FYI: The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance sees a historic win with the Bugatti Type 59 Sports claiming ‘Best of Show’, sparking a mixed reaction among enthusiasts.
It has been exactly one week since the prestigious 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance announced its winners. The event saw a monumental victory for Bugatti, but not everyone in the Bugatti community was thrilled with the results.
Bugatti Type 59 Sports Takes Top Honors
The ‘Best of Show’ accolade was awarded to the 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports, a car with an illustrious racing history, including multiple Grand Prix victories. This remarkable vehicle, once a factory race car, has been preserved in the livery bestowed upon it by King Leopold of Belgium, making it the first preservation car to secure top honors at Pebble Beach.
Special Appearance: Bugatti EB110 Sport Competizione
Adding to the excitement, the one-off EB110 Sport Competizione made a notable appearance at this year’s event. Entered by a personal friend, this car competed in the 1990s BPR & FIA GT Race Cars class and was meticulously prepared by the renowned E. Zweimueller GmbH, multiple-time Pebble Beach award winners. Key figures involved included Ing. Giacomo Danisi, responsible for removing the passenger seat (Pic 1), and ex-Audi Design Director Marc Lichte (Pic 2), ensuring everything was immaculate.
The EB110 Sport Competizione holds a unique place in Bugatti’s history as the last race car and final vehicle produced at the Campogalliano factory. Sporting its original condition, the car has a rich racing history, including participation in the 1995 and 1996 seasons, as well as the Le Mans 24 Hours. Despite being a race car, it is street legal.
A Contentious Outcome: Ferrari F40 GTE Takes First in Class
To the surprise of experts, enthusiasts, and amateurs alike, the EB110 did not win its class. Instead, the class victory went to the Ferrari F40 GTE Michelotto. The F40, restored over three years by the Ferrari Classiche Department, was judged superior even though it experienced a notable hiccup – failing to start in front of the judges and needing to be pushed onto the ramp during the awards ceremony.
The Debate: Originality vs. Restoration
The juxtaposition between the awards for the Type 59 and the EB110 sparked conversations about the criteria and values at Pebble Beach. The Type 59 was celebrated for its originality, patina, and participation in the Tour d’Elegance. In stark contrast, the unrestored and original EB110, despite its active participation in the Tour, lost to what many consider an over-restored “trailer queen.”
Conclusion
The results of the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance have undoubtedly stirred the pot among automotive enthusiasts, bringing forth a dialogue on preservation versus restoration. As the event continues to grow in prestige, these discussions are likely to shape future awards and recognitions.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi