A STORY AROUND EVERY TURN

Every August, the history of the automobile rolls onto the competition field of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where, this year, 216 classic cars from 17 countries and 31 states represented the evolution of the automotive dream.

Among the cars chosen to participate in this premier automotive pageant of elegance and innovation was the 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer of The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie of Hong Kong, and it was presented with the prestigious Best of Show award at the Concours on Sunday.

As the golden ribbon was placed upon the windshield alongside ribbons garnered for the car’s class win and completion of the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, Sir Michael expressed his gratitude for the award and the car.

“The Centennial of Bentley may have played a role in this award,” he said, “but the 8 Litre is the ultimate W. O. Bentley–era automobile. This is the car that represents Bentley at its finest, and I have been very fortunate to have a car that has this elegance and finish, and that the Pebble Beach Concours feels is worthy.”

Sir Michael hopes and imagines W. O. Bentley was looking down on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, feeling proud of his accomplishment and his company’s centennial celebration. “This is a high I have not known before,” he said.

“This Bentley exudes strength and confidence, and that translates into elegance,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Yes, this is a fast, strong, sturdy car, but it also has perfect proportions, a stunning stance, and a boldness that draws you to it. When you drive it, it does everything you ask of it.”

The race for Best of Show this year featured other strong contenders, including Richard and Melanie Lundquist’s 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet; David F. MacNeil’s 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé; and The Keller Collection at The Pyramids’ 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet.

On this occasion, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance raised more than $2 million for charity. Through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the primary charitable partner of the Concours, these funds will benefit more than 80 local charities, impacting the lives of more than 10,000 children annually in Monterey County.

Jay Leno, comedian, actor, producer, and host of Jay Leno’s Garage, who led the charity drawing during the Concours Awards Ceremony, raised more than $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County by offering tours of his garage. He has now raised more than $800,000 for Concours charities.

Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, realized more than $76 million at the annual Pebble Beach Auctions this weekend. The stars of Friday’s auctions were the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider which sold for $9,905,000, and the 1975 Ferrari 312T, which garnered attention with a final sale price of $6,000,000. Saturday’s stars included the 1931 Studebaker Special Indy Car, which set a new auction world record when it sold for $1,105,000, and the 1939 Alfa Romeo Tipo 256 Coupe, which hammered at $2,755,000.

The 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2020, and will celebrate 70 years of Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show winners, Pininfarina, and Porsche 917s. For more information on the Pebble Beach Concours visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net.

The Day’s Winners & Nominees

Best of Show – 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer The Hon. Michael Kadoorie, Hong Kong

Best of Show Nominees

• 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet Richard & Melanie Lundquist, Palos Verdes Estates, California
• 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet The Keller Collection at the Pyramids, Petaluma, California
• 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé David F. MacNeil, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Elegance Award Winners

• Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet Richard & Melanie Lundquist, Palos Verdes Estates, California
• J. B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia Supergioiello Coupé Jonathan & Wendy Segal, San Diego, California
• Jules Heumann Most Elegant Open Car 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster York Roadster Lehrman Collection, Palm Beach, Florida
• Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Zagato Berlinetta Speciale David & Ginny Sydorick, Beverly Hills, California

Special Award Winners

• Alec Ulmann Trophy 1929 Hispano-Suiza H6C Saoutchik Cabriolet Charles & Karen Nearburg, Dallas, Texas
• Ansel Adams Award 1910 Marmon 32 Five Passenger Touring Mike & Sharon Silvera, Minden, Nevada
• ArtCenter College of Design Award 1967 Ferrari 412 P Cou