The 75th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Honors Historic Racing Heritage

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: Celebrating 75 Years of Racing Heritage

The world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, with a special tribute to its origin in the thrilling world of automotive racing. This year's focus allows enthusiasts and visitors to experience the historical significance of the event that first began alongside the Pebble Beach Road Race on November 5, 1950.

The inaugural Pebble Beach Road Race drew significant attention and excitement, and the Concours was introduced soon after as a social gathering and celebratory showcase of stunning automotive designs. It quickly caught on as an essential part of this automotive festival, evolving into the prestigious event we see today. In fact, the chairman of the Concours, Sandra Button, reflected on this relationship, stating, "The Concours owes everything to that race—drawing enormous crowds while the Concours served as a beautiful addition to the main event."

The 75th Concours will proudly spotlight iconic car models that made history in racing. This includes not just the outstanding showroom vehicles, but also one-off specials which captured the imagination of racers and spectators alike. Phil Hill's stunning win in a Jaguar XK120 marked a historical moment in the first Pebble Beach Cup held during the Road Race, a testament to the caliber of racing that the Concours has encapsulated over the years. Hill would later become America's first World Drivers' Champion, showcasing the vital impact of Pebble Beach on motorsport history.

Looking forward, the upcoming exhibit is curated with care under the guidance of seasoned members from the Pebble Beach Concours Selection Committee, including well-respected figures like Ken Gross. They aim to create a compelling showcase that honors not just the models that racetrack legends drove, but also some rare bespoke vehicles synonymous with the essence of individualism and performance at Pebble Beach.

The grand celebration will occur on August 16, 2026, at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Attendees can expect a unique display of groundbreaking automotive engineering, combined with a nostalgic view of the rich heritage of Pebble Beach Road Racing. Additionally, more details about the event's features will be revealed in the coming weeks ahead of the event.

Furthermore, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is collaborating closely with the Pebble Beach Concours to enhance the experience, including exciting showcases of the very vehicles that participated in the legendary Pebble Beach Road Races at Laguna Seca.

As part of commemorating this historic milestone, a comprehensive chronicle detailing the Pebble Beach Road Races is also expected to be published later this year, connecting car lovers with the robust legacy of this celebrated partnership between elegant design and high-speed racing.

The anticipation is palpable as car aficionados, dignitaries, and casual visitors prepare to gather for this historic celebration, creating new memories while honoring contributions made to the motor sports landscape through the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.