Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Selects Partner for Automotive Auction

Choice of Gooding & Company in Keeping With Event's Quality, Prestige and Exclusivity

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Jan. 13 -- The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has announced the selection of Gooding & Company to conduct the Concours' collectable automobile auction on August 15, 2004. First held in 1990, the auction at the Pebble Beach Concours has featured some of the most important classic cars ever offered at auction and set a number of sales records.

"David Gooding and his company are the perfect choice for conducting an auction that complements the Pebble Beach Concours," said Sandra Kasky, co-chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "The Concours is now in its fifth decade of showcasing the most beautiful, exotic and historic examples of the automobile. Our auction was established to offer for sale the same type and quality of automobile to the collector. David's experience, knowledge and unmatched reputation for quality and integrity make him the ideal person to direct the Pebble Beach auction."

"Pebble Beach is the best venue for this type of auction in the world," added Glenn Mounger, co-chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "We think we now have the team in place to put on a truly exceptional auction and experience."

Gooding is both a car-collecting professional and an enthusiast, participating in numerous rallies and tours throughout the world as well as judging at various concours events. A third generation collector, Gooding grew up around the famed Harrah's Automobile Collection, Crawford Auto Museum and Nethercutt Collection, developing a passion and insight for cars of all eras and the people who collect them.

"I enjoy a family history that includes true passion for the automobile as art, as mechanical wonder and as an object that inspires desire and dreams," said David Gooding, president of Gooding & Company. "The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is known world-wide as the place to see the most beautiful and exceptional examples of classic automobiles. My goal for the Pebble Beach auction is to offer this same level of substance and excitement. We are going to provide the finest venue, collection and results in the collector car market."

Gooding has been responsible for the sale of 5 of the 10 highest selling cars at auction in the world. While at Christie's International Motor Cars Ltd, he established the first Pebble Beach Auction and the eleven subsequent auctions. This venue became one of the premiere destinations for buying and selling collectable motorcars. At Christie's, Gooding achieved numerous world-record prices, including a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B which sold for $4,072,500 and 1956 Le Mans Winning D-Type Jaguar which sold at $2,810,627.

Most recently, before establishing Gooding & Company, Gooding served as President and CEO of RM Auctions Inc. His partnership with RM Auctions produced distinctive consignments and record breaking sales, including the 1962 Le Mans Winning Ferrari 330 TRI LM which sold for $6,490,000. This was the highest price paid at auction for any motorcar in the last 14 years.

Gooding & Company has generated almost $20 million in sales since its establishment in the summer of 2003.

First held in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance attracts automotive enthusiasts from around the world who recognize it as the premier gathering of its type. Held each August at The Lodge at Pebble Beach on the Monterey, California peninsula, the event combines a unique, scenic location with the opportunity to view rarely seen examples of automobile style, performance and history. The Pebble Beach Concours includes a number of auxiliary activities that celebrate the car, including the Tour d'Elegance driving event for Concours entries and its auction of classic and vintage cars. Proceeds from the Concours support a number of charities.

The 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will be held on August 15. This year's auction, presented by Gooding & Company, will be held that evening. Information about 2004 Pebble Beach Concours events is available at (831) 622-1700, or by visiting www.pebblebeachconcours.net. Gooding & Company can be reached at davidgoodingco@msn.com.