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The Peninsula Classics Best of Best award — the car show even more exclusive than Pebble Beach

True art, in its purest form, never dies or — more importantly — goes unappreciated. While the creators and their time may fade into history, the idea lives on. Such sentiments hold true in the world of classic cars, which aren’t just machines but moving works of art with rich stories to tell.

Among the few events that encapsulate this passion is the Concours d’Elegance (French for "competition of elegance"). Dating as far back as the 17th century, this prestigious award celebrates automotive excellence at the highest level, calling forth only the finest, most stunning automobiles to ‘glide’ across the earth.

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With each automobile hoping to impress a discerning panel of judges, only one can secure the ultimate title: the “Best of the Best.” This accolade celebrates the passion and dedication of collectors who pour their hearts — and fortunes — into preserving the spirit of timeless classics.

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Only the most elite classic cars in the world qualify for the Best of the Best award, as entry is limited to previous winners from renowned Concours d'Elegance events globally. This means that every contender has already proven its worth on some of the most prestigious stages, making the competition incredibly fierce. Only vehicles with impeccable histories, craftsmanship, and design are invited, raising the stakes for this exclusive trophy.

1937 Bugatti 57S
1937 Bugatti 57S

This year, an exclusive circle of car enthusiasts gathered at the all-new Peninsula Hotel in London, a venue as refined as the automobiles themselves. As iconic Ferraris and rare Bentleys rumbled through the stately grounds, a centuries-old tradition echoed in every rev and gleam.

The Peninsula London — a grand stage for a grand affair

Naturally, an event this grand and exclusive deserves a venue that matches its elegance. Enter the newly-built Peninsula Hotel in London, the perfect backdrop for the prestigious Concours d’Elegance.

Where there’s luxury, there’s indulgence. With over six stylish restaurants offering world-class dining and diverse cuisines, the judges’ wait becomes less nail-biting and more “palate-pleasing.” Also in store for guests is a fleet of bespoke vehicles — ranging from a classic ‘53 Rolls Royce Phantom to more sustainable BMW i7s and Bentayga Hybrids — ensuring they glide around the city in style.

<p>The Peninsula London</p>

The Peninsula London

View the 6 images of this gallery on the original article

The showstopper of the year

This year, the coveted trophy found its way to an American icon that embodies a golden era of style and power. The winning car, an immaculately preserved 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster, was a standout in a lineup dominated by European classics. Holding the keys to this masterpiece is an over-the-moon Bill H. Lyon, who felt honored — and more than a bit nostalgic — to carry on his family’s legacy.

1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster
1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster

This particular Duesenberg is one of only 38 supercharged examples and about 500 models overall. What makes it truly special, however, is the bespoke Gurney Nutting coachwork treatment, featuring a striking “Sun Glow” orange paint that flows across its dramatic fenders. Performance-wise, the 320-hp straight-eight engine was enough to hit a top speed of around 140 mph — a remarkable feat for its time.

1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster
1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster

This one-of-a-kind Duesenberg originally caught the eye of a Maharajah, who commissioned it with personal touches, including a unique wicker-made steering wheel and chrome flagsticks, fit for royalty. The car later returned to the United States in the 1950s after a brief sojourn in the subcontinent and has since remained an integral part of the Lyon Estate Car Collection.

1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster
1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster

The elite eight — rivals for the crown

The competition at this year’s event included some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful vehicles. Here’s a look at a few of the standout competitors:

Voisin C25 Aerodyne

One of only eight examples ever made, this C25 features iconic Art Deco, two-tone paintwork that highlights the aviation-inspired design of Gabriel Voisin. The C25 was ahead of its time, with a mechanically advanced chassis and an auto-retractable roof. It won "Best of Show" at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

1935 Voisin C25 Aerodyne
1935 Voisin C25 Aerodyne

1937 Bentley 4.25-litre Rothschild Sedanca Coupe

The only Bentley to qualify this year, this model features design work by Gurney Nutting — the same coachbuilder behind the winning Duesenberg Model SJ Speedster.

1937 Bentley 4.25-litre Rothschild Sedanca Coupé
1937 Bentley 4.25-litre Rothschild Sedanca Coupé

1937 Bugatti 57S Roadster

Draped in swooping Corsica coachwork, this Bugatti 57S has an intriguing past involving a hidden chassis once believed to be from its Grand Prix racing counterpart.

1937 Bugatti 57S Roadster
1937 Bugatti 57S Roadster

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

Originally ordered by King Muhammad Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, this Mercedes-Benz 540K was later transported to France and England before finding a home in Florida. The car remains highly original and has been meticulously restored to its regal glory.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster

1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta

Styled by Pininfarina, this Ferrari once competed in the 1953 Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today, it’s restored to road use in its original condition.

1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta
1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta

1955 Maserati A6GCS/53 Spyder

One of only three ever made, this Maserati has claimed "Best of Show" at the 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Hampton Court Palace and appeared at numerous other events, including Pebble Beach.

1955 Maserati A6GCS-53 Spyder
1955 Maserati A6GCS-53 Spyder

1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica ‘Superfast’ Coupe

With Pininfarina-designed "finned" coachwork and a tailor-made 4.9-liter V12, this Ferrari 410 Superfast represented the pinnacle of Italian grand tourers, capable of reaching over 185 mph.

1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica 'SuperFast' Coupé
1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica 'SuperFast' Coupé

A tradition of excellence

As this year’s Concours d’Elegance draws to a close, we’re reminded once again that a true passion for the automobile transcends time. While winning a “Best of the Best” accolade is every collector’s dream, it’s also a testament to the dedication required to keep automotive history — and excellence — alive.