Report From Pebble Beach, 2011

We were privileged to receive an invitation to participate in our 17th consecutive Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance — an honor indeed to compete among the world's finest automobiles, at the world's grandest Concours venue. This year we once again were entered in the Ferrari Grand Touring Class — perennially one of the most competitive classes--against 8 of the rarest and most beautiful restored examples from the golden age of Ferrari, the 1950's and 1960's. These are the decades when Enzo Ferrari led the company to greatness on the track, fueling demand for Ferrari's hand-built road cars, especially among European royalty. Back in the day, Ferrari's well-heeled clientel proudly piloted these magnificent machines along the scenic coast roads connecting the playgrounds of the wealthy, from Monaco to Cannes along the exotic French Riviera.

Our entry this year was #0725 GT, a one-off Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale built expressly for HRH Prince Bernhard of Holland — Prince Consort to Queen Juliana of Holland. Newly restored in the deep dark green lacquer favored by the Prince for his stable of Ferraris, #0725 is considered by Ferrari cognescenti to be among the most beautiful designs ever to emerge from the illustrious Pinin Farina design studios. I acquired this car about 15 years ago from Greg Garrison, Dean Martin's producer, who unfortunately is no longer with us. I'd like to salute Greg for his finely honed sense of style in preserving this magnificent automobile for all to enjoy.

At the end of a glorious day, we were thrilled to receive the coveted First-in-Class award so difficult to attain among such an incredible field of beautifully designed, meticulously restored examples of Italian industrial art. Our thanks go to the entire Pebble Beach committee, and in particular to Chairman Sandra Button, for sustaining the Pebble Beach tradition for elegance and excellence. Let me know if you enjoy this brief commentary and scenes from Pebble Beach 2011, by emailing me at lherrington@herringtoncatalog.com.