The 53rd PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ÉLÉGANCE
The most prestigious classic car event in the world
September 2003

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01-2150-0093 Pebble Beach, CA: The 53rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the most prestigious classic car event in the world and exhibits some of the most unique and prestigious prewar and postwar marques along with the latest in concept and design. More than 130 cars were exhibited this year . The “Best of Show” trophy was awarded to Peter Williamson for his 1935 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.

Between 1936 and 1938, only 42 Bugatti Type S and Type SC chassis were built, and only three of those received the legendary Atlantic body. Just two Atlantics exist today. “I thought that we had a pretty good chance of winning,” Williamson told reporters. “But the competition here is like no other automobile show; there is just one remarkable car after another. And I was just one remarkable car out of probably fifty.” Williamson claims that he was offered 10 million dollars for his car before the show. Since he won the “Best of Show”, his car has probably doubled its value according to specialists.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an invitation-only contest and picking the right car to earn an invitation to the concours is the first step in the quest for a concours trophy. Officials travel to see the cars and decide if they are worth being invited to the event. Only the top make it into the selection. To earn a trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an automobile must be historically accurate in every detail. Expert judges look for historical authenticity and for a car that is perfect by the standard of the time at which it was manufactured. A complete restoration of the level to compete at Pebble Beach can take 3,000 to 5,000 hours to complete. Nearly every car entered is a unique or special example but the slightest mistake in restoration can immediately eliminate a car from any chance at winning. The historical research and painstaking devotion to detail is the only way to compete and win at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

With the mayoral elections in San Francisco coming soon on Nov 4, 2003, Jim Reid hopes to become mayor and be able to achieve his goal and realize his dream. His website is http://www.sfmayor.com/

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