Every year the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California plays host to some of the rarest and most desirable cars on the planet. During the week leading up to the Concourse De Elegance there are a number of events that compete for the attention of some of the wealthiest car enthusiasts from across the world.

Lexus GS 350: This year the festivities kicked off with Lexus unveiling their new GS model that will hit the market in 2012. The new model promises to offer better performance and driving dynamics than the car it replaces. The base model is the GS350 that comes with a six cylinder motor that pumps out 306 hp. Lexus will also offer a hybrid and F sport versions of the car, specifications of which will be shared later this year. The new GS comes with an industry first 12.3 inch split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The system integrates with mobile phone technology so you will be able to update your Facebook status or order movie tickets while on the go.

Infiniti JX Concept: Infiniti launched their JX concept at Pebble Beach. The JX is a seven seat luxury cross over that is scheduled to go on sale by the middle of next year. While the looks of vehicle didn’t impress me too much, the interior promises to offer class leading space for passengers. Power will come from a V-6 engine, most likely a variant of the 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque 3.7-liter V-6 found in several of Infiniti’s other models.



Concorso Italiano: The Concorso Italiano is a celebration of all things Italian and arguably the largest gathering of Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the world. The event was held at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch that borders the famous race track with which it shares its name.

This years event saw a rare Ferrari F50 GT race car in attendance. Lamborghini’s newest super-car the Aventador was present and I have to admit the beast is even more impressive in person than in pictures. From its Formula One inspired suspension to cutting edge lightweight carbon fiber monocoque everything about the Aventador is awe inspiring. A smattering of the ultra expensive Bugatti Veyrons added to the aura of the event. If you like new generation super-cars, this is an event that you cannot afford to miss!

Gooding and Company Auction: Renowned auction house Gooding and Company put together a collection of vehicles that were auctioned during the Pebble Beach event. The highlight of the auction was the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype that sold for an astounding $16.4 million! This historic racer won two best in class trophies at Pebble Beach in previous years and is one of only two factory certified TRs in existence. Based on the 290MM, the prototype TR was assembled in 1957 and features a big V12 engine and exquisite coachwork by Scaglietti. The sale of the car set a new world record, and it is now the most valuable car ever sold at auction.

A bespoke 1931 Duesenberg Model J, sold for $10.34 million, which was also a new world record for a Duesenberg as well as an American car sold at auction. Other auction highlights included the sale of an exceptional 1927 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Sportwagen for $5.04 million, a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider for $3.355 million, the record-breaking $2.585 million sale of a Shelby Cobra 289 Factory Team Car and the sale of Bentley’s oldest surviving production car, Chassis 3, the 1921 Bentley 3 Litre that sold for an impressive $962,500.

Singer Sheryl Crow auctioned her 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, with sale proceeds benefitting the Joplin School that was devastated in a recent tornado that hit Sheryl’s home town. The crowd attending enjoyed a special appearance by Sheryl Crow, who rode in the car as it was presented on stage, showing her full support by including the last limited-edition Sheryl Crow Signature Artists Gibson guitar, concert tickets and a photo opportunity with the new owner.

In all Gooding and Company auctioned off $78 million worth of vehicles in two evenings - a clear indication that even in this tough economy the wealthy have more that enough money to pursue their passions.




Concourse De Elegance: The 2011 Pebble Beach Concours show field included a celebration of Mercedes-Benz and 125 years of the automobile, with nearly 40 Benz, Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz vehicles participating, including the oldest car on the field – an 1894 Benz Victoria Vis à Vis. The Stutz centennial was also highlighted, with 27 vehicles shown. And the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GTO was featured in a special class, with 21 of the 36 sports cars ever built on display. The GTOs are some of the most valuable cars in the world today as evidenced from the auction at Gooding and Company. To see so many of these rare priceless cars standing next to each other was a sight to behold.

Legendary race car driver Stirling Moss drove his Mille Miglia winning 1955 Mercedes SLR onto the podium and received a special award. The SLR was without doubt the best sounding car at the Concourse.

A 1934 Voisin C-25 Aerodyne owned by Peter and Merle Mullin from Los Angeles was named Best of Show at the 61st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Voisin, which built airplanes during World War I converted its focus to automobiles once peace was declared, sold more than 11,000 of its unconventional, rather expensive vehicles between 1919 and 1939. The distinctive C-25 Voisin, featuring a blend of French curves, highlights Voisin’s aeronautic expertise, such as the use of lightweight materials and streamlined designs. The interior of the car is absolutely spectacular and I’m sure had some influence on the judges decision.

The other cars nominated for Best of Show were a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C owned by Richard Stephens from Auburn, Calif., and a 1929 Bentley Speed Six owned by Daniel Sielecki from Capital, Argentina.

Next year the theme of the Pebble Beach Conourse is Cars of the Maharajas. Its a great opportunity for Indian collectors to showcase some of the finest cars from the subcontinent. So if you don’t have plans for the third weekend in August next year, make sure you are at Pebble Beach.