For The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awards’ fifth year, an award that draws eight of the concours circuits’ ‘Best of Show’ winners to compete against one another, a stunning 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder emerged as the champion among the competition which included some of the most coveted and timeless automobiles ever produced. This year’s winner, which boasted coachwork by Scaglietti, was dubbed the ‘Best of the Best’ after claiming “Best of Show” at the 2019 Cavallino Classic. You may be curious as to what contributed in making the car stand out among its fierce competition? Aside from its irrefutably breathtaking exterior design and famed Ferrari V12 engine, this 335 S Spyder offered finely-detailed accounts of its past glory both inside and outside the racing circuit.
When the classic 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder was showcased at The Peninsula Paris during a private party, the car soon became the center of attention as it defeated the other seven competitors that were chosen for their own distinguishable qualities. The Ferrari’s sleek body, incredible curves, powerful engine and extensive documented provenance surely contributed to its victory. It was a great battle between these fellow nominated vehicles due to the fact that each of them were the 2019 Best of Show winners hailing from top-class concours events from across the globe. The judges for this competition included leading figures in the automotive world, such as names like Henry Ford III, Jay Leno and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd.
“It is difficult as a judge to choose a winner for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award because each vehicle has already been selected as one of the best and most prestigious in the world and they’re all immaculate,” states Jay Leno. “For 2019, we selected the Ferrari due to its extremely detailed history, including its racing heritage. Of course, it’s also an incredibly beautiful vehicle.”
Having previously been on display at the New York International Auto Show in 1959, this particular Ferrari competed on multiple raceways in the United States, including Watkins Glen, Daytona International Speedway and the Virginia International Speedway. The last of which resulted in the car sustaining a blown motor in May of 1960. Following this incident, repair costs were so exceedingly high that the Ferrari was left to rest at a New York customs facility where it remained unclaimed and patiently awaiting the day for it to be unleashed upon the world.
Although this Ferrari’s nap at the customs facility was not too excessive, it still had taken roughly three years until the car was eventually acquired in April 1963 for around $1,000 USD. The car was then passed through the hands of many owners and across many countries from 1963 to 2013, until it reached the hands of Andreas Mohringer of Salzburg, Austria. Mohringer wanted to fully restore the car to its former glory, so he commissioned a complete restoration by Paul Russell and company. The firm, which is famed for specializing in restoration, preservation and maintenance of fine vintage vehicles, truly demonstrated their skills as the Ferrari once again made a name for itself by claiming Best of Show winner at Cavallino Classic and later obtaining the Best of the Best award. Other notable achievements from the years before include being the top of its class at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as well as the best of show for the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza d’Este.
“This Ferrari is the ultimate combination of beautiful Scaglietti coachwork and racing pedigree,” said Andreas Mohringer, the vehicle’s owner. “After restoring this extremely noteworthy car back to its former glory, it is an absolute joy to share it with the world. We’re thrilled that the judges have recognized how special this vehicle is and it is a great honour to be presented with this prestigious award.”
The private party held at the The Peninsula Paris’ subterranean garage announced the 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder as the winner of the award in a very exciting way. After dinner came to a close, a vertical bi-fold door together with numerous lighting effects wowed the crowd as the vehicle made its entrance into the festivities. Big names within the automotive world, international press and authoritative members of Parisian society ended the party with a high-note as they danced to music by Model and Dj Amber Le Bon.
“As the automobile industry continues to evolve, not least technologically, with each passing year, celebrating the beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship that defined a century of automobile manufacturing takes on an ever-greater significance” said William E (Chip) Connor, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award , Chairman and CEO of William E. Connor & Associates Ltd., a regular judge and vintage racer. “Everyone associated with this fantastic award should be proud of the work they have done.”
For more information visit: The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award
Images Credit: Peter Singhof
