2015 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

© Rod Hatfield
A Movable Feast
For those who have the means to undertake the excruciating privilege of showing a meticulously restored automobile at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Tour d’Elegance can be a double-edged sword. Taking place a few days before the judicious scrutiny of the Concours itself, the daylong motoring tour around the Monterey Peninsula satisfies the participants’ urge to take to the open road, but it also adds a particular amount of stress by putting extremely valuable vehicles on public streets where anything can happen – and something usually does – a scant couple days before Concours competition. With a few period costumes, a dash of pomp and a lot of joie de vivre, the 2015 Tour d’Elegance is both a manifestation of what automobiles were meant to do, and a celebration that car enthusiasts can appreciate and enjoy.

© Rod Hatfield
In Keeping With Tradition
A Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe carrying Concours judge and automotive legend Sir Stirling Moss leads cars away from the Start-Finish pylons to begin the 2015 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance.

© Rod Hatfield
Story Time
Early in the morning, Tour participants gather at the Start/Finish line to greet old friends and swap resto stories.

© Rod Hatfield
Keeping Up Appearances
Some participants add a flourish of period garb to complete the look. Here driver and navigator in this 1903 Thomas Model 18 Shelden Rear Entrance Tonneau make a flashy start to the Tour.

© Rod Hatfield
Fresh Faces
Smiling grid attendants keep cars moving at the start of the 2015 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance.

© Rod Hatfield
Elegance by the Mile
Some automobiles need no extra flourish to claim their place on the Tour, as this 1937 Delahaye 145 Franay Roadster proves.

© Rod Hatfield
Intense Scrutiny
Even though Concours judging does not take place for a couple of days, participants evaluate each other’s automotive efforts prior to the official start of the 2015 Tour d’Elegance.

© Rod Hatfield
And They’re Off!
Helmets and goggles add to the fun for the occupants of this 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Spyder Series I.

© Rod Hatfield
1928 duPont Model G Merrimac Dual Cowl Phaeton
Class: DuPont
Waves of cars slowly cruise by The Lodge at Pebble Beach, a subtly nostalgic nod to the rich tradition of Concours past.

© Rod Hatfield
What’s the deal with all the old cars?
It’s no coincidence that comedian and avid car collector Jerry Seinfeld is in Monterey for the Motoring Week. Perhaps he’ll add to his vast collection. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

© Rod Hatfield
1932 Auburn 8-100A Union City Body Co. Speedster
Class: American Classic Open
Concours participants (and viewers alike) enjoy a section of the Tour that takes them south on Highway 101 for some spirited driving along the California coast toward Big Sur.

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