Aug 28, 2016 7:00 AM

Gallery: Meet the Swankiest People of America’s Swankiest Car Competition

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Every year, car lovers gather for the fierce, if quiet, competition that is the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Classes include individual marques (Packard and Duesenberg), more general categories (postwar sports racing), and the weirdly specific (two-man Indianapolis race cars 1930-1937).

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Judges are looking for historical accuracy---does the car look like it did when it was delivered?
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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They also value "elegance," a more elusive value judgement.

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Winning a class or the entire concours can add serious dollars to a car's value.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Nearby, Gooding and Co. runs a classic car auction. This year, it [sold 114 cars for $130 million](https://stag-komodo.wired.com/2016/08/5-spectacular-cars-just-sold-millions/).

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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The concours attracts thousands of car lovers.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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The experienced bring picnic supplies, and set up where they can watch each car cross the center stage.

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Luxury automakers use the whole week as a chance to attract new customers.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Even if they're only buying clothes.

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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The cars in the concours line up on the 18th fairway of the famed Pebble Beach golf course,
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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There's also the "concept lawn," where automakers show off their latest creations.

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Including the massive, all-electric Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Some attend the concours in period attire, others go for "casually fancy."

Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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The dogs all lean fancy.
Cait Oppermann for WIRED
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Fingerprints---or anything else that mars a car's appearance---are unwelcome.

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