Automotive Masterpieces Vie for Prestigious Peninsula Classics Award

The Peninsula, a global brand synonymous with glamour and luxury, has announced the eight finalists for its prestigious automotive honor, The Peninsula Classics 2023 Best of the Best Award. This esteemed competition, set to take place on September 3, 2024, at The Peninsula London, celebrates the world's most exceptional classic cars, each a winner of the highest accolades at major 2023 concours events.

Unveiling the Automotive Gems Vying for the Coveted Prize

Duesenberg Model J Speedster: A Supercharged Masterpiece

Among the finalists is a 1935 Duesenberg Model J Speedster, which captured the coveted 2023 Best of Show award at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. This rare and remarkable vehicle is one of only 38 supercharged Duesenberg Model Js ever produced, and one of just 30 chassis that were delivered to European coachbuilders. Commissioned by the Maharajah Holkar of Indore, this unique SJ model features a supercharged engine and a 153½-inch-long wheelbase chassis, making it a true standout in the automotive world.

Voisin C25 Aerodyne: An Art Deco Masterpiece

Another finalist, the 1935 Voisin C25 Aerodyne, was selected as the Best of Show at The Amelia in 2023, having previously won the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2011. This avant-garde design, first displayed in 1935 at the Lyon Fair and the Concours d'Elegance at the Place Bellecour, is a true Art Deco masterpiece. With its distinctive two-tone paint, wraparound pontoon fenders, low-faired-in headlights, high beltline, skirted rear fenders, and automated retractable roof, the Aerodyne is a testament to the progressive design of its era. Of the 28 C25s produced, only four such cars are believed to survive today, making this finalist a true rarity.

Bugatti 57S Roadster: A Racing Pedigree Revealed

The sole Bugatti in this year's finalist group is a 1937 Bugatti 57S Roadster with coachwork by Corsica, which was awarded Best of Show at the 2023 Salon Privé. When the car's fifth owner, engineer William Turnbull, undertook a restoration in 1969, he discovered that the chassis was not a standard 57S, but rather had the same specifications as the Grand Prix cars. This revelation suggests that this particular 57S Roadster may be the missing "Tank" chassis from the 1936 Grand Prix Team, making it a truly exceptional and historically significant vehicle.

Bentley 4.25-litre Rothschild Sedanca Coupé: A Bespoke Masterpiece

Also included among the finalists is a 1937 Bentley 4.25-litre Rothschild Sedanca Coupé, which won Best of Show at the 2023 Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours of Elegance. This stunning vehicle was originally commissioned in 1936 by La Comtesse Yvonne Lydia Cahen d'Anvers, Madame de Rothschild, and designed by the 23-year-old John Blatchley, Gurney Nutting's newly appointed designer. The resulting design, which took nearly a year to build, is a true testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the era.

Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster: A Royal Provenance

The next finalist, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster, won Best of Show 2023 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to the original Kommission document, this exceptional vehicle was ordered for King Mohammad Zahir Shah of Afghanistan in May 1937 and delivered to him in Kabul that September. During World War II, the car was sent to France and stored at the Afghanistan Embassy in Paris, where it remained until 1948. The king then gifted the car to his son-in-law, who brought it to England in 1950 and drove it only occasionally in London until 1952, adding to its remarkable provenance.

Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta: A Storied Racing Pedigree

Three iconic Italian marques are also represented among the finalists, starting with a 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta, which was deemed Best of Show at the 2023 Cavallino Classic. In 1953, this car was driven in the Mille Miglia by Count Bruno Sterzi, as well as in other races such as the 12-hour Pescara and the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti. Over time, the car underwent various modifications, including the addition of a split windshield, rear window vents, roll-down windows, a central single hood latch, and chromed stripes below the doors, before being returned to its original configuration by the current owner.

Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder: A Rare and Exceptional Roadster

Also in the running is the 1955 Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder, which won Best of Show 2023 at the Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace. This car is one of only three Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyders coach-built by Pietro Frua. In 1960, the car came into the possession of its first U.S. owner, Jack Eubank, and was subsequently shown at numerous concours in California, including Pebble Beach in 1964, further adding to its impressive pedigree.

Ferrari 410 Superamerica "Superfast" Coupé: A Futuristic Masterpiece

The final 2023 contender is the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica "Superfast" Coupé, which was the Best of Show winner at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering 2023. This one-of-a-kind vehicle features a bespoke body by Pinin Farina, complete with futuristic tailfins, and a custom-built 4.9-liter V-12 engine with twin-ignition and 24 spark-plugs, developed by Aurelio Lampredi for the long-distance Ferrari racing 410 Sport. This "Superfast" model was one of the fastest grand touring cars of its time, showcasing Ferrari's engineering prowess and design innovation.