A concours d’elegance is French for a competition of elegance. Collector cars, prewar and postwar, are judged on authenticity, function, history and style. Entrants must apply, and classes are grouped by type, make, coachbuilder, country or period.
The Pebble Beach event is held on the golf links, on the final Sunday of Monterey Car Week, and proceeds go to charity. Judges give first, second and third places in each class and then choose a Best of Show, which carries an engraved trophy and watch. J.B. Nethercutt has the most Best of Show wins, with six.
Many carmakers use the event to debut new models and concept cars.