Article content If you have even just a passing interest in old cars, you’ve likely heard of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance . One of the most prestigious classic-car shows worldwide, it was held mid-August for the 73rd time near Monterey, California. The highest honour at the event is, of course, Best in Show.
Entrants restore their cars to the highest degree in the hopes of winning it. But this year, for the first time ever, it went to a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 essentially unchanged for the last 80-plus years . Cars known as “preservation” have their own categories at Pebble Beach, and our highlights from the show include these original beauties.
What is a “preservation” car? It’s generally a vehicle that’s been kept as close as possible to its state when it was new, or, in the case of the winning Bugatti that had originally been a race car and then got a new body, as close as possible to that major makeover. When it comes to judging this class, maintenance and new tires are allowed, but for the most part, the car’s driveline, paint, and interior are supposed to be as they were. The rationale, as their owners invariably tell you, is that “it’s only original once.
” Or, “you can’t replace the condition,” according to Justin Gosaynie, who was showing his 1923 Locomobile Model 48 Sportif, a U.S. brand built from 1899 to 1929.
“This was the most expensive car in America in 1923. I’ve owned it for a year and a day. It’s had a number of [owner.