Over 230 motorcars and motorcycles splayed themselves across the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links for the 59th running of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. Located in the Monterey peninsula between Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, eight miles from Mazda Laguna Seca raceway, the famed event is the epicenter of the automotive world every year in the middle of August.

So important is the Concours weekend, that most manufacturers field displays and use the opportunity to float trial balloons, gauging public response to concepts and production-intended vehicles. The 2009 edition of Concours saw world reveals from Bentley with their new Mulsanne; Infiniti showed a “digital version” of their new M sedan and Hyundai showed off the Korean-version of the flagship Equus, which will come to the states in the fall of 2010.

Upmarket mingling
The weekend is a great place to spend a little cash – depending on your perspective of little. Those used to the high life, or at least those aspiring to it, could lighten their wallets at the Rolex booth or book a flight on Flexjet to their homes in Monaco or Aspen. True collectors could commission custom leatherworks outfitters to build bespoke luggage made to fit inside the trunk of, say, a 1938 Talbot Lago T150C. Or those seeking to grow their collections could take advantage of the down market could bid on one – or several – of the multi-million dollar hoopties auctioned off by Gooding and Company, Blackhawk or RM Auctions, the latter of which auctioned off BMW dealer magnate Nick Alexander’s amazing Ford Woodie collection.

The premier enthusiast weekend
Celebrities satisfied the fixes of adoring fans by making appearances on the fairways. Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld, who displayed (and raced at the Monterey Historic Sports Car Races) a Porsche 908-03 Spyder previously driven by Jo Sieffert, Pedro Rodriguez and Brian Redman at the 1970 Targa Florio and Nurburgring 1000km. The 1970 Porsche 917K as driven by actor Steve McQueen displayed its Gulf-Porsche liveried body on the fairway. One of the most beautiful bodies built for racing, it carried its occupants at speeds over 200 mph. Comedian and sometimes-automotive journalist Jay Leno presided over the Pebble Beach auctions that featured an Infiniti G37 Convertible, as well as a leather jacket as worn and presented by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Leno, imitating the governator, poked fun at his muscles, accent, and California budget woes before the charity auction, which saw the leather bomber fetch $35,000.

Oddities abounded as well, including a 1914 Peugeot Bebe BP1 two seater, and a 1949 Fiat Topolino 750mm with coachwork by Zagato. Weirdness of the two-wheel type included the 1948 Vincent HRD Black Lightning, which was famous for Rollie Free’s almost au naturale attempt on the Salt Flats of Bonneville. Initially a speed of 147 mph was all that was possible, but Free’s leathers were flapping and tearing, apparently causing considerable drag during the attempt. A decision was made to doff his duds down to a bathing cap, speedo and sneakers. On a subsequent run, Free bested the then-current record of Fastest Standard Motorcycle with a run of 150.313 mph.

Browsing through the field early Sunday morning, brought to light many possibilities for the coveted “Best of Show” trophy. And then it was across from us. A Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet. Built in 1937, Horch was one of the manufacturers that would join three others to form what is known today as Audi. Its beauty sucked the breath out of spectators. And, at the end of the day, they were right.

The 59th edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance featured something for everybody: The well heeled, and those, like most of us auto scribes, who aspire to be. Enjoy the photography and we’ll see you out there next year!

Words and photos by Mark Elias.

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