Hispano-Suiza “Torpedo” Takes Pebble Beach Best in Show as Monterey Week Buzz Returns

A 1924 Hispano-Suiza wins Pebble Beach; auction tents and concept debuts signal renewed momentum at Monterey Car Week.

A 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo captured Best in Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, capping Monterey Car Week with a crowd-pleasing victory for a one-off prewar masterpiece. The boat-tailed “torpedo,” a staple of conversation across the show field, was often ringed by spectators angling for a closer look at its aeronautical lines and intricate metalwork.

The Hispano-Suiza’s mahogany body panels, secured with exposed aluminum rivets, were restored over two years using period-appropriate wood and finishes. The revival extended under the hood, where nickel-plated components and other period-correct details underscore a faithful return to 1920s specification, according to an RM Sotheby’s spokesperson. Judges awarded the top honor amid a competitive field, reaffirming Pebble Beach’s status as the world’s most closely watched concours for craftsmanship, historical accuracy and presentation.

The Concours capped a busy week in which auction tents and manufacturer showcases across the Monterey Peninsula drew heavy foot traffic. Bidders packed preview halls and evening sales, with auction houses reporting brisk interest in blue-chip prewar classics and rising demand for modern collectibles. The tone throughout the week suggested a healthier market than many feared earlier this year, with competitive paddles in the room and steady activity from phone and online participants.

Automakers and boutique builders also used the venue to unveil fresh design studies and limited-series performance models, leaning into Monterey’s blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology. Concept cars and specials rolled out at venues such as The Quail and on the Concours lawn, offering glimpses of future design language alongside tributes to motorsport and marque anniversaries.

Monterey Car Week has long served as a barometer for collector confidence and brand storytelling. This year’s headlines — a hand-built Hispano-Suiza restored to period correctness, crowded auction aisles and a slate of new concept reveals — suggested a sector eager to celebrate provenance while embracing innovation. With the Hispano-Suiza’s Best in Show win, the week closed on a note that blended both: meticulous restoration craft and the enduring pull of early motoring’s most ambitious designs.

⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious

Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.