A 1938 Alfa Romeo owned by Jon and Mary Shirley of Medina, Washington, was named “Best of Show” at the 58th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance held Sunday along the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Jon Shirley, the former president and chief operating officer of Microsoft who resides in Medina, Wash., purchased his
1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta four years ago. The 8C 2900B was Alfa Romeo’s most prestigious grand touring car of the 1930s. Only 33 examples were ever completed for road use, and most were bodied by Carrozzeria Touring. The body on this car is unique; one of six privately commissioned Berlinettas, it was used in several advertisements by Alfa.
“This car has an intriguing history,” says Shirley. “It won the first race at Watkins Glen in 1948, and though the car’s been driven quite a bit, it’s never been wrecked. I’ve always been an Alfa fan, so winning at Pebble Beach just doesn’t get much better. I can’t wait to take it back on the road real soon.”
Competitors from 27 states and 12 countries brought their prized automotive possessions to California’s Monterey Peninsula for judging in 24 classes.
“It takes an amazing level of elegance for a closed car like this Alfa to win here,” says Concours Chairman Sandra Kasky Button. “It requires the ultimate in style, grace and proportion. This car has all of that. It has exquisite lines, balance and all of the excitement that only an 8C Alfa can provide.”
“The Pebble Beach Concours has truly become ‘the world’s concours.’ In addition to enthusiasts, sponsors and media from around the globe, this year we welcomed exotic, historic vehicles from as far away as Hong Kong, Monaco, Germany and Brazil.
The Pebble Beach Concours happens every year on the third Sunday in August, blending automotive design, craftsmanship and history,” says Kasky. “And the best news of all, with the $1 million-plus we raised for our charities this year, the Pebble Beach Concours has now contributed well over $11 million during the event’s history.”