Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – 23 August 2017 –
At a highly-anticipated private gathering during the famed Monterey Car Week, a 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, from the Monaco-based Destriero Collection, was named winner of the prestigious second-annual 1.
1 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina was named winner of the prestigious The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. Photo Credit: Adam Swords
Only four Berlinetta-bodied sports cars from Pinin Farina were ever produced, and this exquisite model is considered to be the best preserved, as it is the only one that retains its original chassis and body. Custom ordered by the Roman dealer of the marque, the sports car is based on the very successful 2-liter racing car developed by the Maserati brothers. Its uncompromising sporting style is highly representative of the coachbuilding artistry of the 1950s, helping it win Best in Show at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Originally debuted at the 1954 Paris Motor show, the automobile was first owned by Count Alberto Magi Diligenti of Italy, who entered the vehicle in a number of races, including the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Now in its second year, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award brought together eight of the world’s finest race cars from the top international concours events to compete for the title of the most exceptional car in the world. The prestigious event is sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, Graff Diamonds, and Rolex.
The founders of the award are each internationally known as some of the world’s foremost motoring experts, and were brought together by their shared passion for fine motor vehicles, impeccable restorations, as well as the preservation of tradition and heritage.
The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, parent company of The Peninsula Hotels, together with award co-founders Christian Philippsen, William E. “Chip” Connor II and Bruce Meyer, created the award that debuted in 2016. Philippsen is regarded as one of the world’s most prominent classic automobile authorities, while Connor leads the world of international vintage car collecting as well as being a passionate amateur race car driver, and Meyer is a founding chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum. The gentleman each cite a passion for automotive excellence as the inspiration behind the creation of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.
“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 Sir Michael Kadoorie. “We are thrilled to award this exceptional vehicle with the second annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.”
The other finalists for the award were as follows:
- 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta Cúpula: Amelia Island Concours de Sport
- 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Superfast II by Pinin Farina: The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup, Cavallino Classic
- 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta by Touring: Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille
- 1938 Dubonnet Xenia Coupé by Saoutchik: Concours of Elegance UK
- 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Coupé by Bertone: Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance
- 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Tipo Bocca by Pinin Farina: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
- 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider by Pinin Farina: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
