Much as I appreciate seeing classic cars in museum or show settings, I much prefer watching them on public roads, just as they were when new. With the appropriate background it can take us back in time. Let's face it, the technology was primitive by modern standards and when seen on the highway we can sense how the chassis, brakes, steering and other mechanical components interact. Even the "skinny" tires take on a perspective that's not appreciated in a static situation.
And did I mention the sound? The low-revving grunt of vintage engines, accompanied by the whine of rugged but unsophisticated transmissions and other components, is almost magical. That's the way it was, folks, and if you add a little road grime the reality is sometimes better than the exaggerated perfection of a show car. Which makes the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex (happening as you read this on Thursday, August 12) one of the key events in the Monterey/Pebble Beach classic car extravaganza. More than 170 vintage cars will travel along the Central California Coast for 60 miles from Carmel south to Big Sur on California's spectacular Highway 1, then back to Carmel and along the fabled 17 Mile Drive.
Every year this event gets bigger and better, with the result that most scenic areas will be lined with spectators, soaking up the sights and sounds while seeking ideal photo angles. The Pacific coast often contributes its own artistic touch by adding a little ocean mist in the background. Of course those vintage automobiles don't just appear at their owner's whim; every car is an entrant in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. And therein lies the rationale behind the Tour d'Elegance: a few years ago the Concours organisers felt that many entrants never drove further than from their trailers to the winner's ramp, and so the Tour was added as a tie-breaking incentive. If "his Duesenberg" and "your Packard" were tied in points, the car that participated in the road event would get the trophy.
It didn't take long for car owners to appreciate that the Tour d'Elegance offered a chance to drive their classics on one of the world's most revered highways, in the company of other vintage automobiles, escorted by the California Highway Patrol to assure the trip could be made in safety. There are no trophies for the Tour; being there is reward enough.
Pebble Beach Best in show list doesn’t list a winner for 1960. Why?
August 14, 2010 @ 12:41 am