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To quote Jay Leno, the patron saint of gearheads, "Pebble is the Super Bowl of cars. It's the true classic; it's the car as art because it's the Concours d' Elegance." Leno isn't the only celebrity who frequents Pebble. In recent years, George Lucas, Nicolas Cage, and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld have joined the crowds admiring the automotive pulchritude. On August 20, the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will celebrate innovative designs from the classic and modern eras, early and more recent racing greats, and the marques of Mercedes- Benz, Pegaso, Porsche, McLaren, and Lamborghini. It isn't possible to do everything on offer during Monterey Car Week. During the days leading up to the grand finale, events take place in Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Seaside, and Monterey. e main event, the Concours d'Elegance, takes place on the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links against the stunningly beautiful backdrop of Stillwater Cove, the Carmel coastline, and movie set-perfect e Lodge at Pebble Beach. My husband is the enthusiast in our family, and I don't love all car events the way he does, but I do really enjoy the Concours d'Elegance and, over the years, I've discovered the benefits of arriving very early. Exhibitors have no choice, but even when my Car Guy hasn't been placing a Bugatti on the green, I've opted to be part of the dawn patrol and savor the stillness and serenity of the scene before the crowd descends. e recent addition of donuts and coffee provided by Hagerty Insurance are a bonus. Regardless of when I start the day, I've found it helpful to wear flat shoes and bring a low beach chair and a hat with a wide brim. e Tour d'Elegance is another event I wouldn't miss. It takes place on the ursday before the Concours, this year, that's August 17, and only cars that are entered on Sunday can participate. Some spectators gather on Portola Road in Pebble Beach to cheer when the tour of more than 150 cars departs, and others line the scenic route that traces portions of the original 17-Mile Drive and Highway One to Big Sur and then returns to Pebble Beach to cross the finish line. A car that successfully completes the Tour gets the nod if it later ties in class competition at the Concours. More Cars! And Parties! ere's no shortage of glamorous parties during Monterey Car Week. Tickets to Motorlux, at the Monterey Jet Center on August 16, include gourmet food and an open bar, a DJ, and dancing surrounded by more than 100 impressive cars and aircraft. << ranchandcoast.com 66 JULY 2023 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE 1956 JAGUAR D-TYPE WI: COURTESY OF TOM O'NEAL/ROLEX PEBBLE BEACH: COURTESY OF ADAMS/ HANSEN PHOTOS