Something magical happens along the Monterey Bay Peninsula in Northern California every August. It's not just another car show—it's more like an automotive pilgrimage. Collectors and car lovers from all over the world converge to witness some of the finest machines ever built, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific. This is Monterey Car Week, a tradition that’s been firing on all cylinders since the 1950s, only improving with time. After seven decades, it’s become the ultimate bucket-list event for anyone who appreciates cars.
Monterey Car Week is unique because it's not just one event but a series of curated experiences. The schedule? It's a bit of a juggling act. Event organizers work hard to avoid overlap between gatherings that appeal to the same crowd, and for good reason—there’s too much automotive brilliance to miss. While many top-tier Monterey Car Week events come with a price tag, and is a great value. Even so, one of the best-kept secrets of the week is that you can still catch glimpses of these amazing cars without attending the actual auctions. Just stroll through the nearby hotel parking lots, and you’ll see plenty of automotive masterpieces up close. But even if you’re not planning to drop millions on a car, there’s plenty to appreciate. You’ll find a range of vehicles, not just the multimillion-dollar classics. So whether you’re bidding or just browsing, Monterey Car Week offers plenty of automotive beauty to feast your eyes on. And the best part is you can view all of these magnificent classics at no cost.
As for the auctions themselves, entry fees can be quite reasonable, though free admission is rare. But even if you’re not planning to drop millions on a car, there’s plenty to appreciate. You’ll find a range of vehicles, not just the multimillion-dollar showstoppers. So whether you’re bidding or just browsing, Monterey Car Week offers plenty of automotive beauty to feast your eyes on—without emptying your wallet.
The Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff made a spectacular return to the scenic town of Pacific Grove in 2024, setting the stage for another exhilarating Monterey Car Week. As tradition dictates, the event kicked off the week-long automotive festivities with a vibrant welcome party that transformed the quaint downtown area into a buzzing hub of excitement and enthusiasm. What began as the "Little Car Show" has since evolved into something much bigger, now featuring a broader range of both classic and modern vehicles that appeal to collectors and car lovers alike. Under the golden California sun, a diverse lineup of cars lined the streets, from vintage beauties to cutting-edge models, offering a little something for everyone. The stunning display was accompanied by a lively crowd, all of whom soaked up the perfect weather and indulged in that indescribable Monterey Car Week magic—the kind of energy you can only feel when you're there in person.But this year, the event didn’t just stick to tradition. Organizers expanded its scope, adding new categories and special showcases that brought fresh excitement to the scene. Whether you were admiring a meticulously restored classic or marveling at the latest in automotive innovation, the variety of vehicles on display captured the essence of what makes Monterey Car Week so special.
Beyond the cars, the event's atmosphere set the tone for the week ahead. Local businesses and cafes joined in the fun, creating a community celebration where car enthusiasts could mingle, chat about their favorite rides, and take in the unique charm of Pacific Grove. The streets buzzed with conversation, laughter, and, of course, the occasional rev of an engine. For those lucky enough to attend, the Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff wasn’t just the start of Auto Week—it was a reminder of why this tradition has continued to thrive. The combination of world-class automobiles, perfect coastal scenery, and a shared passion for cars made it a memorable start to one of the most anticipated weeks in the automotive calendar. This year’s event raised the bar, and it’s clear that Monterey Car Week keeps getting better.
2024 Classic Motorsports Monterey Kickoff Winners
Downtown Pacific Grove, California August 13, 2024
Best of Show, Best of Aston Martin: Paul Carrubba, Aptos, Calif., 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (pictured above)
Best Alfa Romeo: Steve Fields, Carmel, Calif., 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider
Best Austin-Healey: Ron Strong, Santa Clara, Calif., 1956 Austin-Healey 100M
Best BMW: Paul DiMauro, Seaside, Calif., 1984 BMW Alpina B7
Best Chrysler: Bill and D.J. Mitchell, Redwood City, Calif., 1960 Imperial Crown
Best Corvette 1982 and Earlier: Viviano and Aaron Alvarez, Salinas, Calif., 1961 Chevrolet Corvette
Best Corvette Post-1982: Benton Beckley, Palm Springs, Calif., 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Best Ferrari: James Bonney, Carmichael, Calif., 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Best Fiat/Lancia: David Molesworth, Phoenix, Ariz., 1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evolution
Best GM Non-Corvette: Ken Watson, Danville, Calif., 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Best Jaguar: Ken Fritz, Sacramento, Calif., 1959 Jaguar XK150S OTS
Best Mazda: Jim Hendley, San Francisco, Calif., 1991 Mazda MX-5
Best Mercedes: Martin Mitchell, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL
Best MG: Peter Patriquin, Fresno, Calif., 1973 MG MGB
Best Mustang: Kate McFadden, Salinas, Calif., 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe
Best Nissan/Datsun: Philip Lewis, Marina, Calif., 1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT
Best Other British: Jake Pullan, Novato, Calif., 1970 Ford Mk2 GT Cortina
Best Other European: Mike Dudek, Morgan Hill, Calif., 1973 Volvo 1800S
Best Other Ford: Terry and Carol Barney, Fresno, Calif., 1968 Ford Bronco
Best Other Italian: John and Julie Tomlin, Carmel Valley, Calif., 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Best Porsche 1973 and Earlier: Don Trexler, Blowing Rock, N.C., 1968 Porsche 912
Best Porsche 1974 and Later: Tom Tyer, Carmichael, Calif., 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo Look
Best Shelby/Cobra: David Acrell, Orangevale, Calif., 1964 USRRC Cobra
Best Toyota: Nicholas Rottler, Marina, Calif., 1993 Toyota Supra Premier Edition
Best Triumph: Richard Watson, Carmel, Calif., 1967 Triumph TR4
Best Volkswagen: Chip Oetting, Eugene, Ore., 1956 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Best Local Car: Tyson and Leticia Rininger, Marina, Calif., 1964 Triumph Spitfire 4
Editor’s Choice: Randy Carlson, Aguanga, Calif., 1957 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Motorlux
2024, hosted by Hagerty at the Monterey Jet Center, once again set the
tone for Monterey Car Week with a vibrant celebration of cars, craft,
and community. Drawing in over 4,100 attendees, the event seamlessly
blended the best of automotive excellence with luxury lifestyle
experiences while showcasing some of the most impressive cars, aircraft,
and culinary artistry. This year's event, held on August 14, 2024, was
more significant and extravagant than ever. With over 225 rare and
classic vehicles on display alongside 14 private jets and vintage
aircraft, guests were treated to a visual feast. Among the highlights
were adventure vehicles, 1950s hot rods in the "American Graffiti"
exhibit, and even a hangar dedicated to 1980s and ’90s Radwood icons
like the Ferrari Testarossa.
Tom
and other team members from Classic Showcase were particularly
delighted to have been chosen to showcase his stunning 1959 Jaguar XKSS
re-creation. The dedicated craftsmen and specialists hand-crafted the
unique build on the XKSS at Classic Showcase. The car looked fabulous
amidst the other spectacular vehicles on display, catching the eyes of
many attendees.
The
culinary experience was also a focal point, with 25 food and wine
vendors offering gourmet selections to complement the evening. One crowd
favorite was the "bacon wall," where guests could pair generous slabs
of bacon with their choice of beverages. The open bar and live
entertainment kept the energy high, including performances from a DJ,
drummer, and even an electric violinist playing while suspended in a
hoop.
Broad
Arrow Auction added another layer of excitement, with night one of their
two-day auction taking place alongside the Motorlux festivities. The
auction featured 150 significant motor cars, including a Porsche 911
GT1, and concluded with $71.5 million in total sales. This year, the
runway-style auction format, complete with viewing galleries, created an
immersive experience for attendees and bidders alike! In its third year
under Hagerty’s stewardship, Motorlux continues to grow in scale and
creativity. From vintage planes and rare cars to gourmet food and
innovative auction formats, it has become the must-attend kickoff event
for Monterey Car Week, promising even bigger things for 2025!
Tom's 1959 Jaguar XKSS Re-creation on display at Motorlux...
(click on an image to view a larger version)
Broad Arrow Auctions made its return to California last week for its third annual Monterey Auction, held on August 14 and 15 at the Monterey Jet Center. The two-day event achieved impressive results, bringing in $71.5 million, with 85 percent of the lots successfully sold. A new feature for 2024 was the auction's Wednesday evening start, coinciding with Motorlux—an energetic celebration of cars, craftsmanship, and community hosted by Hagerty at the Monterey Jet Center.
This year’s auction introduced a new, immersive runway-style auction format, which received positive feedback from both collectors and industry insiders. The event’s highlight was the sale of a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion, an exceptionally well-preserved example of just nine customer GT1s ever built. Spirited bidding, both in-person and by phone, saw the car sell for $7,045,000. In addition to this top sale, several records were broken during the auction. Leading the pack was a rare 1998 RUF CTR 2, which set a new auction record for any RUF model, fetching $2,095,000. This car, believed to be the only one still in its original ownership, was part of a trio of RUF models that all sold at strong prices.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the guests who attended our third annual Motorlux event and auction at the Monterey Jet Center. We saw record attendance, with 42% of bidders registering with Broad Arrow for the first time,” said Kenneth Ahn, President of Hagerty Marketplace and Broad Arrow. He also noted a shift in the market during Monterey Car Week, especially for cars priced over $1 million. “More collectors were on the sidelines for the high-end market this year, but we saw strong engagement, particularly for modern, next-generation enthusiast cars.” Barney Ruprecht, Vice-President of Auctions for Broad Arrow, added, “While we cater to a broad range of collecting interests, our focus is on younger collectors, which reflects both changing tastes and our team’s expertise. The prominence of modern and 'youngtimer' cars in the highest auction tiers isn’t just a trend—it’s supported by a growing base of collectors. Our leadership in brands like Porsche and RUF is well-illustrated by the success of our Monterey auction and beyond.”
(pictures courtesy of broadarrowauctions.com)
1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion
Sold Price: $7,045,000
Sold After Auction
Sold Price: $2,700,000
Sold Price: $2,535,000
Sold Price: $2,480,000
Sold Price: $2,425,000
Sold Price: $2,095,000
Sold after auction
Sold Price: $1,710,000
Sold Price: $1,545,000
Bonhams’ 2024 Monterey auction, held at the Quail Lodge on August 16, once again demonstrated its ability to attract discerning collectors and deliver notable results. With a lineup of exceptional vehicles that spanned decades and styles, Bonhams showcased the enduring appeal of both classic and modern automobiles. Though market dynamics have shifted, the auction house still managed to celebrate the craftsmanship, rarity, and history of each car presented, drawing significant attention from enthusiasts worldwide. The top sale of the auction was a 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione, which fetched an impressive $1.611 million, affirming the enduring popularity of modern supercars among collectors. American muscle made its mark too, with a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hardtop, one of only 12 with a manual transmission and shaker hood, smashing estimates and selling for $329,500...
One of the auction's most exciting moments came from the sale of a 1965 Mustang Convertible, once owned by the late rock legend Tom Petty. Initially estimated at $25,000 to $35,000, the car ignited a spirited bidding war, ultimately selling for a remarkable $224,000, showcasing how unique provenance can greatly elevate a vehicle’s value. Despite some challenges, such as the 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster not meeting its reserve price, Bonhams’ auction demonstrated that collectors are evolving in their tastes.
Top 10 Sales at Bonhams Monterey 2024:
2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione – $1,611,000
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hardtop – $329,500
1965 Mustang Convertible (owned by Tom Petty) – $224,000
1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 – $210,000
1961 Porsche 356B Cabriolet – $185,000
1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Roadster – $170,500
1989 Ferrari Testarossa – $156,750
1963 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet – $146,300
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – $137,500
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental – $134,000
Held on the scenic greens of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering is an incredible Concour and lifestyle event. It once again dazzled automotive enthusiasts in August 2024 as one of the most exclusive events of Monterey Car Week. The Quail is renowned for combining high-end motorsports with a luxurious garden-party atmosphere. This year, the event featured over 200 of the world’s finest automobiles, alongside curated culinary experiences and themed showcases celebrating major automotive milestones. Key themes for 2024 included tributes to 100 Years of MG, 50 Years of the Porsche 911 Turbo, and a celebration of Koenigsegg's 30th Anniversary. Additionally, the event spotlighted rare pre-war and post-war sports and racing cars, as well as modern supercars and custom coachwork.
A standout moment for Tom and our team from Classic Showcase came when we proudly presented our recently completed 1959 Jaguar XKSS re-creation. The car, meticulously crafted to capture the spirit of Jaguar’s iconic roadster, looked stunning among the impressive lineup of classic and modern vehicles on display. The Jaguar XKSS stood out for its attention to detail, and Tom was thrilled to have it showcased again after Motorlux, where it rested alongside such elite automobiles at one of the week’s most prestigious gatherings!
This year's Best of Show award went to a stunning 1937 Delahaye Type 135, a historically significant vehicle with racing pedigree and bespoke coachwork. The Quail also celebrated the legacy of World Rally Cars and hosted an unforgettable showcase of luxury and performance. The Quail continues to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of Monterey Car Week, blending motorsport heritage with elegance, and providing an unforgettable experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Tom's 1959 Jaguar XKSS Re-creation on display at The Quail...
This year’s Mecum Auctions at Monterey proved to be a grand success, amassing an impressive $54 million in total sales over the course of the event. Collectors and car enthusiasts from across the globe converged at this iconic venue to bid on some of the most coveted and historically significant vehicles ever offered at auction. The event featured a wide variety of automobiles, from timeless classics to high-performance exotics, further cementing Mecum's reputation as a premier destination for elite automotive sales.
The 2024 auction saw intense bidding, particularly for rare and unique vehicles. A star among them was the 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight, which topped the sales chart at an astounding $7.865 million. This car, a legendary piece of automotive history with racing pedigree, became the focus of fierce bidding, drawing attention from both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts. It wasn’t just the GT40 that turned heads—iconic American muscle cars and revered European sports cars also drew significant interest.
Mecum's Top 10 Sales:
1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight – $7,865,000
1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona – $3,360,000
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 – $3,080,000
2003 Ferrari Enzo – $2,860,000
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible – $2,576,000
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS – $2,530,000
1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible – $2,352,000
2005 Porsche Carrera GT – $1,732,500
1930 Packard 734 Speedster Boattail Runabout – $1,375,000
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – $1,237,500
The second-highest sale of the event was the 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona, which sold for $3.36 million. Known for its distinctive aerodynamic design and raw power, this muscle car exemplifies a rare and valuable piece of automotive history, particularly beloved by muscle car aficionados. It stands as a testament to the appeal of American engineering in the world of classic cars.
Additionally, the auction featured other notable sales like a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 that went for just over $3 million, and a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, the last of Ferrari's naturally aspirated hypercars, which achieved $2.86 million. American classics also made a strong showing, with a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible both drawing millions from eager buyers. Beyond the million-dollar sales, Mecum Monterey 2024 demonstrated a broader trend in the collector car market: the sustained and growing interest in both European exotics and American muscle cars. With vehicles spanning from pre-war classics to modern supercars, the auction had something for every type of collector, solidifying Mecum’s Monterey event as one of the most anticipated on the global auction calendar!
Once again, RM Sotheby’s delivered an extraordinary auction at Monterey Car Week 2024, achieving $161 million in total sales. Known for its carefully curated selection of the rarest and most desirable automobiles, this year’s event boasted a stellar lineup that included both pre-war classics and modern supercars. With an impressive 87.25% sell-through rate, 33 cars surpassed the $1 million mark, affirming RM Sotheby’s continued dominance in the high-end automotive auction scene.
The highlight of the auction was undoubtedly the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, which sold for an eye-watering $17,055,000. As the first car in its series, this Ferrari combined breathtaking aesthetics with historic significance, thanks to its competition-spec engine, covered-headlight design, and a factory hardtop. This vehicle exemplified the perfect blend of rarity, performance, and pedigree—attributes that attract the world's most serious collectors.
Ferrari continued to dominate the top sales, with a 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider claiming the second spot, fetching $12.985 million. This legendary race car, driven by notable figures like Juan Manuel Fangio, showcased the enduring appeal of vintage Ferraris. The third highest sale was another Ferrari—this time a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, which went for $5.615 million.
Beyond Ferraris, a wide array of other highly sought-after vehicles crossed the auction block. Pre-war classics, such as the 1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe, sold for $3.75 million, demonstrating that timeless American luxury still commands premium prices. On the other hand, modern hypercars were equally impressive, with a 2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport selling for $3.5 million.
Top 10 Sales at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2024:
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $17,055,000
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider – $12,985,000
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider – $5,615,000
1995 Ferrari F50 – $5,505,000
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Alloy – $5,285,000
1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Lungo Spider – $4,075,000
2023 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport – $3,497,500
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy – $3,481,000
2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport Noire – $3,360,000
1932 Delage D8 S Roadster – $3,305,000
Despite a broader market stabilization compared to the record-breaking 2022 event, RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey proved that top-tier, blue-chip collectibles continue to capture the imagination of the world’s wealthiest enthusiasts. Pre-war legends, post-war Ferraris, and cutting-edge supercars all played a role in making the event one of the most memorable highlights of Monterey Car Week.
In addition to the headline-grabbing Ferraris and Bugattis, the auction also saw a resurgence in interest for bespoke, coachbuilt cars from manufacturers like Delage and Duesenberg. These cars, with their historical significance and impeccable craftsmanship, continued to appeal to collectors who value both elegance and provenance. While fewer cars broke auction records compared to previous years, RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2024 reflected a shifting market where select cars—particularly from the 1990s and early 2000s—are showing significant upward trends, attracting younger collectors and setting new benchmarks in the collector car world.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
Sold for $17,055,000
(photo courtesy of rmsothebys.com)
Gooding & Company’s 2024 Monterey Auction once again made waves, delivering some of the highest sales of the week. Known for presenting a selection of highly sought-after and impeccably curated vehicles, the auction house brought in over $100 million in total sales, with several standout moments showcasing the enduring appeal of classic Ferraris and rare European cars.
One of the highlights was the sale of a 1995 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione, which fetched $5,120,000. This race car, with its storied racing history—including podium finishes at IMSA WSC and Le Mans—made a strong showing despite falling slightly below its pre-sale estimate. Gooding also set a new record with a 1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer, part of the “Dynamics and Lightweight Study,” which sold for an astonishing $3,085,000—more than double the previous record for a Singer vehicle...
Christie’s has recently announced that they are purchasing Gooding
& Company, a leading international auction house in the collector car
market. This marks a milestone for Christie’s, establishing its position in the
expanding collector car market. We are excited because 25 years ago Classic Showcase
worked with Christie’s Motorcar division and had great rapport. All of us are
looking forward to working alongside Christie’s Gooding & Co. for years to
come – congratulations to Christie’s and Gooding & Co.!
Ferrari once again dominated the high-end market, with several top-tier sales. A 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, a low-mileage example certified by Ferrari Classiche, was estimated to sell for $2.9-3.4 million but ultimately remained unsold at $2.7 million. However, other Ferraris performed well, with multiple vintage models exceeding expectations. The 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider, driven by legends like Fangio, was a highlight, bringing in $12,985,000.
Beyond Ferraris, the auction saw notable sales of other classic vehicles, such as the 1927 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport, which sold for $731,000—well above its estimate, reflecting the continued demand for rare Bugattis. Additionally, a beautifully restored 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400, finished in a stunning Azzurro Cielo, set a new record by achieving $2,315,000.
Top 10 Sales at Gooding & Company Monterey 2024:
1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider – $12,985,000
1995 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione – $5,120,000
1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer (DLS) – $3,085,000
1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 – $2,315,000
1937 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio – $577,000
1927 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport – $731,000
1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider – $2,700,000 (unsold)
1928 Bugatti Type 44 Torpedo by Figoni – $467,000
1956 Maserati A6G/54 Berlinetta – $3,550,000
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy – $3,481,000.
While there were a few unsold lots, Gooding & Company’s Monterey Auction continued to demonstrate the power of the Ferrari brand and the market’s increasing appetite for modern performance icons like Singer’s reimagined Porsches. This year’s event confirmed that both vintage and modern collectibles can coexist in the high-stakes world of Monterey auctions.
Sunday, August 18, 2024
This year’s Best of Show was awarded to a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, owned by Fritz Burkard of The Pearl Collection in Switzerland. In a groundbreaking moment, this marked the first time a preservation car—one that retained its original condition rather than undergoing restoration—had ever won the top prize. The Bugatti, renowned for its racing history and royal connections, captivated the judges and the crowd alike with its aged but authentic appearance. Burkard emphasized the importance of maintaining the car's original state and sharing it with younger generations to instill an appreciation for automotive history.
Beyond the Best of Show, the Concours featured numerous noteworthy vehicles. The 1916 Pierce-Arrow 48 B-4 Vestibule Suburban, shown by Bradley and Andrew Greene, won Best in Class for Antique Cars, while the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, an iconic concept car, took home the Gran Turismo Trophy for its revolutionary design. Among the many stunning vehicles on display, the 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Letourneur et Marchand Convertible Victoria, owned by Steve and Michelle Snyder, also captured attention for its elegance and classic design.
In addition to the competition, the Concours celebrated several important milestones, including the 100th anniversary of Chrysler and the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, which added extra excitement to the event. The lawn at Pebble Beach was filled with meticulously restored classic cars, rare sports cars, and coachbuilt vehicles, offering a truly mesmerizing sight for attendees!
Looking ahead, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance continues to set the standard for the preservation and celebration of automotive history. The 2024 event was a reminder of the event’s unique ability to blend tradition with innovation, drawing car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. With special anniversaries and rare vehicles on the horizon, next year promises to be even more thrilling!
Class A-1 (Antique): 1916 Pierce-Arrow 48 B-4 Vestibule Suburban
Class C-1 (American Classic Open): 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Custom LeBaron Phaeton
Class G (Duesenberg): 1933 Duesenberg SJ LaGrande Phaeton
Class J-3 (European Classic Sport): 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
Class L-1 (Prewar Preservation): 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports (also Best of Show winner)
Class M-2 (Ferrari Late): 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Scaglietti Coupe
Class A-2 (Packard Early, Pre-Twin Six): 1914 Packard 4-48 Seven-Passenger Touring
Class C-2 (American Classic Closed): 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Sport Sedan
Class I (Mercedes-Benz Prewar): 1928 Mercedes-Benz 710 SSK Corsica Drophead
Class J-2 (European Classic Touring Late): 1938 Delage D8-120 Letourneur et Marchand Aérosport
Class L-2 (Postwar Preservation): 1965 Serenissima 308V Fantuzzi Spyder
A longtime collector friend, with whom we've shared many memorable rally events over the years, recently showcased his impeccably restored 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet. Completing such a meticulous restoration was no small feat, and the result was nothing short of outstanding. His Pininfarina-designed Ferrari made a strong impression at this year’s event, earning an impressive 2nd place in class. We are thrilled for our good friend from New Mexico, who owns such a significant and iconic sports car—one of Enzo Ferrari's true masterpieces. In a fiercely competitive class, placing just behind a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Scaglietti Coupe, one of the most important Ferraris ever built, is a remarkable achievement.
(image courtesy of pebblebeachconcours.net)
In a historic first for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a preservation car claimed the coveted Best of Show title—a remarkable 1934 Bugatti Type 59.The competition this year brought together 214 vehicles from 16 countries and 29 U.S. states. Standing out among them all was a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, proudly presented by Fritz Burkard from The Pearl Collection in Switzerland, which earned the top award.
Sandra Button, Concours Chairman, shared her admiration: “This Bugatti has an incredible legacy, being the first Type 59 ever built. It was a true factory race car that secured several Grand Prix victories with legendary drivers. Its connection to royalty only adds to its charm, and its authentic preservation, especially the livery crafted when King Leopold of Belgium owned it, makes it all the more remarkable.”
An elated Fritz Burkard reflected on the win: “I’m thrilled—not just for myself, but for Bugatti and this incredible car. It’s one of the most historic Bugattis, and winning with it means the world to me. This marks the first time a Swiss, a European, and a preservation car has taken Best of Show. It’s important to celebrate preservation because a car can only be original once. And even after all these years, it drives like a dream.”
