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Favorites from the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Élegance

Celebrating the old and the new during one of the most important automotive events of the year

Andrew Maness

9 October 2024

Similar to the way Miami Art Week has grown exponentially, from the founding Art Basel fair to more than ten art and design fairs, hundreds of installations, brand experiences and events, so to has the activity around vintage car week in Pebble Beach, anchored by The Concours d’Élegance. Vintage car races, auctions, elaborate private homes with auto company experiences for customers, and of course activations and launches for new cars aplenty now stretch out for nearly a week preceding the Concours, but if there was ever a question about them eclipsing the reason so many gather at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links’s 18th green, this year’s event clearly showed that the Concours is still the focus. Each year it showcases the highest scoring vintage vehicles from smaller shows, across both its standard categories (such as pre-war convertibles) as well as its specialty categories, which often celebrate brand or model milestones or, as we saw this year, a specific type and moment of automotive design, such as Wedge-shaped concepts and prototypes. This new class demonstrated both the desire to include more modern designs appealing to many younger enthusiasts and collectors and brought a much appreciated energy to the weekend. Spending time with so many brands, vehicles and experiences, here are those that stood out from the week.

Easiest Way To Get Around: Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono

With all the vehicles that descend on Monterey County during Car Week the traffic is maddening though always a delight with so many vintage and exotic cars to gawk at. If you’re trying to see and do as much as possible there’s only one method of transportation to choose and that’s something with two wheels. This year we had the pleasure of trying Ducati’s first single-cylinder Supermotard motorcycle, The Hypermotard 698. Combining the precision front end typical of Ducati with the nimbleness of a Supermotard, the 698 Mono is equipped with the new Superquadro Mono, a record-breaking single cylinder engine producing 77.5 HP at 9,750 rpm and 46.4 lb-ft of torque with a maximum revolution limit of 10,250 rpm. With a dry weight of only 333 lbs and a tall, upright riding position, the 698 instills instant confidence in the rider, perfect for cutting through traffic. The RVE version that we rode comes standard with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, black frame, and dedicated graphics.

Best Specialty Manufacturer Interior: RUF Rodeo

Apparently inspired by Ralph Lauren’s Ranch, the interior of RUF’s first off-road oriented model was one of the most talked about cars at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Rich, dark brown leather and colorful woven textiles combine to create a unique sports car cabin. It’s truly unique and a great pairing with RUF’s decades of expertise modifying Porsche 911s for maximum driving enjoyment. The Rodeo features a 9.5-inch ride height, an adjustable all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual transmission. A turbocharged 3.6L flat-six with 610hp powers the car, which has a carbon fiber monocoque that brings the curb weight under 3,000 lbs, ensuring the name Rodeo to be appropriate indeed.

Best Special Edition: Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years

Accompanying the 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo class at The Quail, Porsche unveiled the latest 911 Turbo in the form of a special edition commemorating the milestone. Tastefully adopting styling elements inside and out from previous generations of Turbos, the “50 Years” model includes seat centers and inner door panels upholstered in “MacKenzie” tartan inspired by Ferry Porsche’s favorite of the three tartans available for the 1975 model year Turbo. There’s also an available heritage design package which uses Aventurine Green Metallic as the base color and adds matte white silk graphics to the body in the form of a “lollipop” (with choice of number up to 99) as well as “50 Years Turbo” and “Porsche” model designations. Here the Sport Classic Wheels are painted Silver/White and get a historic Porsche crest from 1964 on the center caps to match the one on the hood and steering wheel. Lest one think this is merely an appearance package, the Turbo 50 Years also gets additional standard equipment over a 911 Turbo S in the form of a sport exhaust, PASM with a 10mm lower ride height, front-axle lift, tinted LED Matrix headlights and black brake calipers. One thing that happily remains the same as the standard Turbo S, a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds.

Best New Supercar: Maserati GT2 Stradale

There were many highly anticipated debuts at the 2024 edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, but one of the largest crowds we were a part of was for the reveal of Maserati’s new barely street-legal supercar—the GT2 Stradale arrives at an interesting moment for Maserati as the brand has its strongest portfolio in many, many years, including singular vehicles like Gran Cabrio Folgore, the only convertible EV on the market, and the Grecale Trofeo, a performance crossover with personality to go with its capability. The GT2 Stradale is clearly intended to let driving enthusiasts and collectors know that as Maserati celebrates its 110th Anniversary the brand is still connected to its racing roots and brings serious performance to the street, not just the track as they did with the debut of the limited edition MCXtrema in 2023. Given its captivating appearance and competitive stat sheet we expect the GT2 Stradale to have quite a few fans.

Best Interior Redesign: 2025 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator made its debut at Pebble Beach in 1997 as a 1998 model year, and has consistently been the brand’s best selling vehicle. The fifth generation makes its debut as a 2025, and was presented first at a private event and then on the Concour’s Concept Lawn. The exterior is broader, more vertical and more SUV than truck. A split tail gate is one of its best new attributes, providing additional functionality and making it easier to use in a range of circumstances. From its executive style second row seats to a new “Lincoln Rejuvenate” multi-sensory experience, the interior steels the show though, nearly unrecognizable from its past generations with its upgraded materials, styling and technology, and can seat. up to eight people.

Best Class at Pebble Beach: Land Rover “Queens Series”

This year’s edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was one of the strongest we’ve attended. The crowd was manageable, the weather was uncharacteristically beautiful and the classes were robust, progressive even. From the featured classes of “Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes” to “1990s BPR & FIA GT Race Cars” and “Maserati” to “Frua Coachwork” there was an energy flowing from the eclecticism on the grass this year. The vehicles that stole the show and drew everyone to the far end of the green were 10 humble 4x4s turned into royal transportation for HM Queen Elizabeth II. Presented together for the first time ever outside the UK, this group of Land Rover and Range Rover models used by the late Queen was something to behold because of people’s strong connection to their owner. From the earliest Royal vehicle, a Land Rover Series I “State Review”, to the first Range Rover to take the role of ceremonial state review vehicle, a heavily modified 1974 Range Rover, the collection’s cultural impact was impossible not to feel. Our favorite? The Queen’s personal 1983 Defender 110 V8 that she commissioned herself and used at Sandringham. It remains part of the active Royal Fleet.

Best Driving Experience: Ferrari 296 GTS on Highway 1

We’ve had ample seat time in the hardtop 296, but this was our first go in the hard-top Spider and it did not disappoint. In fact, we prefer it to the coupe because nothing is lost by opting for the folding hard-top model. It’s still one of Ferrari’s best looking models, it’s still absurdly quick and it’s still every bit the driving enthusiast’s machine the hardtop is. The Spider adds more direct access to the slightly unusual, yet entirely sonorous exhaust note produced by the twin-turbo V6, which happily borrows its symmetrical firing order from a Ferrari V12. The electric motor seamlessly delivers extra power and torque which, combined with the already potent output of the V6, enables the GTS to sprint out of corners and on to the next one at a pace that sometimes takes a minute for your brain to catch up to; it also offers around seven miles of pure EV range. Believe it or not, we enjoyed using the battery for a bit of silent driving along the coast and through the Redwoods of Big Sur. For a Ferrari convertible to allow you to soak up an environment so completely is a new experience, one that’s nice to have the option to switch in and out of without even having to take your hands off the steering wheel.

Best Restomod: Eccentrica V12

Powered by a 5.7-liter V12 engine and oozing 1990’s style, the Eccentrica V12 produces an impressive 550 HP and 600 Nm of torque. Paired with a custom 6-speed transmission featuring updated gear ratios, the Eccentrica offers an elevated analog driving experience not found anywhere else in the restomod landscape. Key features include enhancements to the V12 engine with new valves, camshafts, and an electronic throttle body. The 208mph top speed is more easily achieved with an improved power-to-weight ratio and an innovative TracTive suspension system for a smooth, responsive ride. Updated power steering, Brembo brakes, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, and custom 19-inch aluminum alloy rims bring enhanced confidence to sit alongside the enhanced capability. 

Best Restomod EV: Kindred Bronco EV

We’ve been fans of Kindred Motorworks since getting behind the wheel of their EV restomod Chevy 3100 pickup a few years back. Their approach to both restomod EV’s and combustion engine models impressed us in terms of fit and finish, which we’d attribute to Kindred keeping development of their vehicles in-house at their Mare Island, CA facility. To that point, the new Kindred EV Bronco arrives with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain driven by an 80 kWh battery that supports DC fast charging. The engineering team focused on delivering an EV model that’s comparable to the  5.0L V8 powered Kindred Bronco Heritage and Trail editions, so system output is estimated to be 402hp and 492 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of juice for a classic 4×4, however Kindred has taken a holistic approach here and not just added a-lot of power, but reinforced the frame, upgraded the suspension, added limited-slip front and rear differentials and added power disc brakes with regenerative-energy capture at all four wheels as well. A soft “bikini top” is standard and a hardtop is optional, either way the truck as a six-point roll cage and a locking rear lift gate with soft-open function. Inside and out, the Kindred Bronco EV is a fully fleshed out vision for a modern electric 4×4 in a timeless package.

Best Reveal: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series

Perhaps some saw this coming, we certainly had our suspicions, but overall we think Mercedes-Maybach pulled off an impressive debut at a beautiful venue with the unveiling of the SL 680 Monogram Series. The more luxurious take on the Mercedes-AMG SL idled down an LED runway that accentuated the metallic Red Ambiance paint and allowed guests to hear just how much quieter the exhaust is on this Maybach model. For the first year a glossy White Ambiance paint will be available in addition to Red Ambiance, but the only interior choice is a Crystal White Napa leather. Visual differences inside include a model specific steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and door sills, while outside the “Maybach SL” features a black hood with a Maybach logo pattern that matches the soft-top and Maybach logo grilles at each corner of the lower fascia. In addition to recalibrated suspension settings, additional sound-deadening material has been added to further refine the ride experience. While we’ve enjoyed hustling the AMG SL 55 and 63, we expect the cruising experience of the Maybach SL 680 to suit the platform best. We’ll just have to wait until the second half of next year to find out.

Best Auction: Broad Arrow

A fresh take on a car auction is difficult to pull off, yet Broad Arrow did so with their reformatted event at Monterey Jet Center. Taking place alongside Hagerty’s Motorlux, which over the past few years has become the unofficial kick-off party for Monterey Car Week, Broad Arrow’s auction ran in the style of a fashion show with cars appearing from behind a curtain and taking to the elevated “runway” inside the massive hangar where the car would rotate on a platform in front of the auctioneers before exiting back down the runway. With bidders and observers seated down either side, the auction felt more intimate than the traditional format with rows of seats all facing a stage. The sale of a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion (one of 9 customer GT1’s constructed) for $7,045,000 headlined the two day auction, with additional highlights including five auction records, led by a rare 1998 RUF CTR 2 at a hammer price of $2,095,000. 

Podcast Tech

Nerdy Details: The Apple iPhone 16’s Camera Control Button

Apple’s Johnnie Manzari and Rich Dinh share insights on the new control and how it helps people capture more photo/video opportunities in this special episode of Design Tangents

Josh Rubin, Evan Orensten

20 September 2024

We love getting into the nerdy details of design innovations and the iPhone 16‘s new Camera Control button presented a perfect opportunity to dig in. For this first podcast of our new Design Tangents series aptly named Nerdy Details we sit down with Johnnie Manzari from the Apple Human Interface team and Rich Dinh, Senior Director of Product Design, to talk about cameras and photography through the lens of the new control on “the world’s most popular camera.” Camera Control represents years of collaboration between Apple‘s design and engineering teams and the unassuming feature packs a punch, elevating the iPhone’s photography capabilities through a combination of hardware and software innovations.

According to Dinh, who leads the iPhone design team and has worked on all 16 generations of the iPhone, the control’s design was meticulously considered down to the smallest detail. “The amazing thing when you look at the button is it is flush, and so for day-to-day use we’re hoping that the phone feels very much like your phone today in terms of how you grip it and handle it, but we’ve added a little chamfer in there to give that really lovely half press and full press experience with the button flush.” This attention to tactile feedback is complemented by the use of premium materials like sapphire and stainless steel, ensuring both durability and a premium feel.

The control’s capabilities extend far beyond a simple click. As a human interface designer, Manzari explains how utilizing a force sensor and a capacitive sensor enables a range of adjustments, from composition to exposure. “By lightly pressing on the button, you signal to the phone that you are intending to take a photo. That led to all sorts of interesting new experiences that we started to design.” This level of control and customization elevates the iPhone’s camera to new heights, empowering users of all skill levels to capture their vision. Tune in to Design Tangents to learn more about all the nerdy details of Apple’s new Camera Control.

Subscribe to Design Tangents on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify, so that when each episode comes out it’ll be ready and waiting in your player of choice.

Design Tangents is produced and edited by SANDOW Design Group. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Rob Schulte, Hannah Viti and Rachel Senatore and to Amber Lin for creating our show art.

Read Design

Interview: Jill Platner on Her Homage to Beach Stones

The sculptor and jeweler talks to us about her latest collection

Josh Rubin

28 August 2024

Jill Platner has long inspired us with her unique approach to translating inspirations from nature into wearable art. The proudly NYC-based sculptor and jeweler launched a new line this summer that moves nature from a reference to the center stage of her work. The Beach Stone collection uses stones she’s gathered over the years as the focal elements for pendants hung from her signature woven cord. Intrigued by this new direction and the challenge of creating an ongoing collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, we caught up with Platner to learn more.

We know how important the beach and the ocean are to you, but is this the first time they’re actually a collaborator of sorts?

For me there is nothing as wildly expansive as spending time on/in/near the sea. I’ve been collecting beach stones since I was a small child patrolling the beaches in Maine for all the best stones I could find. My thesis project in college (which became my first wholesale offering) featured beach stones set in sterling silver. At the time it seemed only natural to incorporate such beloved materials into the work I was making. That was over 30 years ago! 

In a very sweet circular moment, one of my earliest accounts/supporters/collaborators, TWIST, just got a beautiful selection of new beach stones for their impeccably curated store. 

What prompted the concept for this new collection? Was there an “ah-ha” moment?

As a creative, I believe in the merit of revisiting concepts from the past. I have found that as my relationship with material evolves, and skill sets become more refined, that there are always ways I can take past concepts and improve upon them. That is the real “ah-ha” moment! 

Are there certain characteristics in the stones that need to be present for them to viable for this collection?

In my opinion beach stones are as precious as diamonds. I have trays and trays of stones that I have collected over the years. Honestly, the real quandary of this process is finding stones that I’m willing to part with. 

What’s the process for making these pieces?

The first step is always about selecting the stone itself. The stones in my collection are stored by size, and location found. I’ll spread out a group of stones, and even wet them again to remind me of the beauty of the sea! Then I work on the layout, using tape to figure out the “arms” of the setting.  Each stone gets a custom metal setting, which is constructed by soldering pieces of silver wire together. Once each bespoke setting is created, the stones must be carefully set, so that they are held tightly. Once completed, the pendant is strung on our signature hand-crocheted cord. 

Given the ongoing dance between the wearable scale of your jewelry and the larger scale of your sculptural works, might we see a boulder wrapped in metal one day?

I do use larger found stones in some of my small-scale sculptural work. They make great bases for the totems I’ve been making. I’m sure stones will keep resurfacing in my jewelry and sculpture.

Platner will keep making Beach Stones as an evolving collection available in her NYC shop and online. To learn more about her artistry, check out our video with Platner from a 2010 studio visit.

Read Travel

Interview: Sam Roberts on the New JFK Delta One Lounge Design

Digging into what defines luxury for the airline’s top-tier travelers

Josh Rubin

14 August 2024

Delta Air Lines‘ unveiling of the Delta One Lounge at NYC’s John F Kennedy International Airport this past June is a bold statement about their perspective on premium travel. Designed with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of modern travelers, the lounge is a merger of luxury and functionality in a way that goes beyond the typical airport experience. According to Sam Roberts, Delta’s General Manager of Sky Club Design and Facilities, the lounge is not just a haven for relaxation but a curated experience where guests can dine, unwind and recharge in a setting that pays homage to New York City’s architectural history.

In a recent conversation, Roberts delved into the strategic thinking behind the lounge, revealing that Delta’s design approach was heavily influenced by the shifting demographics of its premium customers, particularly millennials. With their focus on high-quality food, personalized service and time efficiency, this growing segment has shaped much of the lounge’s offerings. Furthermore, the design brief, “Curate Your Own Experience,” emphasized creating varied environments and experiences within the lounge—whether that be enjoying a meal in the Brasserie, finding tranquility in the Serenity Lounge or indulging in wellness services. This philosophy ensures the space meets the varied needs of premium travelers, making it not just a stopover but a destination in itself.

Thinking about creating a Delta One lounge there are many potential customer segments. How would you summarize/describe them? 

In planning this lounge, we looked to both our current and future customers. Our consumer insights team identified millennials trending toward one-third of the Delta One customer base by 2025, with that percentage growing in the years to come. Their brand-choice drivers focused on high-quality food and beverage offerings and service that is warm, caring and personalized—while also showing a respect for their time. 

Looking at the premium lounge offerings around the world, what prompted this design direction as a differentiation point? 

Our goal was for the lounge to be rooted in New York City, with a design language that paid homage to the city’s rich architectural history (including JFK airport). We wanted to elevate the concept of what an airline lounge could be, anchoring the design in context while creating a modern oasis for the premium traveler. 

What was the “brief” given to the design team and was that team internal to Delta or an outside agency? 

The vision relayed to our design partner was “Curate Your Own Experience.” That is giving guests many different ways to experience the Delta One Lounge depending on their preference. Guests looking for restaurant-quality dining can enjoy a meal in the Brasserie. Guests looking to disconnect can relax in the Serenity Lounge or enjoy pampering from a Grown Alchemist-certified attendant in the Wellness area. There’s space to dine, drink, relax, freshen up, get last-minute work done, even get a shoeshine—the Lounge is designed to meet the needs and wants of the premium traveler, whatever they may be. Furthermore, we wanted to mentally transport guests, so that they felt the experience and design of the lounge could have been anywhere in the city (rather than an airport). 

What drove the selection of your creative and hospitality collaborators? 

Both Arup and Gensler have a strong history with Delta, and with JFK, having been the primary design partners for Delta’s multiple expansion projects at JFK Terminal 4. Additionally, Gensler’s New York City-based hospitality team has a track record of exceptional hospitality projects; from day one, they understood what we were trying to achieve from an experience perspective.

What does this lounge signal for Delta moving forward? 

The lounge represents a continued focus on our premium customers, elevating their experience across all touchpoints of the travel journey. Our goal is for the lounge to be a compelling reason to fly Delta One. 

Of all the features the lounge has, was there one that drove design decisions more so than the rest? 

One major priority was to make the bar and restaurant feel iconic—in line with some of the best restaurant and bar locations in the city. We wanted to create a bar and dining experience that guests would want to brag to their friends about having visited.