“From a classic Bugatti to a futuristic Lancia, our editors at Car and Driver share their personal favorites from this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance”
Car and Driver’s Unofficial Best of Show Selections
At the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the sheer variety of automotive masterpieces on display makes choosing a single “Best of Show” nearly impossible. The official judges, with their razor-sharp attention to detail, might agonize over whether a certain air cleaner should be semigloss or shiny black, but our editors at Car and Driver are here to share their personal, unofficial favorites from this year’s event.
Dave VanderWerp’s Pick: The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports
Dave had his eyes on the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports long before it was officially crowned Best of Show. This car’s impeccable racing pedigree—having won the Belgium Grand Prix and finished on the podium at Monaco—combined with its original patina, makes it a standout. Unlike many pristine restorations, this Bugatti’s battle-worn front end tells the story of its storied past. Kudos to the judges for selecting a preservation class car as the overall winner for the first time.
Rich Ceppos’ Choice: The 1937 Peugeot 302DS Pourtout Roadster
As a lover of sports cars and racing, Rich couldn’t resist the charm of the 1937 Peugeot 302DS Pourtout roadster. Built alongside two sister cars to compete in the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans, this beauty clinched first in class and seventh overall. Its elegant lines and functional yet stylish hot-air outlets add to its allure. In Rich’s book, this Peugeot is number one.
Joe Lorio’s Favorite: The 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo Pininfarina Coupe
The Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes class stole the show for Joe, with the 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo Pininfarina Coupe taking center stage. This futuristic design, straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon, captivated Joe with its wild lines and daring concept, making it a memorable highlight of the event.
K.C. Colwell’s Pick: The 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster
K.C. usually isn’t drawn to cars from the 1930s, but the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster is an exception. Its sleek boattail design, supercharged 4.6-liter inline-eight engine, and a top speed of 106.1 mph make it both fast and menacing. With its tiny windshield and shiny chrome, this Speedster would make anyone feel like a superhero behind the wheel.
Caleb Miller’s Standout: The 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero
Caleb couldn’t resist the allure of the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, a car so low and futuristic that it seems more spaceship than automobile. Designed by Marcello Gandini and built by Bertone, the Zero’s dramatic proportions and unique entry method—raising the windshield vertically—left a lasting impression. For Caleb, this car lived up to its legendary status.
Elana Scherr’s Crush: The 1986 Porsche 911 Targa Widebody
Elana’s pick wasn’t officially part of the show but rather on the concept lawn: a neon-striped 1986 Porsche 911 Targa Widebody, painted by Dave Shuten. This tribute car, celebrating the collaboration between German Porsche tuning shop bb-Auto and Polaroid, replaces the stock engine with a 4.0-liter flat-six and a Vonnen hybrid motor. Elana’s dream? To drive this car through a tunnel lit by blacklight.
Drew Dorian’s Dream: The 1971 Maserati Ghibli Spider 4.9 SS
Drew fell for the elegant 1971 Maserati Ghibli Spider 4.9 SS, a Giorgetto Giugiaro design that blends exotic allure with restrained sophistication. With its bronze paint and 330-horsepower V-8, this Ghibli might not be the fastest car at the Concours, but it’s one to be savored at a leisurely pace, allowing its beauty to be fully appreciated.
These picks might not have the official stamp of “Best of Show,” but they represent the diverse passions and tastes of our editors, each finding something truly special among the extraordinary vehicles at Pebble Beach.
