The Monterey Classic Car Week is one of those rendezvous moments: a must genuine must-do in a world seemingly full of unique and iconic events. The week features concours, tours, racing and auctions; it offers something for everyone interested in the history of the automobile or, indeed, society, given the impact the car has had in its century or so of popular appeal. In 2014, four events stood out head and shoulders above the other happenings.
The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance trace their routes back to the very beginning of automotive events on the Monterey Peninsula. The Concours was first held in 1950 as an adjunct to the Pebble Beach Road Race. It has been held on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links between The Lodge and the Pacific Ocean overlooking Carmel Bay since 1952. The Tour presented by Rolex has been held since 1998, and is a tribute to the original Road Race, last held in 1956.
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is reminiscent of the earliest, more intimate days of the Concours. It too is hosted on a golf course – the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel. Since its inception in 2003, the event has combined elegance, exceptional automobiles and a true culinary experience.
Rolex is involved with all four of these events which, while choosing differing ways of presenting classic automobile, are linked via a common bond, or fil rouge: people passionate about and dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of crafted vehicles that are no less exceptional today than when first created. For Sir Jackie Stewart, the Formula 1® legend, long term Rolex Testimonee, and guest of honour at this year’s The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, there are clear parallels between Rolex’s values and those of the events it partners at Monterey: “the events are all about elegance; the cars which race and are on display represent the ultimate in beautiful cars, forever desired by the people who buy them, who restore them, who show them. These people want the best, the most stylish, the most accurate, they are precision-driven with excellent taste.”
Avid enthusiasts
A remarkable feature of the week is how often the same people pop up at each venue. One moment dressed in elegant garments presenting a glossy, polished version of a rare car in a sophisticated environment. The next clad in oil and sweat-streaked overalls, stepping into a thoroughbred sports car before roaring bumper-to-bumper around a racetrack.
Shirley, the former president of Microsoft, has won before at Pebble Beach – in 2008 with a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta. The announcement that his Ferrari had won Best of Show at the 2014 edition was an exceptional moment. His is the first post-war car to take the top award in nearly five decades. Chairman Sandra Button commented about the car: “It has had quite the famous life having been designed by Sergio Scaglietti for Roberto Rossellini. Its design was also trend-setting. So it is fitting that this is our first post-war winner in many years.”
Not every owner at Pebble Beach or The Quail has an interest in racing. Despite how it might seem, that is not the secret to success at the concours events or the primary link between the characters. Karra Canum, who took part in the Pebble Beach Tour and was presenting her extraordinary 1958 503 Series II Cabriolet, BMW’s first post-war sports car, at the Concours d’Elegance believes to be properly engaged in the classic car world you need to love your car and understand it inside and out.
Canum has an eye for detail and evident flair wearing an outfit that matched the elegance and colour scheme of her car. Interviewed at the Concours d’Elegance she commented: “I’m incredibly proud to be here. This is the finest event in the world. I’m particularly excited because this is a very rare car and unique in that it was the first German car largely marketed to women. Designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz 58 cabriolet’s were made and only a handful survived.” Canum clearly cherishes the car, fondly naming it “The Countess”, and during an extensive restoration paid close attention to the smallest features – the dashboard switches, the steering wheel, the day/night switch for the rear-view mirror light. The result is striking and topical.
Jon Shirley is another who crosses the boundary between the heat and intensity of Laguna Seca and the glamour and genteel atmosphere of the concours events. While his son Ericson was racing the family’s 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3) that Tazio Nuvolari drove to victory at the 1935 German Grand Prix against the seemingly invincible “Silver Arrows” of Mercedes and Auto Union, Jon was concentrating on preparing his 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe for the ultimate test, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Ultimate Accolade:
Winning at the Concours d’Elegance is widely recognized as a massive honour. There is huge tradition behind the 64-year event. It is a reference point. Its judging team is considered the most knowledgeable: world experts in every detail. According to Nic Waller, one of the Selection Committee: “If you win at Pebble Beach, you have won.”
Individually and separately the four events with Rolex is connected provide a feast of opportunities for those passionate about the automobile to immerse themselves in the past, to reflect on the inventiveness and creativity of the designers and manufacturers, and to mix with like-minded people. Rolex has been deeply involved in the Monterey Classic Car Week since 1997 and is proud to share the values of those who create this point of reference in the automotive world.
Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and partner to The Lodge at Pebble Beach since 1997. The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance has been presented by Rolex since 2007.
Photo credits: Tom Oneal
Source http://www.rolex.com
