#United States #Pebble Beach #Concours d'Elegance #Vince Finaldi

A New Era for Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

As the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance gears up for its 75th anniversary this August, the renowned automotive gathering is on the cusp of a significant leadership transition. After four decades of exceptional service, the current Concours Chairman, Sandra Button, will step away from daily operations starting October 1. This pivotal change will see her shifting into a ceremonial role as Brand Ambassador and Strategic Advisor. Into this role steps Vince W. Finaldi, the newly appointed president, who has a rich background in both law and the automotive world.

Sandra Button has been an instrumental figure in elevating the Pebble Beach Concours to its status as the leading automotive event globally. Under her stewardship, the event has not only showcased an unrivaled range of classic and historic automobiles but also bolstered its charitable contributions, totaling over $45 million. Button's tenure has been marked by strategic enhancements, including the formation of an Advisory Board and a Selection Committee, innovations that have helped sustain the Concours’ prestige.

Button expressed her enthusiasm about the transition, stating, "It has been a great honor to lead this event in recent decades, but now it's time for a new generation of car enthusiasts to emerge. Vince is a true car enthusiast with the passion and expertise necessary to carry forward the legacy of this momentous event. I am excited to support his vision and direction in the coming years."

Vince Finaldi's journey into the automotive realm started in his youth. His family has deep-seated connections within the industry, dating back to his grandfather's arrival in the United States in the 1920s, where he initially worked for General Motors before starting an auto repair shop. This family legacy played a crucial role in shaping Vince's fervor for cars, leading him to become a dedicated collector of significant historical automobiles and automobilia. Prior to his new role, Finaldi was a successful trial attorney and ran his own auto shop, Finaldi Inc., in the Monterey Bay area, embodying both legal acumen and automotive passion.

Recognizing the challenge of replacing one of the most influential figures in the collector car world, Finaldi aims to honor Button's considerable contributions while maintaining and enhancing the essence of the Concours. "It’s crucial to ensure the Pebble Beach Concours remains at the pinnacle of automotive events," he remarked. “The Concours is a living event that must adapt as the automotive industry evolves and as new tastes emerge among car lovers. My intent is to work collaboratively with our team, partners, and volunteers to seek fresh opportunities that celebrate our storied past while propelling this event into the future."

As the Pebble Beach Concours enters this new chapter, preparations are in full swing for the 75th anniversary, highlighting its rich history and culture. The event, known for gathering an eclectic mix of automotive masterpieces on the prestigious 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, is expected to attract a diverse array of automobile enthusiasts, collectors, and aficionados from around the globe. Alongside the main event, related activities include the Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, Pebble Beach RetroAuto, and the Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum, offering even more avenues for appreciation and celebration of automotive history.

Finaldi's vision extends beyond just preserving the Concours' legacy; it will also emphasize enhancing its community impact through sustained charitable efforts. With ambitious plans in sight, including expanded outreach and diversified automotive presentations, the Concours is poised not only to continue its tradition of excellence but to evolve as a beacon in the automotive landscape.

In anticipation of this transition and the forthcoming 75th celebration, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is undoubtedly set for an exciting evolution under new leadership. You can learn more about this iconic event at pebblebeachconcours.net.