The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a popular annual car show that brings together car enthusiasts and collects from all parts of the world.
This special event takes place in Monterey County California on the pristine 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Links golf course along the edge of the ocean.
The location is stunning and it’s home to one of the most significant classic car contests in the world. Each year hundreds of the best classic cars are selected to be part of the showcase, and only one car is chosen for the Best in Show award.
This year the unique and highly desirable 1932 Duesenberg Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo won the title, becoming one of the most desirable classic vehicles available today.
Duesenberg Vehicles Have a Winning Tradition
Duesenberg vehicles win Best in Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance more often than any other vehicle makes.
The 2022 Best in Show title went to the 1932 Duesenberg Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo. The car is owned by Lee Anderson from Naples, Florida, and is beautifully restored while being unique at the same time.
The last time a Duesenberg vehicle won Best in Show was back in 2007, so it isn’t surprising that such an impressive Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo took the top spot.
The First American Car Since 2013
This year’s Best in Show marks the first time since 2013 that an American vehicle has taken top honors at the event.
Even though Duesenbergs have a history of winning at the event it’s exciting to see an American car take the top spot again after such a long drought.
Choosing the Winning Vehicles
Once all the different classic cars show up at the event at Pebble Beach judges examine the vehicles and decide on the winners.
This is the big moment that every collector is waiting for. The cars chosen during this event are immediately more valuable to collectors and they give their owners a sense of pride.
It often takes years and thousands of dollars to restore vehicles to the level of perfection that’s required to win First in Class or Best in Show at the Concours d’Elegance.
Separating the Cars
Each year the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is divided into different classes based on vehicle marquees, years, and vehicle types.
The classes are determined and then invitations are sent out to the owners that fit those categories.
This year Duesenberg vehicles were given their own category, and the 1932 Model J Figoni beat out all the other Duesenberg vehicles before winning against the vehicles from all the other classes.
Choosing First-in-Class Vehicles
Once all the vehicles are separated into classes a single class judge is assigned to choose the First-in-Class vehicle.
This judge looks at the quality of the restoration, the style of the vehicle, and any unique factors that make it historically significant.
One judge looks through all the vehicles within a single class and decides which vehicle stands out the most.
The winning vehicle within each class is given the award of First in Class and it can move on to the final round of judgment in the winner’s circle.
Deciding on the Best in Show
Once every class winner is selected, it’s time to move on to choosing the best car overall.
This task is left to a panel of judges, that examine the winning vehicles as they drive to the winner’s circle.
The judges look for style, uniqueness, and a special factor that makes the vehicles stand out.
The 1932 Model J Figoni that won has a unique rear-end shaped like a missile, making it one of the more interesting vehicles to show up at the 2022 Concours d’Elegance.
The Short History of the Duesenberg Brand
Duesenberg is a classic car make that’s known well by investors and collectors from around the world.
The American brand got its start in 1920 by the Duesenberg brothers. Duesenberg cars were known for helping to make four-wheel hydraulic brakes popular, and for helping popularize the straight-eight engine.
Even though Duesenberg vehicles were only produced from 1920 until 1937 they built a reputation as some of the most luxurious American-made vehicles of all time.
Duesenberg has been compared to Rolls-Royce, and the Model J was sold for between $14,000 and $20,000, which was a significant amount of money for the time.
Movie stars, highly wealthy individuals, and even royalty made use of the cars.
The Duesenberg cars performed well in races too. A Duesenberg was the very first American car to win the French Grand Prix in 1921.
Duesenberg vehicles also dominated the Indianapolis 500 with wins in 1924, 1925, and 1927.
The brand is highly-renowned and rare and it’s no wonder that classic Duesenberg vehicles keep taking top spots at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Protecting and Preserving Classic Cars
Owning a classic car is like owning a piece of history. It’s a major responsibility and without proper care, the vehicles will wear and age.
Housing your classic in a climate-controlled space is the number one consideration you should make to help it last.
Also, invest in regular cleanings and make sure the vehicle is detailed by professionals that understand how to remove any debris and clean it properly.
If you’re careful to avoid taking your classic out during poor weather conditions, you wash the vehicle regularly and you store it in a climate-controlled space, you can preserve your classic car for many years.
Cars like the Duesenberg J Figoni are impressive investments when properly preserved.
The cars take hard work and special care though. We highly recommend that you hand-wash your vehicle to protect its finish, or that you hire professionals to wash your car by hand instead.
At No-H20 we offer dry-cleaning services and detailing for classic cars right at your home or your warehouse.
Work with one of our detailers and schedule an appointment to get your vehicle cleaned and cared for.
After a short visit, your car will be looking like new and will be ready to go to its own car show.
Whether you’re entering the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, or you’re showcasing your car in a local show, take care of your vehicle and show it with pride.
