The Winner Goes to 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta By Pinin Farina

1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta By Pinin Farina
Wins The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2016

World’s most exceptional car is commended for its stylish coachwork that epitomises classic Italian sports cars, and the elegant preservation of its originality.

The eagerly anticipated winner of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 2016 is a 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, from the Monaco-based Destriero Collection. The prestigious accolade, which is sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, Graff Diamonds and Rolex, was announced at a private dinner on 15 August 2017 during the Monterey Car Week.

Now in its second year, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awardbrings 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 winning vehicle was selected after being reviewed by 24 motorcar experts, designers and notable celebrities in the motoring world.

Only four Berlinetta-bodied sports cars were produced by Pinin Farina, and this exquisite model – which is the only one retaining its original chassis and body – is considered to be the best preserved. The uncompromising sporting style of the Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta won the Best in Show at the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Based on the successful two-litre racing car developed by the Maserati brothers, it debuted at the 1954 Paris Motor show. The sports car was first owned by Count Alberto Magi Diligenti of Italy, who entered it into several races, including the 1955 Mille Miglia.

“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 epitomises classic Italian sports cars. The sensitive retention of its originality allows this stunning motorcar to emerge as the most elegant preservation among its four 1954 counterparts,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, co-founder of the award and Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels.

“We were all in agreement that the Maserati deserved the award not only for its astounding display of modern innovation, but also because it has been restored in a way that preserves the design as it was intended to be appreciated, with a precise level of care for its historic and timeless automotive implications,” said Jay Leno, an award judge and acclaimed TV host of CNBC’s Jay Leno’s Garage.

The seven other finalists for the 2016 award were :

• 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

Discover more about The Peninsula Classic Best of the Best Award.