Porsche No.1 at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

It’s simple; its elegant; and it’s not perfect. No. 1 looks like a well-maintained car that saw time on the road, and that’s fine at the modern Concours d’Elegance.

Pebble Beach now understands that a perfectly restored car may loose some of its history in the renewal process, and now it also includes categories for “preservation” cars for both pre- and post-World War II autos.

"Our preservation classes cover a wide range of cars – from the untouched, long-hidden finds to much-loved automobiles that have been used, well maintained (but not restored) and passed down through many generations of owners," says Sandra Kasky Button, Pebble Beach Concours Chairman. "Everyone talks about the untouched barn find and bemoans the fact that they’re increasingly rare. To be truly preserved for a long period of time, though, cars require lots of care. So over time, I think everybody’s preference will swing toward lovingly preserved cars."

Also featured in this year’s Concours will be vehicles from General Motor’s Motorama, which toured the country in the 50s with production and concept vehicles.

In keeping with the new policy of letting significant but not perfect vehicles on the lawn, among the flawless concept cars will also be the 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne. The Biscayne was the basis for future Corvettes and the Corvair, and the sedan only survives today because of junkyard owner who didn’t have the heart to crush it.

The Biscayne is currently in the process of a long restoration, but it now will not have to miss a family reunion on the lawn at Pebble Beach because of a few blemishes.