The world’s most prestigious concours readies a milestone celebration with Ferrari, Vignale, and the golden eras of speed, design, and innovation.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, long considered the pinnacle of automotive elegance, will mark its 75th anniversary on August 16, 2026, with a celebration befitting its world-class reputation. The storied event will revisit some of its most iconic gatherings while debuting new classes that highlight the artistry, engineering, and culture of luxury motoring.
Ferrari, a name synonymous with performance and prestige, will take center stage as the primary featured marque. In keeping with Pebble Beach tradition, this tribute will include displays of Ferrari’s legendary overall Le Mans winners and NART competition cars, as well as Vignale-bodied masterpieces that represent the golden age of Italian design. Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale will be honored as the featured coachbuilder, showcasing the sculptural craftsmanship and la dolce vita elegance that defined postwar European luxury.
Ferrari’s history at Pebble Beach is as rich as the event itself. The marque first appeared in 1951, when “Gentleman Jim” Kimberly – heir to the Kimberly-Clark Kleenex fortune – entered his 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta in both the Concours and the Pebble Beach Road Races. Though his race ended dramatically after a spin on oil flipped the car, Kimberly emerged unscathed – and earned a kiss from Hollywood star Ginger Rogers. Since then, more than 900 Ferraris have graced the Pebble Beach lawn, and the marque remains a perennial highlight.
Complementing the Ferrari celebration, the 2026 Concours will debut new classes showcasing the breadth of automotive history and design excellence. Early American Speedsters (Pre-WWI) will honor minimalist performance pioneers such as the Mercer Raceabout and Stutz Bearcat – machines that defined early American sporting spirit. Classic Streamliners will celebrate the breathtaking aerodynamic designs of the 1930s, when form and function merged into futuristic masterpieces that captured the world’s imagination.
The event will also celebrate Pebble Beach Road Racing Greats, honoring the racers and constructors who helped establish the region’s enduring motorsport legacy. From Phil Hill to Carroll Shelby, early Pebble Beach races laid the foundation for American road racing and the creation of the nearby Laguna Seca circuit.
Finally, Japanese Motorsports: The Rising Sun at Le Mans will spotlight Japan’s formidable endurance racing legacy. Iconic entries from Mazda, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda will recall landmark moments such as Mazda’s 1991 Le Mans victory with the 787B and Toyota’s modern hybrid dominance from 2018-2022 – each symbolizing innovation, resilience, and global excellence.
From its first show in 1950 to its upcoming diamond jubilee, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance remains the ultimate showcase of craftsmanship, competition, and luxury lifestyle. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, 2026 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the world’s most beautiful automobiles and the people who cherish them.
Image Source: Kahn Media
