Pebble Beach: Bugatti celebrates 70th anniversary
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF THE BEAUTIFUL A Bugatti took part in the very first Concours d'Elegance in 1950 in Monterey, California. With nine titles to date, the French brand is the record holder for Best of Show awards. Sunday, August 15, marks the 70th anniversary of the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach. For Bugatti, too, there is reason to celebrate. [...]
Sunday, August 15, marks the 70th anniversary of the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach. Bugatti also has reason to celebrate.
The French brand was already represented there when it was first held. One of the cars on display was a 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Coupe de Ville. It belonged to John Edgar and his son Will, who will be present at the 70th anniversary celebration in Pebble Beach.
Awards for classic models
Sandra Button, Chairwoman of the Concours d'Elegance: "In the early years, classic models were not held in high regard. It was mainly the new models that were of interest. Situation changed in the mid-1950s after the organizers started giving the higher awards to classic models."
The Royale is the King of Pebble Beach
Bugatti recorded its first victory in 1956, when the cars were presented at the lodge on the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach golf course against the backdrop of Carmel Bay. That year, the Type 37 Grand Prix of Milton R. Roth won the title of Best of Show.
Sandra Button: "It is no exaggeration to say that Pebble Beach owes the international recognition that the Concours enjoys today to Bugatti's spectacular appearance in 1985. This event was the unique presentation of all six Bugatti Type 41 Royale at Pebble Beach. With the 6.5-meter Royale with 12.8-liter inline eight cylinder, Ettore Bugatti wanted to show the world how he envisioned the superlative of a car for aristocrats and princes."
Combination of technology and rarity value
For the 70th anniversary, not only will the best-of-show winners of the last seven decades be presented, but also some promising Bugattis that will participate in this year's competition.
Jury chairman Chris Bock: "Bugatti automobiles are simply a perfect combination of technology, special style and rarity value. Every mechanical component is designed not only with the eye of the designer, but also with the eye of the engineer. The cars are true works of art."