Best of the Best Award. Who’s the fairest of them all? 7th edition
19 August 2023 3 min read 8 images
Photo credit: Peninsula
7th edition 2021: Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione
For the third year in a row, The Peninsula Classic Best of the Best Award has been given to a Ferrari. This time it's a model from the golden age of road racing cars from the Prancing Horse stable: the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione. This metallic silver jewel, the same colour it left the factory in, follows the 1959 Ferrari 335 S and the 1954 750 Monza, both previous winners of the award. It’s interesting to note that three consecutive awards have gone to Ferraris, and none of them were painted in the iconic red that will be forever associated with the brand. It's a remarkable achievement that will be hard to match.
The competition was as fierce as ever, and the judges had their work cut out to reach a decision. Among the contenders were two other Italian cars of great value, including Pierre Noblet's Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, and a flawless Lancia Stratos HF Stradale in a rich blue hue.
However, the pre-war line up was even more intimidating, featuring three different versions of the Mercedes 540 K and two gems from the 1920s and 1930s: the Suiza H6B Cabriolet and the Avions Voisin Type C27 Aérosport Coupe.
The 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione now belongs to Brian Ross, who had it expertly restored to its original condition by renowned restorers Bacchelli and Villa. The car was also certified by Ferrari Classiche, which was able to verify its originality. One of just nine built, this car is also significant for its extensive motorsport heritage during its early days. It was immediately raced in the Mille Miglia and went on to participate in hill climbs, track events, and the famous Tour de France.
8th edition 2022: Delage Type D8-120 S Cabriolet
Being selected as the most beautiful of the most beautiful is a noteworthy accomplishment in itself. However, achieving what the Delage 120 S did by being crowned Best of The Best 2022 is a true triumph, especially given the calibre of the competing finalists.
But, in addition to honouring the car, this victory also paid homage to its owner, the Swiss collector Fritz Burkard, who has the rare merit of selecting cars with remarkable histories.
In this case, the Delage Type D8-120 S Cabriolet, bodied by de Villars, has a history that began from its origin in 1938: a singular and instant victory at the Concours de l’Auto de Printemps, its allure lies in the enchanting harmony of proportions, seamlessly blending the classic style of the early 30s with the aerodynamic and functional features that were the novelty of that period.
Though in high demand, the car was never sold, finally changing hands twenty years after its construction, when it had already covered 100,000 kilometres. Painstakingly cared for and meticulously restored, it has reached, 85 years later, the grand recognition championed by Sir Michael Kadoorie.
Among the contenders, beyond the Delage's prestigious Best of Show title at Hampton Court 2022, there were four pre-war icons in the final: two Duesenberg Model J cars, a 1922 Torpedo winner at Pebble Beach, and the other, a 1934 Grand Convertible, victorious at Amelia.
From Villa d’Este, the third Best was a Bugatti 57S Convertible, while from Chantilly - Paris - came the Dubonnet Xenia Coupé personally designed by André Dubonnet, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the future.
Just three post-war marvels were nominated for the coveted Best of the Best 2022 accolade: the magnificent 1956 Jaguar D-Type that marked the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winner at The Quail, and two Ferraris.
The first, a 250GT Passo Lungo designed by Zagato, clinched the top spot at Salon Privé, followed by the famous Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta, a three-seater dreamt up by Avvocato Agnelli, the President of Fiat, that claimed victory at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach.
Undoubtedly, an arduous task for the discerning experts, handpicked as every year, from the great personalities of the modern automobile world.
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