Wheels of Fortune: Pebble Beach Councours d’Elegance
50 Photos by the Bay
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The day began under characteristic coastal fogginess as the cars arrived one by one at 5:30 a.m. (up by 4:30 a.m., you’re welcome) in the tradition of “Dawn Patrol.” After about two hours the army of cars and a grip of motorcycles were in position for judging. Various celebrities — including the famously car-obsessed Mr. Jay Leno — and thousands of others in ascots, seersuckers and more hats than the royal wedding were on hand to see concept cars, Rolls-Royces, Duesenbergs and other entries across 20 classes.
At first, viewing the cars was manageable and we took our time picking through the chromed and leathered beauties. Quickly, however, what seemed like the most impressive car we’d ever spotted was overshadowed by an even more amazing specimen. Is this what being at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show after party is like?
One of our favorite highlights from this year’s show was a collection of Mahraja — Indian royalty — autos. From cars built to hunt tigers (yeah!) to vehicles that looked like swans (yikes), this special class of vehicle was strange and unique. The Concours d’Elegance is a bucket list experience and a must for anyone who appreciates motoring history. Rather than the usual snapshots, which you can see strewn across the hundred of automotive sites, we instead aimed our lenses on angles and colors that captured the eye.
Shades of Concours Photo Essay
