The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award goes too…!
Eight contenders vied for the prestigious Best of the Best award at the Quail Lodge on August 14, 1022.
The 8 top selections were
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione
This beauty scored the Best of Show prize at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This jaunty rapscallion is one of nine built, and competed in the Mille Miglia only five days after it was delivered. Brian Ross
1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France
The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France was originally owned by racer Pierre Noblet. One complete restoration (and many years) later, the Ferrari won Best in Show at the Cavallino Classic.
1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale
One of only 500 road-going cars which were built for World Rally Championship homologation, this Lancia was restored by Carrozzeria Dino Cognolato. This HF scored the top prize at the Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance, and is widely considered to be one of the world’s top examples.
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn-Kurier
The high-speed tuned Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn-Kurier is the only one of its kind on the planet, and won the 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster
The Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster boasts a disappearing top and suicide doors (not to mention its Best of Show award at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering).
1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A
The 540 K Cabriolet A, whose supercharged inline-8 engine endowed it with an impressive triple-digit top speed, won the Best in Show at the Salon Privé Concours.
1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet
This 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet, whose wildly varied ownership history includes the King of Tunisia, the 12 Hours of Sebring founder, and a Long Island mail man.
1934 Avions Voison Type C27 Aérosport Coupe
The 1934 Avions Voison Type C27 Aérosport Coupe, one of only two C27s built. Miraculously, this specimen was saved from being sold for scrap metal and restored in 2004 by Dominique Tessier, who rebuilt the Hampton Court Palace Concours winner from just three reference photos of the original.
Which of these amazing classic cars stands atop this impossibly elegant group of the Best of the Best?
AND THE WINNER IS:
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione owned by Brian Ross
he 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione as the winner of its highest honor, The Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award. The exclusive accolade selects a winner from an elite group of exceptional classic cars that have won significant awards at the previous year’s most prestigious concours events. The Ferrari became eligible for consideration after winning the Best of Show trophy at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
One of nine 250 GT Berlinetta Competiziones ever built, the 1956 Ferrari has an extensive motorsports heritage competing in the famous Mille Miglia, several hill climbs and the 1959 Tour de France. During its racing career, the Ferrari was modernized by Carrozzeria Scaglietti with a lowered nose, smaller grille, covered headlamps and a rear spoiler. Years later, it was discovered that this 250 GT was fitted with the first prototype of Ferrari’s 12B V12 engine. The rarity of the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione, its racing pedigree and meticulous restoration helped it stand out from a field of competitors and win the coveted Best of the Best Award.
“With such an illustrious selection of finalists this year, the judging process was especially challenging,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie. “Our group of eight classic automobiles represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, artistry and engineering. All of them are excellent representatives of automotive history, but one rose to the top to receive our highest honor and recognition with the Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award.”
Selecting the winner of The Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award was an esteemed group of 25 judges representing a diverse selection of renowned automotive enthusiasts and design experts. Among them were legendary car designer Fabio Filippini, the Chief Creative Officer for Genesis Design and Brand Luc Donckerwolke, former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, previous Chief Designer for General Motors and Senior Designer for Porsche AG Ken Okuyama, acclaimed fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Ford Motor Company Board of Directors member Henry Ford III, former Design Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ian Cameron, comedian and television host Jay Leno, and others.
After its early motorsports achievements, the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione was sold to Claus Ahlefeld of Denmark in 1968. It remained in Ahlefeld’s extensive private collection for 32 years. During the majority of that time, the rare Ferrari was on display at the Egeskov Veteran Car Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of vintage cars and aircraft.
In 2000, Sam and Emily Mann acquired the car and began an extensive restoration process to return the 250 GT to its initial configuration. The body was repainted in its original silver-grey colour and refitted with a blue leather interior. Six years after its detailed restoration and 50 years after its construction, the Ferrari was displayed for the first time and awarded Platinum honors and the Gran Turismo Cup for Best of Show GT at the Cavallino Classic.
After being purchased by its current owner in 2016, the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione was shipped to Bacchelli & Villa in Italy for further work by the renowned restoration facility. After certification by Ferrari Classiche, the 250 GT obtained the coveted Red Book before winning Villa d’Este Best of Show and The Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award.
“Winning the Best of the Best Award is a great achievement and a true honor,” said Mr. Brian Ross, owner of the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione. “It is a magnificent recognition of the multiple years spent trying to get my hands on this 250 GT and the hard work that went into the years-long restoration process. All of the other nominees have fantastic vehicles so I am incredibly humbled to be selected by the acclaimed judges for this award. Winning Best of the Best is a true dream."
The Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award celebration was hosted for the first time on the beautiful grounds of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, on August 14, 2022.
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