On the central coast of California, car enthusiasts gathered this weekend to celebrate both the pinnacle of automotive elegance and the most forgettable vehicles on the road. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance drew collectors to the manicured 18th fairway in Monterey, showcasing some of the world's rarest and most valuable automobiles. Just a short distance away at Seaside City Hall, the Concours d'Lemons offered a counterpoint with its focus on mediocrity and mechanical mishaps.
The Pebble Beach event, chaired by Sandra Button, is an invite-only affair that has long been regarded as the most prestigious car show in the world. Button emphasized the importance of preservation, noting that for some owners these cars represent "like owning an art form." She added that caretakers must prioritize authenticity above all else. "As more and more time goes by, as caretakers, it's important that we keep them authentic. That we're really here for the cars," Button said.
Meanwhile, the Concours d'Lemons has grown in popularity as a lighthearted alternative. Alan Galbraith, who describes himself as the "head gasket of the Concours d'Lemons," founded the event in 2009. He explained the concept simply: "We kind of figured if there's a top, there needs to be, you know, rock bottom, and that's what we do." Categories at the event include the Swedish Meatball class, the Soul Sucking Japanese Appliance class, and the Rust Belt American Junk award.
Will Hughes arrived with his 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass, which he nicknamed the "gutless." The car reportedly left the factory with 75 horsepower but now produces only 50. "It started out from the factory with 75 horsepower. Now it's 50. Sounds like you hit a dog when you get up to 50 miles per hour," Hughes said. His attire matched the questionable nature of his entry.
Chris Wollard took home this year's Worst of Show prize with an unidentified driving object that defied easy description. Past winners have included a double-ended Honda and a fur-covered Lincoln Continental named Buttercup. When asked about driving his creation, Wollard replied, "It's terrifying. It was a terrible idea. But it looks cool."
Galbraith stressed that the event carries no disrespect for classic vehicles. Instead, it highlights personal stories tied to everyday cars. "A lot of people, they'll see a VW Bug and, you know, you can come up with the story of, 'Ah, me and six of my idiot buddies went to a concert. We all crammed in that car and went there,'" he said. "Not everybody has that story about a Duesenberg or a Ferrari, right? So there's a little bit more of a connection with some of these cars."
Button acknowledged the playful contrast between the two events. "He's such a trickster and it was just so fun to think on this weekend when Pebble Beach is so serious that somebody was having a little poke at us and having some fun and kind of taking the seriousness out of all of it," she said. Galbraith himself serves as a lead docent at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, bridging the two worlds.
The weekend highlighted Americans' broad affection for automobiles, from the rarest Bugattis and Bentleys to ordinary Fords and AMCs. Enthusiasts reportedly stop to admire nearly anything with an engine, whether it oozes pedigree or simply leaks oil. Galbraith noted the value of levity in the car world. "If you're laughing, smiling, having a good time, a little bit of levity into what can be a fairly serious thing. If you're having fun, I've done my job," he said.
Both events drew crowds seeking different experiences with automotive history. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance focused on exclusivity and value, while the Concours d'Lemons embraced the opposite end of the spectrum with categories celebrating rust and unreliability. Officials said the proximity of the shows allowed attendees to experience the full range of car culture in a single trip.
Galbraith prepared to transition back to his role at the more formal event the following morning, underscoring the weekend's dual nature. The Concours d'Lemons has no Best of Show award, only the dubious honor of Worst of Show. This year's festivities wrapped up with the usual mix of questionable vehicles and good-natured humor.
According to reports, the events continue to attract participants and spectators who appreciate both ends of the automotive spectrum. The combination of prestige and parody reflects a wider cultural fascination with cars that transcends price tags and condition. Button and Galbraith each expressed respect for the other's approach despite the obvious differences in tone.
Looking ahead, organizers expect both shows to return next year with new entries and expanded categories. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will maintain its focus on authenticity and rarity, while the Concours d'Lemons plans additional classes to highlight even more driveway dwellers. The weekend serves as an annual reminder that car enthusiasm takes many forms across the central coast of California.