Geneva, July 2023 – This August automobile enthusiasts from around the world will gather on the Monterey Peninsula, immersing themselves in a spectacular array of auctions, tours and concours. Sharing a desire to preserve motoring tradition, Rolex has supported the celebrations in California since 1997, when the Swiss watchmaker became the Official Timepiece of the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. This year’s edition takes place on Sunday 20 August and will honour landmark achievements and designs of some of the most legendary car makers, whose continual quest for excellence mirrors that of Rolex over the decades.
To mark the 75th anniversary of Porsche, the Concours will showcase a curated collection of historically significant models dating from 1948 to 1973, including prototypes and race-winning models. Ahead of the marque’s eagerly anticipated return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, Lamborghini will celebrate its 60th anniversary, while McLaren also reflects on its 60-year illustrious history. For the first time, the event will put on a special tribute for the British manufacturer which is one of the longest-running teams still competing in Formula 1®. 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion and Rolex Testimonee, Jenson Button, who raced for McLaren during his career, says: “The Concours is like an exhibition of beautifully maintained machines. As a racing driver and vintage car enthusiast, I love seeing Rolex’s support of events which continue to stand the test of time. It’s amazing to see how far the technology has come and it’s extraordinary when you consider the amount of work and dedication that goes into preserving the cars.”
“The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is undoubtedly the finest event of its kind,” adds Sir Jackie Stewart, who this year celebrates 55 years as a Rolex Testimonee and half a century since he won his third FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Championship. Reflecting on Rolex’s long-term involvement, he continues: “Rolex has always set the standard and is perfectly aligned with these classic automotive events where we can learn so much about the evolution of the car. The elegance and splendour of the machines that race in California, as well as those on show throughout the week, represent the ultimate in motor sport aesthetics.”
An association that began over 90 years ago, Rolex and the motor sport world remain at the forefront of innovation, which is proudly on display throughout the five days. From Wednesday 16–Saturday 19 August, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will see historic vehicles race wheel-to-wheel at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex, a moving motoring museum, takes place on Thursday 17 August and culminates in the grand finale and judging at Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Fondly known as the ‘crown jewel’ of the week, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is one of the most esteemed automotive occasions in the world and will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Friday 18 August. A timeless exhibition of cars on show and in motion, these events come together with Rolex to champion the engineering of yesteryear which continues to influence pioneering technologies on the road and racetracks around the world today.
