Celebrating the most prestigious, and the junkers, of the automobile world

Celebrating the most prestigious, and the junkers, of the automobile world

Celebrating the most prestigious and the junkers - On the central coast of California, car aficionados have the rare opportunity to witness the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship alongside the more humble, even unassuming, vehicles that grace the world of motoring. This weekend, two distinct yet complementary events unfold, capturing the essence of America’s complex relationship with automobiles. One, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, shines a spotlight on the most refined and celebrated models. The other, the Concours d’Lemons, embraces the less glamorous, less polished, and often overlooked machines that make up the heart of everyday driving. Together, they form a vibrant tapestry of automotive culture, where elegance and eccentricity coexist.

Elaborate Elegance at Pebble Beach

Established as a beacon for automotive excellence, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance draws a global audience of collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to Monterey’s scenic coastline. The event, held annually, transforms the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links into a stage for some of the most iconic and valuable cars in history. These vehicles, often described as works of art, represent the highest standards of design, engineering, and heritage. Their presence is a testament to the enduring allure of automotive perfection, where every detail is meticulously preserved to honor their legacy.

"For some, owning one of these cars is like owning an art form," said Sandra Button, the chair of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. "As caretakers, it's important that we keep them authentic. That we're really here for the cars."

Button, whose presence exudes the gravitas of a seasoned curator, has long been a guardian of this event’s integrity. Her passion for preserving automotive history drives the meticulous curation of each year’s showcase. The cars on display are not just machines—they are symbols of achievement, often commanding millions at auction and holding a place in the annals of motoring lore. From vintage race cars to pre-war classics, the Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of the automobile’s most refined expressions.

The Humble Rebellion of Concours d’Lemons

Just a short drive away from the pristine elegance of Pebble Beach, the Concours d’Lemons offers a starkly different narrative. Founded by Alan Galbraith in 2009, this annual event has become a cult favorite, blending humor with admiration for the cars that are often deemed "less desirable, less loved, and less expensive driveway dwellers." Galbraith, who jokingly refers to himself as the "head gasket of the Concours d’Lemons," created a space where imperfection is not just accepted but celebrated. The event’s charm lies in its irreverent take on automotive excellence, showcasing vehicles that are more about character than pedigree.

"We kind of figured if there's a top, there needs to be, you know, rock bottom, and that's what we do," Galbraith explained.

With categories like the "Swedish Meatball" and the "Soul Sucking Japanese Appliance," the Concours d’Lemons invites participants to embrace the quirks and flaws of their machines. These cars, often the result of decades of neglect or a few ill-advised modifications, are the antithesis of the polished specimens at Pebble Beach. Yet, their presence is no less significant. They embody the raw, unfiltered spirit of car culture, where the journey of a vehicle can be as interesting as its final form.

Galbraith’s vision for the event is rooted in a simple yet profound philosophy: to highlight the stories behind the cars that others might dismiss. "Not everybody has that story about a Duesenberg or a Ferrari, right?" he said. "So there's a little bit more of a connection with some of these cars." The Concours d’Lemons thrives on the idea that every car, regardless of its condition, has a place in the grand narrative of automotive history. It’s a celebration of the unexpected, where a 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass—dubbed "gutless" by its owner, Will Hughes—can compete alongside a fur-covered Lincoln Continental named Buttercup.

Contrasting Visions, Shared Passion

While the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a solemn affair, the Concours d’Lemons injects a sense of playfulness into the world of car appreciation. The former demands precision and poise, while the latter embraces chaos and charm. This contrast is not merely aesthetic—it reflects the diverse ways in which people engage with vehicles. Some see them as investments, others as companions, and many as a mix of both.

At the Concours d’Lemons, the absence of a "Best of Show" category is a deliberate choice. Instead, the event honors the "Worst of Show," recognizing the cars that defy convention. This year’s winner, Chris Wollard, entered a car so bizarre it could only be described as an "unidentified driving object." Past champions have included a double-ended Honda and a Lincoln Continental that, according to its owner, was "covered in fur." The humor is palpable, but it’s underpinned by a genuine respect for the cars’ unique qualities.

"It's terrifying. It was a terrible idea. But it looks cool," Wollard said when asked about his car’s drivability.

Galbraith, who remains a devoted enthusiast of both events, finds joy in the duality of his work. While he appreciates the Bugattis and Bentleys of Pebble Beach, he also cherishes the Ford Pintos and AMC Pacers that make up the Concours d’Lemons. "For all the love I have for these everyday cars, I respect the ones that are truly exceptional," he admitted. This balance between reverence and ridicule underscores the event’s role in keeping automotive culture lively and accessible.

From Rarity to Rust: A Love Affair with All Things Motor

Americans’ fascination with cars is as multifaceted as the vehicles themselves. On one hand, there’s the pursuit of perfection, represented by the Concours d’Elegance. On the other, there’s the embrace of imperfection, embodied by the Concours d’Lemons. Enthusiasts are drawn to both extremes, often stopping to admire anything with an engine. Whether it’s a pristine vintage Mercedes or a rusted-out rust belt relic, the appeal lies in the stories these cars tell.

Galbraith’s event has become a counterpoint to the traditional reverence for automotive excellence. By spotlighting the flawed and the forgotten, he challenges the notion that only certain cars deserve recognition. "If you're laughing, smiling, having a good time, a little bit of levity into what can be a fairly serious thing," he said. "If you're having fun, I've done my job." This philosophy ensures that the Concours d’Lemons remains a space where joy and nostalgia are as important as mechanical prowess.

While the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a symbol of exclusivity, the Concours d’Lemons is a celebration of relatability. The latter’s participants often find a sense of camaraderie in their shared love for cars that may not be the most sophisticated. It’s a reminder that the automobile world is not just about wealth and prestige—it’s also about the everyday joy of driving, even if the car is a bit of a character.

Together, these two events paint a vivid picture of automotive culture. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance honors the elite, while the Concours d’Lemons reminds us that the beauty of a car can be found in its quirks. From the rarest of rarities to the most neglected of relics, they offer a space where every car, no matter its status, has a story worth telling. In this way, both events ensure that the love for automobiles remains as dynamic and diverse as the machines themselves.