A specially made Rolex was given to the owner of the Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance 2022.
For nearly a century, Rolex has had a premier connection to the world of motor sports. In fact, when Sir Malcom Campbell set his World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930’s as the first person to break the 300 mph barrier, Rolex has been on the scene. From there to endurance events like Rolex 24 at Daytona and FIA World Endurance Champions and more, Rolex is intertwined with this world. As such, the brand naturally was an important part of the grand 2022 Monterey Car Week that took place from August 17-21 and that showcases immense respect for classic cars.
Rolex is the Title sponsor for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which began more than 20 years ago in 2001. It is also the official timekeeper of the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the Tour d’ Elegance.
Rolex and Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance 2022
Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance 2022. (Photo: Rolex)
Each of these events took place in beautiful Monterey over the course of five days and culminated yesterday in the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. With hundreds of vintage cars participating — each precisely restored to its original condition — this event is one of the most superb of its kind in the world.
Rolex first became a partner of the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in 1997 and since then has bolstered its support of the entire Monterey Car Week. The brand also offers the Best of Show winner/owner of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® a specially engraved Rolex timepiece.
At the Concours D’ Elegance yesterday, 40 cars from 18 countries and 33 American states competed, with the car that was named Best of Show being a stunning 1932 Duesenberg Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo owned by Lee R. Anderson Sr. of Naples, FL. It only marks the second time in the past 10 years that an American car won, with the last one being a 1934 Packard Twelve that won in 2013.
Yesterday, the car that was named Best of Show of the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance was a stunning 1932 Duesenberg Model J Figoni Sports Torpedo owned by Lee Anderson of Naples, FL.
Rolex and Monterey Car Week
Tour D’ Elegance Presented by Rolex 2022 along the famed 17-mile drive. (Photo: Rolex, Tom O’Neal)
Prior to the Concours d’ Elegance, a garden party ushered in The Quail, A Motorposrts Reunion, where a 1956 Type D Jaguar won. There was also the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex in which 150 cars participated in the breathtaking rally along the famed 17-mile drive, some of the most scenic coastlines in America.
The winner of the best of show of The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering 2022 was a 1956 Jaguar D-Type. Photo: Rolex, Tom O’Neal.
Rolex and the Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Rolex is the title sponsor of the Rolex Motorsports Reunion that takes place at the Weathertech Laguna Seca Racetrack. (Photo: Rolex)
Another of the biggest thrills for the weekend may have bene the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which takes place at the famed Laguna Seca Raceway – Weathertech Raceway, now — and the witnessed 500 cars participating across 14 categories.
Of particular note this year is the prominence of historically significant Le Mans cars –marking 100 years of Le Mans. Rolex brand ambassador Tom Kristensen served as the Grand Marshal, as he is the only driver to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans nine times.
Rolex Motorsports Reunion 2022. (Photo: Rolex, Tom O’Neal)
Kristensen, who joined the Rolex family in 2010, says: “I’m immensely proud of the legacy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and it makes me very nostalgic when I see these events in California recognizing it. Marking milestones and reflecting on the past helps you move forward, succeed and achieve new records. It’s what Rolex and motor sport are about – always improving and breaking down the boundaries of possibility. Taking part in such a wonderful occasion gives me the chance to reminisce on the remarkable time I had competing, and it also inspires me to look ahead to the future as technology rapidly develops.”
Rolex Motorsports Reunion 2022. (Photo: Rolex)
The Rolex store in Carmel was quite the place during Monterey car week. There were large crowds all over the area. Very special supercars were given preferential parking in front of the store. Not sure if owners had to buy a Rolex there but the owner of the yellow McLaren Elva in front was wearing a gold Skydweller…