The 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance shook up the traditional norms of the event by awarding the prestigious Best of Show title to a 1934 Bugatti Type 39 Sports entered in the Preservation category. This marked a significant shift in the collector’s market towards honoring originality and patina over immaculately-restored cars. The winning Bugatti Type 39 Sports has a rich history, having been driven by legendary pilots and owned by King Leopold III of Belgium. The car, now owned by Fritz Burkard of Switzerland, made history as the first European entry to win Best of Show at Pebble Beach. This victory also tied Bugatti with Mercedes-Benz for the most Best of Show awards at the event, with each brand now boasting ten victories.
### The Rise of the Preservation Category
The selection of a well-worn 90-year-old Bugatti over fully-restored contenders highlights the growing importance of the Preservation category at prestigious car shows. Cars in this category are celebrated for their originality and the natural patina that comes with age. Owners of these vehicles view them as unique pieces of automotive history that should be preserved in their authentic state, rather than buffed and polished to perfection. The success of the Bugatti Type 39 Sports at the Concours d’Elegance reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry towards valuing authenticity and heritage.
### The Story of the Bugatti Type 39 Sports
The winning Bugatti Type 39 Sports has a fascinating history that reads like a Hollywood script. Originally driven by renowned pilots such as René Dreyfus and Robert Benoist, the car was later converted into a street vehicle by Bugatti, removing the supercharger and adding modern features. Despite its transformation, the Bugatti continued to compete in races, winning the final Algerian Grand Prix before ending up in the collection of King Leopold III of Belgium. The car changed hands several times before being acquired by its current owner, Fritz Burkard, who meticulously preserved its originality.
### The Legacy of Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach
With the 2024 victory, Bugatti joined Mercedes-Benz as the brand with the most Best of Show awards at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, each boasting ten wins. This milestone underscores the ongoing rivalry between these prestigious automakers and their commitment to excellence in design, craftsmanship, and automotive heritage. The legacy of Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach serves as a testament to their enduring influence on the classic car world and their ability to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
### The 2024 Best of Show Nominees
The 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance featured an impressive lineup of Best of Show nominees, including a 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Fastback Coupé, a 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve LeBaron Sport Phaeton, and a 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero Bertone. These exquisite models showcased the diversity and beauty of classic car design from different eras and regions, captivating attendees and judges alike with their unique features and histories. While only one car could claim the top prize, each nominee left a lasting impression on the audience and further enriched the storied tradition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
In conclusion, the selection of the 1934 Bugatti Type 39 Sports as the Best of Show winner at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance marked a significant milestone in the classic car world. This victory not only celebrated the car’s originality and unique history but also highlighted the evolving preferences of collectors towards preserving automotive heritage. As the automotive industry continues to embrace authenticity and individuality, events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance play a crucial role in honoring the timeless beauty and innovation of classic cars for generations to come.