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Brian M. Afuang
August 28, 2018    |    

Best Of Show

Rare Alfa Romeo claims Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance top award—plus a special Rolex

Save for three occasions, Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway has, since 1950, served as a scenic parking spot for some of the world’s finest automobiles, gathering there for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This automotive tradition continued last weekend as the venue saw 234 classic entries gracing the fairway. And among the field one car was handed the prestigious Best of Show Award—a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta.

Along with receiving the coveted trophy, the owner of this very special Alfa Romeo was also given a unique two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, making the award even more coveted. The additional prize was a product of Rolex having served as the official timepiece of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a role the watchmaker first assumed in 1997.

Like in recent years, providing contrast to the spectacular array of vintage and classic autos were contemporary concept cars as manufacturers have increasingly found the event quite a fitting venue in which to showcase—at times, even debut—some of their newest produce. Such a juxtaposition of vintage and contemporary deftly captures Rolex’s appreciation of history and its influence on engineering innovation.

To get the Best of Show Award, a car must be deemed by a learned panel of jurors as being the most stylish and elegant, with emphasis given to its originality and authenticity. Needless to say, the 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B reflected this and got the nod by those fortunate enough to have seen it.

“This car is one of only five built and it has recently been completely restored, taking a huge amount of effort and dedication from all those involved. It feels great to win at Pebble Beach today and to receive a Rolex watch—[which] I look forward to wearing proudly,” said David Sydorick, owner of the winning Alfa Romeo, after receiving the prize.

Joining the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B were other notable cars grouped into 28 categories. These included models from post-war Custom Citroen and Motor Cars of the Raj, as well as those from the 1960s Indianapolis 500 Revolution class. One exemplary modern car displayed was the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow, seen by the public for the first time, which drew inspiration from the brand’s own W125 model from 1937.

Preceding the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. Traditionally held two days before the Concours, the Tour this year saw an impressive procession of automobiles take off from the famous Portola Road. Participants and fans alike were treated to a spectacle along the Monterey coast as the cars traversed the 70-mile route, including over sections of the picturesque 17-Mile Drive north of Monterey County. At Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it had always been, participants enjoyed a gourmet lunch while their cars sat on display on Ocean Avenue for people to appreciate up close. A couple of days later, the group reunited on the immaculate 18th fairway of Pebble Beach for the Concours d‘Elegance.

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