Chris Bock tapped as new chief judge for Pebble Beach concours

At the conclusion of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Aug. 19, Ed Gilbertson will retire as chief judge. Chris Bock, celebrating his 50th year at the event, will step into that role.

"The success of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is directly linked to the quality of cars on our show field and the manner in which they are judged," concours chairman Sandra Button said. "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. 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."

Bock, from Nevada City, Calif., attended his first Pebble Beach concours in 1963 at the age of 18. A decade later he was appointed a class judge, and he has continued to serve among the judges over the years, often acting as chief class judge for American Classics. He also oversees field operations and serves on the selection committee that vets possible entries.

Chris Bock becomes the chief judge for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2013.

Bock has been a Pebble Beach entrant on five occasions. He also has served as president and national head judge of the Classic Car Club of America and as editor of the Cormorant for the Packard Club.

"I am honored to oversee a team of judges that includes the foremost automotive experts of our day," said Bock, "and I will do my best to continue the strong system of judging that sets this concours apart from others."

In 1972, under the oversight of cochairmen Lorin Tryon and Jules "J." Heumann, the Pebble Beach concours was the first to establish a two-tiered judging system. Cars in a given class are assessed initially by class judges with expertise on their particular marque and era, and cars must win their class to go on to compete for Best of Show. Honorary judges and special panels of class judges determine other special award winners.

When Gilbertson, of San Francisco, retires as chief judge-having served in that position since 1999-he will continue to serve as chief judge emeritus and as a member of the selection committee. He previously served as chief class judge for the Ferrari classes for 15 years. He also is chief judge emeritus for the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic and the Ferrari Club of America, and he has served among the judges at numerous other events around the globe over the past 35 years.

Gilbertson also founded and is chairman emeritus of the International Advisory Council for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile. He has been instrumental in the development of standard judging guidelines and procedures.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as chief judge for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance," said Gilbertson. "I particularly appreciate the help and support of my fellow judges, the concours staff, and especially my wife and partner, Sherry, who has assisted me at every concours and every tour and rally over the many years. My passion remains the proper preservation, correct restoration and active use of cars and motorcycles. Proper judging for originality and authenticity is of great assistance in this endeavor."

Steve Morton of Newport Beach, Calif., who has served as a class judge for 31 years, will move into Bock's former role as chief class judge for American Classics.

This August, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will feature Cars of the Maharajas, Mercer, Fiat, Saoutchik Coachwork, AC and AC (Shelby) Cobra, Sport Customs and German Motorcycles. Information and tickets are available at www.pebblebeachconcours.net.

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