The world’s most prestigious concours is preparing a milestone celebration of Ferrari, Vignale and the golden ages of speed, design and innovation.
Long considered the pinnacle of automotive elegance, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will celebrate its 75th anniversary on August 16, 2026 with a celebration that lives up to its world-class reputation. The long-standing event will revive some of its most famous gatherings while introducing new classes that highlight the artistry, technology and culture of luxury motoring.
Ferrari, a name synonymous with performance and prestige, will take center stage as the main brand. In keeping with Pebble Beach tradition, this homage includes displays of Ferrari’s legendary Le Mans overall winners and NART competition cars, as well as Vignale-bodied masterpieces that represent the golden age of Italian design. Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale is honored as featured coachbuilder, showcasing the sculptural craftsmanship and dolce vita elegance that defined postwar European luxury.
The history of Ferrari at Pebble Beach is as rich as the event itself. The brand first appeared in 1951 when “Gentleman Jim” Kimberly – heir to the Kimberly-Clark-Kleenex fortune – competed in both the Concours and the Pebble Beach Road Race in his 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta. Although his race ended dramatically after an oil change overturned the car, Kimberly escaped unscathed – and earned a kiss from Hollywood star Ginger Rogers. Since then, more than 900 Ferraris have graced the Pebble Beach lawn, and the marque remains a highlight.
Complementing the Ferrari celebration, the 2026 Concours will introduce new classes that showcase the breadth of automotive history and outstanding design. Early American Speedsters (Pre-WWI) honors minimalist performance pioneers like the Mercer Raceabout and Stutz Bearcat – machines that shaped early American sportsmanship. Classic streamliners celebrate the breathtaking aerodynamic design of the 1930s, when form and function merged into futuristic masterpieces that captured the world’s imagination.
The event will also celebrate the Pebble Beach Road Racing Greats and honor the racers and designers who helped establish the region’s enduring motorsports legacy. From Phil Hill to Carroll Shelby, the early races at Pebble Beach laid the foundation for American road racing and the creation of the nearby Laguna Seca racetrack.
Finally, “Japanese Motorsports: The Rising Sun at Le Mans” will spotlight Japan’s impressive endurance racing heritage. Iconic contributions from Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and Honda commemorate milestones such as Mazda’s 1991 Le Mans victory with the 787B and Toyota’s modern hybrid dominance from 2018 to 2022 – each a symbol of innovation, resilience and global excellence.
From its first show in 1950 to its upcoming Diamond Jubilee, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance remains the ultimate showcase for craftsmanship, competition and luxurious lifestyle. For collectors and enthusiasts, the year 2026 promises a unique celebration of the world’s most beautiful automobiles and the people who appreciate them.
Image source: Kahn Media
