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Perfect Is As Perfect Does

Patrick C. Paternie

August 2, 2002

“I like us to be the first to introduce a significant car that has been discovered or recently restored,” Mounger says. “We like to keep our audience surprised each year by showing them a car they didn’t expect to see.”  

About 400 invitations are sent out each year to owners of classics. The selection process is the result of heavy networking throughout the year with the major restoration shops around the world, as well as in the auction, sales and show communities. Individuals who regularly show cars and are considered “active” hobbyists also receive invitations. Other invitees contact the concours committee directly regarding a special or significant car. (Click image to enlarge)

Invitations are not offers to participate, but rather to submit cars for consideration. Normally, around 350 applications are turned in, and from these, the field of about 200 cars is selected. Once selected, the rules bar a car from appearing again for 10 years. Mounger says an exception will be made for cars that are so unique that “they are an important part in presenting the full story we’re telling.” Such cars are for exhibition only and will not be eligible for competition. Recent exceptions included a display of past winners when the concours celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000.

Through more than 50 years of experience, the concours staff has established the amount of time necessary to judge the cars; accordingly, each class is limited to a maximum of eight cars, plus an extra car presented for exhibit only.  

“No one brings a car to Pebble Beach hoping to get an award for third place,” says Mounger. “So we owe them excellent judging with the time necessary to recognize the hard work and authenticity that goes into each car.”