On Sunday the 69th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance began filling the competition grounds with classic cars as far as the eye can see. As a total of 216 cars, withstanding the test of time and retaining a beauty from bygone eras, cruise in on renowned Monterey Car Week they grace the lawn this year to compete against one another for the chance of being titled the Best of Show winner. With cars hailing from 17 countries and 31 states, the day was overflowing with automobiles from all over the world as well as being a paradise for the classic automobile enthusiast.
Out of the many challengers this year who participated in the prominent competition, only one car will be dubbed the 69th Best of Show champion. However, the car that stood out the most and won the respect and appreciation of those in attendance was none other than the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer owned by the Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie. It was announced on Sunday that this 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer was named the champion of the Best of Show award, which embodied a traditional class of elegance with a sense of refined might and vigor.
“This Bentley exudes strength and confidence, and that translates into elegance,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Yes, this is a fast, strong, sturdy car, but it also has perfect proportions, a stunning stance, and a boldness that draws you to it. When you drive it, it does everything you ask of it.”
Following the announcement, a gold coloured ribbon, marking the 1931 Bentley as this year’s Best of Show winner, was adorned on the windshield right by other ribbons awarded for the automobile’s class win and completion of the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. At this time Sir Michael Kadoorie conveyed his gratefulness for the car and the award that was bestowed upon it: “The Centennial of Bentley may have played a role in this award,” he said, “but the 8 Litre is the ultimate W. O. Bentley–era automobile. This is the car that represents Bentley at its finest, and I have been very fortunate to have a car that has this elegance and finish, and that the Pebble Beach Concours feels is worthy.”
With that said, Sir Michael Kadoorie believes and envisions W.O. Bentley is watching the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach from beyond and is overwhelmed with a sense of pride and joy for both his company’s long standing centennial celebration and his recognized accomplishments in the present automotive world. “Sir Michael Kadoorie said, “This is a high I have not known before.”
If this year’s competition had to be put into only one word, it would be ‘fierce’ to say the least. The number of tough to beat contenders were not small, which even included Richard and Melanie Lundquist’s 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet; David F. MacNeil’s 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé; and The Keller Collection at The Pyramids’ 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet.
In addition to these three Best of Show nominees, four Elegance Award winners were also named: Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible, Richard & Melanie Lundquist’s 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet; J. B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car, Jonathan & Wendy Segal’s 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia Supergioiello Coupé; Jules Heumann Most Elegant Open Car, 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster York Roadster from the Lehrman Collection; Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car, David & Ginny Sydorick’s 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Zagato Berlinetta Speciale
The charitable donations that were raised throughout the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance amounts to 2 million USD this year. As the primary charitable partner of the Concours, the reputable Pebble Beach Company Foundation directs these funds in order to benefit over 80 local charities, which results in helping more than 10,000 children annually in Monterey County
Comedian, actor and producer Jay Leno, who manages the charity drawing for the Concours Awards Ceremony, raied over 100,000 USD towards the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. As the host of Jay Leno’s Garage, he raised the aforementioned amount by providing tours of his garage. Furthermore, he has accumulated 800,000 USD in funds for Concours Charities.
Serving as the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Gooding & Company netted over 76 million USD over the weekend throughout the annual Pebble Beach Auctions. The 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider that was realized for 9,905,000 USD and the 1975 Ferrari 312T which sold for 6 million USD were the two shining stars of the Friday’s auctions. As for Saturday’s auctions, the two most prominent sales happened to be the 1931 Studebaker Special Indy Car, which broke a new auction world record when it was bought for 1,105,000 USD, and the 1939 Alfa Romeo Tipo 256 Coupe that was acquired at 2,755,000 USD.
Next year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which would mark 70 years since its inception in 1950, will take place Sunday, August 16, 2020. Next year is going to commemorate not only the 70th Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show winner, but also Pininfarina and Porsche 917s.
For more information visit: PebbleBeachConcours.net
Featured Image Courtesy of: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
