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.