The Concours d'Lemons is an annual car show that intentionally highlights "good examples of bad cars and bad examples of good cars," as described by founder Alan Galbraith. Held on the lawn of Seaside City Hall, this event stands in stark contrast to the nearby Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which showcases some of the world's most valuable collector cars. While Pebble Beach emphasizes authenticity and historical preservation, Concours d'Lemons embraces kitsch, mediocrity, and often humorous modifications.
The event features unique entries such as a 1959 Citroen HY flatbed with a 5.3-liter Chevrolet LS engine making 519 hp, a Datsun 240Z tribute car with heavily reinforced frame rails, and a 1984 300 TD Mercedes-Benz modified for off-road use. Other notable vehicles include a 1964 Ford Galaxie wagon that survived two demolition derbies and now boasts an LS truck motor and a "4000 Watt Stereo," and a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda with an eye-catching pink paint job. The "Worst in Show" award is highly coveted, with past winners including a double-ended Honda and a fur-covered Lincoln Continental named "Buttercup."
Galbraith, who also works as a respected lead docent at the Concours d'Elegance, established Concours d'Lemons in 2009 to provide an alternative perspective on automotive appreciation. The event's categories, such as "Swedish Meatball class," "Soul Sucking Japanese Appliance class," and "Rust Belt American Junk," reflect its tongue-in-cheek nature. Attendees and participants often share personal stories and connections with these "less desirable" cars, fostering an atmosphere of fun and levity. The 2026 event saw Chris Wollard win "Worst of Show" for his "unidentified driving object," which he described as "terrifying" to drive but "cool" to look at.
Despite its focus on the absurd, Concours d'Lemons is not meant to be disrespectful to car culture but rather to celebrate the broader spectrum of automotive enthusiasm. Sandra Button, chair of the Concours d'Elegance, acknowledges Galbraith's event as a playful "poke" at the seriousness of the more prestigious show. The Concours d'Lemons emphasizes that car enthusiasts find joy in a wide array of vehicles, from the rarest to the most unconventional, proving that the love affair Americans have with automobiles is diverse and inclusive.
