Celebrating their third year, the Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award, also know as the leading motoring accolade for the most outstanding classic car, will be officially making its debut in Paris sometime in February 2018. While it may be some time before the winner is declared; we can still share with you the eight classic cars that were worthy enough to be acknowledged as this year’s chosen contenders.
These eight selected concours “Best of Show” winners are credited as the most revered in the motoring world of today. On Thursday, February 8th, 2018, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award winner will be announced at a private dinner at The Peninsula Hotel in Paris. The private dinner will also be taking place during the celebrated Rétromobile event, where international motoring connoisseurs gather each year, hence making the night a very sociable and enjoyable one for those in attendance. In addition, as the only five-star luxury property in the city that incorporates an underground garage, there will be an exclusive reveal after-party for additional guests following the private announcement in the lower level of the hotel.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award to Paris in 2018, which I trust will further promote this distinguished honour on the concours circuit,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, who as well as being the co-founder of the award and Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, is also the owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels.
“Concours d’Elegance originated in Paris in the 17th century, and we are delighted to bring the modern equivalent back to this beautiful city; a fitting venue for such a distinct honour,” said Sir Michael Kadoorie. “The award recognises excellence in masterful craftsmanship, attention to detail, tradition and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating the world’s most exceptional motor car at this prestigious event.”
The below lists the finalists that are under this year’s consideration for The Third Annual Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award:
- 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider by Touring: Amelia Island Concours de Sport
Being one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time, this impeccably restored vehicle is apart of the same class as the most sought-after Alfa models of the 1930s. Based off the oppressive racing version and featuring coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, this elegant Alfa Romeo is one of just seven Touring Spiders that were assembled with the long-wheelbase 2.9-litre chassis.
- 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale, design by Giovanni Michelotti: The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup, Cavallino Classic
Based on a model constructed mainly for competition, this small-bodied, right-hand-drive, open-top Ferrari was constructed for the Portuguese Ambassador in France, Jorge da Cunha d’Almeida Araujo. Its uncomplicated charm and elegance was actualized by Vignale, after a sketch drawn by consultant stylist Giovanni Michelotti.
- 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Coupé Atlantic, design by Jean Bugatti: Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille
Powered by a supercharged engine and also considered by many to be the first supercar ever made, the iconic rivets on this automobile penned by Jean Bugatti, Ettore’s son, are a result of the inability of the magnesium-alloy body panels to be welded for fear of them catching fire. Under the care of the Mullin Automotive Museum, this Bugatti Coupé, which was limited to only three models, remains one of the most elegant crown jewels on the automotive circuit.
- 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale Prototipo by Bertone, design by Franco Scaglione: Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
The extraordinary dark red streamlined prototype was shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1957. Its historical calibre lies in its famous place as a link between Franco Scaglione’s legendary Alfa Romeo Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica design studies and the production version of the Giulietta Sprint Speciale models that followed. Complementing the fluid body lines was a highly-tuned, lightweight aluminium 1.3-litre engine that can distribute 100 horsepower.
- 1933/35 Lancia Astura Aerodinamica Coupé by Castagna: Concours of Elegance UK
Lancias were brilliantly engineered cars and Vittorio Mussolini, son of Benito, wanted to enter their latest model, the V8-engined Astura, in racing. He then ordered a body built by Castagna, which was initially prepared for an Alfa Romeo, to replace the original body fitted on this car after having suitably modified the vehicle’s chassis. This one-off was reborn following its seven-year restoration and has just recently won several awards on the concours circuit.
- 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet by Pinin Farina: Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance
The 250 series established the Ferrari legend. Berlinettas and spiders completely dominated racing, whilst coupés and cabriolets were sold to prominent clients who enjoyed their Gran Turismo capabilities and did not mind displaying their wealth. Pinin Farina had become Ferrari’s favourite coachbuilder and penned this supremely elegant open two seater that was a perfect match for the music of its 3-litre, V12 engine.
- 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Roadster by Barker: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
This stunning car is the result of German engineering combined with British craftsmanship. Built together with lightweight tourer coachwork by Barker of London while sporting a Ferdinand Porsche designed 7-litre supercharged engine, it is the vision of the British race car driver Lord Howe; which actually explains the striking Curzon Blue hue (the Howe family colour). It has since been restored by it’s current owner to the exact specifications of the noble family.
- 1964 ATS 2500 GTS Coupé by Allemano, design by Franco Scaglione: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
The ATS is the first Italian GT mid-engined car. It was developed by ex-Ferrari engineers who had left after a row with Mrs Ferrari. In correlation they ran a Formula One team but results were not up to the expectations and backers soon retired. Between seven and ten road cars were all that was produced, each sporting tasteful Allemano coachwork, of which this is an even rarer lightweight version with a 2.5-litre, V8 engine.
This year’s Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award will highlight the Best of Show winners that are under consideration by 24 highly-renowned motorcar authorities, famed designers and prominent celebrities, including acclaimed TV show host, Jay Leno; H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent; Chief Creative Officer at Pinin Farina, Fabio Filippini; Ken Okuyama; Formula One race cars and McLaren F1 road car designer, Gordon Murray; Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racer, Jean Todt; Ralph Lauren; Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz and all brands of Daimler AG, Gordon Wagener; and many more…
For more information visit: Peninsula.com
