepke, vice president of Mazda Raceway. “Our new name and branding captures the spirit that has made this event one of the most respected gatherings of its kind worldwide.” Special features will include a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Formula One and the 50th anniversary of the the Bugatti Club of America. For tickets call 800.327.7322.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

Friday, August 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quail Golf Club, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, 831.620.8887

Although the Quail Lodge’s hotel portion has closed, the 8th-annual event, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, will still go on. As a tribute to sports and racing cars, the show displays some of the finest sporting automobiles, with vehicles that can be test driven on local roads by guests. This year, the event will highlight the Milestone Cars of 1934, and German Race Cars Featuring Nürburgring, and the 45th Anniversary of the Shelby Mustang. Throughout the entire event, guests can dine al fresco on specialties by The Quail’s award-winning culinary team.

On Friday, The Quail Lodge will also host the Bonhams & Butterfields Auction, with a special preview at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The auction will feature fine jewelry and watches, in addition to car memorabilia and rare, historical automobiles.

Tickets

Adult Admission (including event, parking, wine tasting, fine cuisine, and auction access) $400 per person.

Children 12 years and under $75.

Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company

Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15

Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, 3300 Portola Road, Pebble Beach

If you plan to make it to any auction over the weekend, the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction should top your list. As the world’s leading exotic and rare car auction house, Gooding & Company has auctioned off thousands of luxury and vintage cars over the past 20 years. Last year, more than $50 million in sales were generated at this auction, including the sale of a $4 million 1933 Alfa Romeo Drop Head Coupe, and a $5 million 1962 Ferrari California Spider. This year, the auction will feature five special consignments from Italian luxury auto brands— Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, and Lamborghini—plus a vintage Mercedes-Benz that was previously jointly owned by the Marx Brothers, and much more.

Previews begin Wednesday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and continue Thursday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Friday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m)

Viewing officially begins Saturday (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with the auction starting at 5 p.m. Viewing continues Sunday (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) with the final auction starting at 6 p.m.

Auction Tickets

$40 admits one to all auction events

Bidder registration $200 for two admissions plus two reserved seats

Contact 310.899.1960 or visit www.goodingco.com for an online auction preview.

Automotive Fine Arts Society Exhibition

Sunday, August 15 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 17-Mile Drive

The annual exhibition is held by the Automotive Fine Arts Society, a small group of local artists who specialize in automobile artwork (painting, sculptures, photography, etc). This year, AFAS will celebrate its 25th anniversary and feature some of the society’s finest works of art. Concours tickets required for admission. Contact Scott Black at 214.520.3430 for more info.

Where to Stay

Rooms at all Pebble Beach properties (including The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palermo) have been reserved for entrants, officials, and sponsors. This means you may not be able to stay directly where all the action is. However, there are plenty of other wonderful places to stay within miles of Pebble Beach Golf Club.

Bernardus Lodge

415 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831.659.3131

This rustic, romantic getaway features 57 “homelike rooms,” each with its own fireplace, king-sized feather bed, and oversized bath tub. Conveniently, Bernardus Lodge shares its property with the Bernardus Winery, one of the most prestigious vineyards in all of California. The resort also features the famed Marinus restaurant, which is regarded by many to be the best restaurant in Monterey County. (Open 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For reservations, call 831.658.3595.)

L’Auberge Carmel

L’Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde Street at Seventh Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.624.8578

Built in 1929, L’Auberge Carmel incorporates its history into its 20 guest rooms, which contain antique doorknobs, French windows, and black and white photography. You can enjoy a signature in-room massage or take advantage of the hotel’s prime location, which is walking distance to the beach and to Carmel’s main shopping area. Inside is the tiny 12-table Aubergine Restaurant, with its underground 4,500-bottle wine cellar that features some of Monterey County’s finest vintages. (Open daily, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 831.624.8578)

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, 831.372.1234

As the largest luxury conference hotel in Monterey, the Hyatt Regency certainly fills many different shoes. The guest rooms recently underwent renovations and the cozy fireplace lobby often features live jazz, both making the place feel extra homey.

The Hyatt is home to the new Accista Spa, a peaceful retreat that connects with the nature of the surrounding areas. All the spa’s treatments utilize natural ingredients like organic seaweed, Pacific sea salt, and artichoke, which create an undeniably unique spa experience.

Adjacent to the hotel is the Del Monte Golf Course, which dates back to 1897, and is the oldest golf course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi river. The course was ranked in Golf Digest’s Top Five Courses in the U.S. more than 100 years old.

All Booked? Try the new InterContinental Hotel Monterey (831.375.4500), the Carmel Valley Ranch Resort (831.625.9500), or the Tradewinds Luxury Hotel (831.624.2776). For accommodations a little further south, try Ventana Inn and Spa (831.667.2331) or Post Ranch Inn (831.667.2200), both located in Big Sur.

What Else to Do

Ogling over cars isn’t the only thing to do while in the area. The Monterey Peninsula is also the destination for some of the state’s best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

For a unique wining and dining experience, visit the Chateau Julien Wine Estate (8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 831.624.2600). Located at the foot of the Carmel Valley Mountains, it is one of the most lavish garden landscapes the region has to offer. The winery also features daily wine tastings open to the public, plus private wine tours. From August 10 to 14 at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy “Dine In DiVine”, a prix-fixe Basque menu served outdoors, followed by a dessert lounge and vintage car display.

The most talked about restaurant in the area is the new Dametra Café (SE corner of Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.622.7766), a small place with big personality. The owners personally greet and seat guests as they arrive, while live music plays in the background. The menu is an eclectic blend of Mediterranean dishes from kebabs and falafel to homemade pizza.

With open views of the kitchen and lighted wine cellar, Cantinetta Luca (Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.625.6500) is another genuinely entertaining fine-dining experience. The fare is simple, yet authentic, including wood-burned pizza and homemade pasta. The restaurant also boasts impressive wines-by-the-glass selection of more than 30 wines from almost every region in Italy.

The best shopping area is Carmel’s Ocean Avenue, which features dozens of unique jewelry boutiques and antique shops, and of course, designer fashion from Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta (Carmel Plaza, Ocean and Mission Street, 831.622.7400). Also worth visiting is Robert Talbott Carmel (Ocean Ave at Dolores, 831.624.6604). The distinguished men’s boutique is well-known for their handmade ties and shirts.

The Monterey Peninsula is also home to dozens of other vineyards with tasting rooms open daily, including like the beautiful Ventana Vineyards (2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey, 831.372.7415), and the aforementioned tie designer’s Talbott Vineyards (53 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831.659.3500).

For those who enjoy and appreciate fine art, Monterey County is also scattered with art galleries, like the Thomas Kinkade National Archive (361 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 831.655.5520), and the country’s second-oldest photo gallery, Weston Gallery (Sixth Ave between Dolores & Lincoln, Carmel, 831.624.4453).

And finally, what’s a trip to Pebble Beach without golf? Area favorites include Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill (2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, 831.644.7956), Bayonet and Blackhorse (1 McClure Way, Seaside, 831.899.7271) and Poppy Hills (3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach, 831.622.8239).