The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: The World's Most Prestigious Car Show

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is widely considered the most prestigious classic car show in the world. Held since 1950 on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, it is the finale of Monterey Car Week each August. Owners bring meticulously restored or preserved cars — Duesenbergs, Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Bugattis — to be judged on authenticity, quality of restoration and elegance, culminating in the coveted Best of Show award.

At a glance

What is a concours d’elegance?

The term comes from 17th-century French events where aristocrats paraded their carriages. Modern concours judge classic cars in classes by era, marque or style.

How judging works

Class judges examine each car’s authenticity, restoration quality and presentation. Honorary judges consider elegance. Class winners compete for Best of Show, which often goes to a spectacular prewar coachbuilt car. Read the Duesenberg Model J and coachbuilders history.

Monterey Car Week

Around the concours, the week includes auctions, historic races at Laguna Seca, tours and brand events — the biggest gathering in the classic car world. Read classic car auctions.

Closer to New York

East Coast enthusiasts have their own concours, including Greenwich. See also car museums near NYC.

Preservation classes

In addition to restored cars, Pebble Beach recognizes unrestored, original “preservation” cars — with their original paint, interiors and patina — reflecting a growing appreciation for authenticity over perfection.

Tour d’Elegance

Days before the concours, many entrants take part in a scenic road tour along the Monterey coast, demonstrating that the cars run and drive — a condition for some awards. Spectators line the route to watch priceless cars pass by.

Getting there

Pebble Beach is on California’s Monterey Peninsula, typically reached via San Jose or Monterey airports. Hotels book up a year ahead for Car Week.