Eight distinguished automobiles have been selected as finalists for the 3rd annual Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, with the ultimate winner to be announced during a private dinner at The Peninsula Paris on Thursday, February 8, 2018, during the famed Retromobile event in the French capital. As the only five-star luxury property in the city with a subterranean garage, The Peninsula Paris’ lower level will also serve as the venue for the exclusive reveal after-party for additional guests following the private announcement.
“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 honor on the concours circuit,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, co-founder of the award and Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, 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 honor. The award recognizes 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 eight chosen vehicles, representing the “Best of Show” honorees from the world’s top Concours events, are:
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider by Touring: from the Amelia Island Concours de Sport
1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale, design by Giovanni Michelotti: winner of The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup at the Cavallino Classic
1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Coupé Atlantic, design by Jean Bugatti: from the Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille
1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale Prototipo by Bertone, design by Franco Scaglione: from the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
1933/35 Lancia Astura Aerodinamica Coupé by Castagna: from the Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace
1957 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet by Pinin Farina: from Goodwood’s Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance
1929 Mercedes-Benz S Roadster by Barker: from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
1964 ATS 2500 GTS Coupé by Allemano, design by Franco Scaglione: from The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering (above, photo courtesy of Best of the Best)
The cars will be judged by a panel of two dozen automotive experts and industry observers, among them Corvette and Cobra Coupe designer Peter Brock, Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, Henry Ford III, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Ralph Lauren, Jay Leno, The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, F1 champion designer Gordon Murray, Italian motorsports historian Adolfo Orsi Jr., FIA President Jean Todt and retired GM design leader Ed Wellburn.
