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Published on: Oct. 17, 2024, 10:07 p.m.
Pebble Beach pilgrimage
  • 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports - Best of Show Winner PHOTOS: © KIMBALL STUDIOS PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

By Souvik Ghose Chaudhuri

Every year in August, automotive enthusiasts from around the globe converge upon the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Northern California for Monterey Car Week, a celebration of automotive culture. The Monterey Peninsula, a brief drive from San Francisco, serves as the host for numerous independent automotive events during this period, the highlight of which is famously the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance started in 1950 as a last-minute addition to the Pebble Beach road races, a social gathering intended to add a bit of style to the much-anticipated main event. Over the years, the podium at Pebble Beach has been widely acclaimed as the most prestigious competition for historically significant automobiles.

Descending the stairs of ‘The Lodge’, visitors were greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The undulating greens of the iconic 18th fairway, which dramatically cliff into the Pacific Ocean, were framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains, while the tranquil waters of the cove provided a serene backdrop. The air was filled with the invigorating scent of the ocean, and the verdant turf was adorned with some of the rarest and most exquisite automobiles from bygone eras, attracting a discerning crowd that rivalled Milan during fashion week.

Unbeknownst to the harbour seals, pelicans, and the plethora of marine life that live just beyond the fairway, their quaint neighbourhood on this day, the 18th of August 2024, was to be the focal point of the world’s motoring community and go down in automotive restoration history as a day of great significance!

Aesthetic appeal

While navigating the venue, attendees were impressed by the sheer diversity and aesthetic appeal of the meticulously presented vehicles. From racing Ferraris to Range Rovers from Her Majesty’s stables, from European grand tourers to a surprising introduction of a new category dubbed the ‘V’ Class, each automobile was a star in its own right.

The Pebble Beach golf course is renowned for its challenging conditions, often demanding precise shots around sand traps and undulating terrain. The sand wedge, pitching wedge, lob wedge, and gap wedge are indispensable clubs for navigating these conditions. This year, the course would be forever associated with another type of wedge.

A historic milestone was achieved at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the introduction of two dedicated classes (V1 early & V2 Late models) for wedge-shaped concept cars and prototypes, a pioneering initiative. The juxtaposition of these angular, wedge-shaped vehicles with the pre-war dames, featuring curvaceous fenders and extravagant chrome radiators adorned with ornaments crafted by the likes of René Lalique, was a striking contrast. Regardless of personal preference, these seemingly futuristic vehicles are an integral component of global automotive history, and their preservation for future generations is of paramount importance.

  • Her Majesty’s Convoy - Queen Elizabeth II Land Rovers

India is known for its rich automotive history, largely due to the passion of Indian royalty for cars. It was wonderful to see India well represented at the event, with the tradition being carried on by modern-day enthusiasts. The award for the Rolls-Royce considered most in the tradition of Lucius Beebe was won by Rajiv Kehr’s Mulliner-bodied 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental. The 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe owned by the Dossas finished third in the class for The Late European Classic Touring Class. Madan Mohan Yadav’s 1932 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet was also a worthy entrant in the Early European Classic Touring category.

One particular automobile captivated the attention of many: the 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Fastback Coupé, exhibited by Robert Kudela from the Czech Republic. The previous day, Peter Larson, an authority on period French cars and coachbuilders, had vividly described this exquisite vehicle. Its teal exterior paired with chocolate accents, a bold choice by any standard, was further enhanced by the front grill louvres detailed in alternating base colours and the gold-accented interior trim.

The car’s appearance perfectly aligned with Peter Larson’s description of a pristine, meticulously restored work of art. Talbot-Lagos have a history of success at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and the T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Fastback Coupé appeared to be a strong contender for the Best of Show award. However, fate had other plans.

The posters commemorating the event often offer hints regarding potential top prize winners. British artist Tim Layzell, was commissioned to create not one but three unique posters for this year’s event. These posters showcased a variety of classic automobiles, including two Maseratis, a 1914 Packard, and the Lancia Stratos Zero, depicting the Concours, the Tour, and the Wedge classes respectively. However, the posters for this year failed to accurately predict the eventual best of show winner.

A dramatic pause

The Award Ceremony commenced shortly after lunch. The champions among champions were summoned to the podium as crowds of people lined up along the barricade to witness the proceedings. Once all the class winners were announced, a dramatic pause ensued. The murmur of speculation and discussion among the audience regarding potential favourites was palpable. After much anticipation, three exceptional automobiles were called up to the podium: a 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve LeBaron Sport Phaeton (highlighting the marque’s 125th Anniversary), a 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero Bertone Coupe (from the Wedge class), and a 1948 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Fastback Coupé. Just then, an unexpected announcement was made: “Could Fritz Burkard and his 1934 Bugatti come up to the winners circle, please?”

  • Wedge Wonders

    Wedge Wonders

Moments later, a visibly astonished Swiss man and his elated mechanic arrived in their nearly century-old, unrestored Bugatti. The vehicle, adorned with battle scars in all the right places, made its way through the crowd of perplexed onlookers and parked alongside the three immaculately restored class winners. Could it be true? Could an unrestored vehicle claim the coveted top prize? As the drumroll intensified and curiosity peaked, the golden envelope was opened, revealing the announcement: “The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show winner is: the 1934 Bugatti sports car from the Pearl Collection!”

The unassuming, matte black racing machine returned to the podium, 90 years after its debut victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1934! As the car ascended the ramp amidst a shower of fireworks and confetti, the ecstatic owner, Fritz Burkard, expressed his disbelief, kissing, tapping, and slapping the cowl of his racer, and throwing his hat into the air in a gesture of celebration.

Groundbreaking decision

The genesis of this remarkable story dates back to 1999, when the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) conceived an award for vehicles that have been preserved in their original condition as much as possible. This groundbreaking decision by the committee at the 73rd Pebble Beach Concours marked a departure from the traditional norm, where the most pristine and perfectly restored vehicles often took centre stage. This shift towards recognizing unrestored cars underscores a growing appreciation for the authenticity and historical significance of vehicles that have been preserved in their original state.

It was indeed a spectacular day, not only for the broader automotive community but also for the future of automotive history. On the podium, Fritz Burkard was heard repeatedly exclaiming, “I don’t believe it!” His words echoed the sentiments of enthusiasts across the globe. 

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