Concours D’Elegance at Pebble Beach (Day 4)

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Today was the last day and the biggest event of the Monterey Car Week: Concours D’Elegance at THE LODGE in Pebble Beach.

 

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Woke up at 7 am to a light drizzle and almost wished I could stay in bed all day.
I said almost… because I wouldnt miss Concours D’Elegance for anything in the world. I went to get a cup of coffee and realized that James Woods ( the actor) was my neighbor.

We arrive at The Lodge in Pebble Beach and met our group of friends.

I am always stunned by the massive crowd on the fairway along the ocean.   All 200 cars are restored to such an insanely high level.   Just amazing attention to detail by all the owners.

 

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Ferrari 330 P4 Drogo Spyder

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My favorite car of the show is the Ferrari 330 P4.   In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful race cars ever made.

 

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Headlight  Close Up

 

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Porsche 356SL

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The Concours had a special section for Bizzarinni and his designs.  I only know of the Isso Griffo.  I had no idea he made such beautiful cars.

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Ferrari 250 TDF

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Concours D'Elegance winner 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet 1

The winner of best in Show: 1936 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet

Richard Mattei, a humble man and avid Alfa Romeo collector from Paradise Valley, Arizona, was happy just to be invited to show at Pebble, especially since this was his first time in the field. Six of these Tipo Bocca Lancia four-place cabrios originally were built for a Biella, Italy, Lancia dealer. This particular car was distinguished by a power top, curved side glass, and specially engraved bright trim encircling the custom Pinin Farina coachwork. Inside, parts of the cabin are finished in basket weave, and the instruments have wood-grain faces. English instead of metric speedometer markings hint that the first owner was probably British.

 

Concours D'Elegance winner 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet 6

A 2.9-liter V-8 rated at 82 horsepower provided excellent performance and mannerly cruising in conjunction with a four-speed transmission.  Lancia specialized in narrow-angle V engines, and this compact design had but 19 degrees between cylinder banks,  allowing a single head containing one camshaft to serve eight cylinders.

 

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Concours D'Elegance winner 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet 4

In 1962, the car was discovered in England in poor condition and enveloped by a hedge. Hearing that this significant car still existed, the Pininfarina firm offered to rejuvenate it at its own expense if it could be returned to Italy in running condition. Upon its completion, rock star Eric Clapton purchased this car to enjoy its second lease on life, declaring it to be “the most fun I’ve had offstage and out of bed.” After what must have been a remarkable run, Pininfarina displayed this Lancia for several years at its museum located near Turin, Italy. Mattei took possession in 2009.

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Concours D'Elegance winner 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet 5

 

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