On August 15th, 2017 at a momentous private gathering during acclaimed Monterey Car Week, the winner of the second-annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award was declared. The winner, a 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina from the Monaco-based Destriero Collection, became the champion from a select lineup of 8 distinguished “Best of Show” finalists. Pinin Farina have only manufactured a limited four Berlinetta-bodied sports cars through the years, with this one being the best preserved model, evident by it retaining its original chassis and body.
The car, which made its first debut at the 1954 Paris Motor show, was originally owned by Count Alberto Magi Diligenti of Italy, who entered the vehicle in numerous races such as the the 1955 Mille Miglia. The 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta was based on the prosperous 2-litre racing car developed by the Maserati brothers. It is depictive of the coachbuilding artistry of the 1950s as demonstrated by its resolute sporting design, which played a decisive factor in it winning Best in Show at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
“The 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta is a superb example of the beauty of Pinin Farina’s designs, which are synonymous with the coachwork that epitomizes classic Italian sports cars. The sensitive retention of its originality allows this stunning motorcar to emerge as the most elegant preservation among its 1954 counterparts,” said business executive and philanthropist Sir Michael Kadoorie. “We are thrilled to award this exceptional vehicle with the second annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.”
The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, presently in its second year, has assembled eight of the world’s finest race cars from the leading international concours events to contend for the grand title of the world’s most superlative, classic automobile. This year, the celebrated event had sponsorships with many renowned names of which include The Peninsula Hotels, Graff Diamonds, and Rolex.
“I couldn’t be happier that the 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta won The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award this year,” said Jay Leno. “We were all in agreement that the Maserati deserved the award not only for its astounding display of modern innovation, but also because it has been restored in a way that preserves the design as it was intended to be appreciated, with a precise level of care for its historic and timeless automotive implications.”
The Peninsula Hotels were proud to sponsor The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, a natural extension of the group’s passion, dedication, and appreciation for luxury, travel and the motoring lifestyle. The Peninsula Hotel group was recognized for their elegant architectural designed hotels, tactful assimilation of technological capabilities and services, and comprehensive fleet of luxury transport. The group contributed their heritage and expertise in making the celebration of the very best in the motoring world a huge success.
The other seven finalists for the award were as follows:
- 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Tipo Bocca by Pinin Farina: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
- 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta by Touring: Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille
- 1938 Dubonnet Xenia Coupé by Saoutchik: Concours of Elegance UK
- 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta Cúpula: Amelia Island Concours de Sport
- 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider by Pinin Farina: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
- 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Superfast II by Pinin Farina: The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup, Cavallino Classic
- 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Coupé by Bertone: Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance
For more information visit: Peninsula.com/BestofTheBest
Photo Credit: Adam Swords
