The Monterey car show or Concours d’Elegance is held annually in mid-August every year at Pebble Beach in California, USA. This is considered the largest annual classic car exhibition in the United States, usually lasting 5 days.
At Pebble Beach, you can see some of the most famous and expensive cars in the world. From the million-dollar Bugatti that just left the factory to classic cars over a hundred years old worth tens of millions of dollars, all gathered in Monterey. What’s special is that this exhibition is almost exclusively attended by aristocrats and classic car collectors.
At this year’s Concours d’Elegance, Japanese car company Honda will “rewind” history back to 1984 when it has just restored its first concept model, the Honda HP-X. This is a prototype car designed by the famous Pininfarina company more than 40 years ago.
The HP-X is a stunning mid-engined two-seat sports concept car, first unveiled at the 1984 Turin motor show. This car has been meticulously restored and will shine under Sunshine on the lawn at Pebble Beach on August 18.
Far from the usual concept cars, the Honda HP-X has a wedge shape like a spaceship with advanced aerodynamic features. HP-X also uses carbon fiber and Kevlar materials to minimize weight.
The HP-X’s engine is a mid-mounted DOHC 24-valve 2.0-liter V-6, similar to Honda’s Formula 2 engine. The in-cab display displays real-time data, with GPS and road condition warnings and driver assistance functions.
Although the HP-X concept car never made it into production, Honda says it provided strong inspiration in the development of the first-generation NSX. This NSX supercar is sold globally under the Honda brand and in the North American market as Acura.