1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports

The 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports has become the first preservation car in the event’s history to win Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Designed by the legendary Ettore Bugatti, the Type 59 Sports features a supercharged 3.3-litre inline-8 engine, producing around 250 horsepower, which was an extraordinary feat at the time. The car's sleek design, distinguished by its long, low body, wire-spoked wheels, and signature Bugatti horseshoe grille, is a testament to Bugatti's philosophy of blending art and performance. Originally built as a Grand Prix car, it was later adapted for road use, making it not only a racer but also a luxury sports car.

 In honour of its cutting-edge classicism, Rolex awarded a specially engraved Perpetual 1908 to the winner. Expressing immense joy following the prize-giving, owner Fritz Burkard says, “what is most beautiful about this moment is that, for first time, someone from Switzerland has won the Concours and to win a Swiss watch makes it extra special – the Rolex 1908 is exquisite.”

1988 McLaren-Honda MP4/4

The 1988 McLaren-Honda MP4/4, driven by Ayrton Senna, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant Formula 1 cars ever built. Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine, it produced around 675 horsepower in race trim, with a chassis designed by Gordon Murray and Steve Nichols. The car's low-slung, aerodynamic design allowed it to slice through the air with minimal drag, giving it a significant advantage on the track. During the 1988 season, the MP4/4 won 15 out of 16 races, with Senna claiming eight victories and his first World Championship. Its combination of speed, reliability, and cutting-edge engineering cemented its place in motorsport history.

Jenson Button’s 1952 Jaguar C-Type 

Jenson Button’s 1952 Jaguar C-Type is a remarkable example of the legendary British sports car that dominated early 1950s racing. Powered by a 3.4-litre inline-6 engine, it produced around 200 horsepower, which, combined with its lightweight aluminium body, made it exceptionally fast for its time. The C-Type is celebrated for its aerodynamic design, which featured a curvaceous body and pioneering use of disc brakes, contributing to Jaguar’s victories at Le Mans in 1951 and 1953. Reflecting on his experience, Button said, “I love this event; it’s electric. It was extra special to drive my C-Type here, at an event so closely linked to Rolex, and to race alongside so many different works of art. There is so much history in this sport, and the Reunion showcases the vastness of motor sport in a way that the next generation can appreciate.”

1995 Bugatti EB110 Sport Competizione

The 1995 Bugatti EB110 Sport Competizione is a rare and powerful iteration of the EB110, designed for the racetrack. Equipped with a 3.5-litre quad-turbocharged V12 engine, it produces an impressive 611 horsepower, delivering blistering speed and acceleration. The car's advanced all-wheel-drive system and carbon-fibre chassis were cutting-edge technologies for its time, giving it exceptional handling and stability. The Sport Competizione variant was developed specifically for endurance racing, featuring a stripped-down interior and aerodynamic enhancements. Though its racing career was brief due to Bugatti's financial troubles, the EB110 Sport Competizione remains a symbol of Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation in the 1990s.

1950 Porsche 550A Prototype Spyder

The 1950 Porsche 550A Prototype Spyder is an early example of Porsche's dedication to lightweight engineering and racing success. Powered by a 1.5-litre flat-four engine, it produced around 110 horsepower, which, combined with its lightweight tubular frame and aluminium body, made it remarkably agile and competitive on the track. The 550A was a significant evolution of the original 550, featuring improved suspension and a stiffer chassis, contributing to its success in various racing events, including the Targa Florio. The car's sleek, low-slung design and open cockpit epitomise the minimalist, performance-focused ethos that would become a hallmark of Porsche's racing cars, laying the groundwork for Porsche's future dominance in motorsport.