A 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, from the Monaco-based Destriero Collection (above, photo courtesy of Peninsula Classics), was named winner of the prestigious second-annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award during Monterey Classic Car Week.
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, the sports car is based on the very successful two-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 racecars 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 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 in 2016. These gentlemen all 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,” said Sir Michael Kadoorie. “The sensitive retention of its originality allows this stunning motorcar to emerge as the most elegant preservation among its 1954 counterparts. 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: a 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta Cúpula from the Amelia Island Concours de Sport; a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Superfast II by Pinin Farina from the The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup, Cavallino Classic; a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta by Touring from the Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille; a 1938 Dubonnet Xenia Coupé by Saoutchik from the Concours of Elegance UK; a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Coupé by Bertone from the Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance; a 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Tipo Bocca by Pinin Farina from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; and a 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider by Pinin Farina from The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
The winning vehicle was selected after being reviewed by 24 motorcar experts, designers and notable celebrities in the motoring world. For further information, please visit http://peninsula.com/bestofthebest
