Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Announces New Chief Judge

After nearly five decades of affiliation with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Chris Bock will take on the role of chief judge for the acclaimed auto event following this year’s presentation. He replaces Ed Gilbertson, who has served as chief judge since 1999 and will retire from the role after the 2012 Concours.

The chief judge oversees a team of judges who work together to recognize significant vehicles entered in the annual car gathering. Through a two-tiered system, class judges evaluate cars based on standards specific to particular marques and periods of time. In addition, honorary judges help select special award winners and they join class judges in selecting a best in show awardee from among first in class honorees.

Bock, who first attended the Pebble Beach Concours as an 18-year-old in 1963, was appointed a class judge just 10 years later. His subsequent judging experience includes serving as chief class judge for the American classics category and working on the event’s selection committee. Bock also oversees field operations, and is a five-time Pebble Beach Concours entrant. The California resident is the former president and national head judge of the Classic Car Club of America.

Following his retirement, Gilbertson will continue to serve as the event’s chief judge emeritus and a member of the selection committee. He is also chief judge emeritus for the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic and the Ferrari Club of America, and he founded and is chairman emeritus of the international advisory council for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chair Sandra Button says her event’s success is dependent on not only the caliber of cars on the show field, but also on these judges’ attention to detail.

“Ed’s dedication to the proper judging of each car and the preservation of automotive history is unparalleled, and we thank him for his outstanding service,” she says. “Chris has devoted much of his life to cars and this concours, and we know he will make certain that cars continue to be judged in a fair and accurate manner.”

This 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance takes place August 19. This year’s presentation features Mercer, Fiat and Saoutchik Coachwork, along with cars of the Maharajas and German motorcycles. Since it began in 1950, the concours and associated events have raised more than $14 million for charitable organizations.

For additional information and 2012 Pebble Beach Concours tickets, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net.

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