Geneva, 9 August 2021 – California this week welcomes back motoring enthusiasts from around the world for a series of prestigious automotive events, including the deferred 70^th anniversary edition of the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. First held in 1950, the Concours celebrates exquisite cars from across the generations and their enduring influence on society. Rolex has supported the event for more than two decades, emphasizing its commitment to the evolution of motoring style and engineering, and the long-term quest for the preservation and promotion of heritage. During this highly anticipated week, the brand also partners the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

Looking ahead to the automotive celebrations, Rolex Testimonee and multiple Formula 1® race winner Mark Webber says:

“These events are truly wonderful because they honour the heritage of the car and highlight the extraordinary technical and mechanical advancements of the last century. The 70^th anniversary celebrations at Pebble Beach will be unique and very special – the effort, artistry, love and passion put into the vehicles on display will be incredible. Seeing all the cars gathered at Pebble Beach during my visit in 2019, as well as witnessing Rolex’s ongoing support of motoring tradition, is something I will never forget.”

On Thursday 12 August, more than 150 entrants will pay tribute to the original Pebble Beach Road Races, last held in 1956, during the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex. This exhibition of beauty in motion will trace sections of the famous 17-Mile Drive, encompassing parts of Carmel Valley and passing along Highway 1 to Big Sur, before circling back towards Pebble Beach to cross the finish line. The Tour provides aficionados with an opportunity to catch a first glimpse of challengers for Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® Best of Show award.

From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 August, the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will host hundreds of historic racing cars for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The period-correct automobiles – from the early 20^th century through to the current day – are tested to the limit around the challenging 11-corner circuit, demonstrating the diverse categories and engineering developments of motor sport from one era to the next. The event continually honours important milestones and in 2021 celebrates 55 years since Ford’s title-winning debut in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am Series. From 1966, Ford would go on to experience decades of success with the esteemed Mustang in an exciting epoch of racing known as the Pony Car Wars. During the event’s four days, the open paddock will invite spectators to enjoy the hum of the engines and watch cars of yesteryear race as they were originally built to.

Carmel Valley takes centre stage on Friday 13 August when the past, present and future of the automobile come together for The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Weaving an unparalleled tapestry of automotive history, leading manufacturers will debut new models alongside an exhibition of rare vintage cars. This year, as part of its featured themes, the exclusive garden party will celebrate the 50^th anniversaries of two European coupés: the Alfa Romeo Montreal and the Citroën SM. The event culminates with the Rolex Best of Show car and the individual class winners joining the Rolex Circle of Champions, showcasing the meticulousness and outstanding beauty of these nostalgic vehicles.

On Sunday 15 August, car enthusiasts will congregate on the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links® overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to witness exceptionally maintained automobiles. To mark its 70^th anniversary, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® has invited previous Best of Show winners, which will be featured alongside other marques and classes, including Pebble Beach Road Race Winners, Pininfarina, Porsche 917 and Early Electric Vehicles. Away from the competition, the event will present new concept designs and innovative super cars as part of its commitment to the future.

Vying for honours, the entrants will be assessed on their style, technical merit, provenance and history by expert judges throughout the day. The ultimate accolade, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® Best of Show, is awarded during the closing ceremony and the winning owner presented with a specially engraved Rolex timepiece.Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart says:

“Pebble Beach is the best concours d’elegance in the world. The spectators witness an exclusive collection of automobiles, some created before they were even born, as well as modern vehicles presented in a very glamorous setting. For Rolex it is a marvellous relationship because passionate car and watch aficionados understand the great privilege of owning something very special, with great history and elegance.”

Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, and Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.