Grand Bentley and Aston Martin One-77 launch at Pebble Beach

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Although your mind may be on other things, namely politics and the still-faltering economy, some people are thinking of summertime vacation and expensive cars. We like to combine the two.

The week of Aug. 9-16 is looking to be a busy one for lovers of expensive new and vintage automobiles. Hot on the heels of Porsche’s announcement of showing its new four-door Panamera at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, comes the news that Bentley will be showing its expensive new Grand Bentley, the replacement for the aging Arnage. The teaser photo the company provided is not enough to judge the design of the car, but by the looks of it, it will be a decidedly different Bentley.

Not letting its British competitors have all the California fun, Aston Martin announced that its $2-million One-77 will also debut at the event.

As for the Bentley, the company says “The all-new Grand Bentley captures the 1920s ‘grand touring’ spirit of the Bentley Boys, delivering the effortless driving, exclusivity and adventure desired by the real motoring enthusiast. A unique fusion of elegant design, hand craftsmanship and technological innovation, the new model embodies the potent yet luxuriously refined driving experience that is ‘pure Bentley’. These have been the hallmarks of a Bentley since that first test drive in 1920.”

With the economy in a 1920s-like tailspin, what better time than now to give the automotive world more cake to eat?

-- Jon Alain Guzik

Jon Alain Guzik is editor in chief at DriverSide.com