The Peninsula Classics 2020 Best of the Best Award Announces Finalists

The Peninsula Hotels, whose international hospitality brand has epitomised glamour and luxury for nearly a century, today announces the finalists for its sixth annual classic-car showcase, The Peninsula Classics 2020 Best of the Best Award. The line-up of nominees, which includes vehicles selected from the most prestigious concours events around the globe, seeks to identify the world’s most exceptional classic car. 


Founded in 2015 by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, along with co-founders William E. (Chip) Connor, Bruce Meyer and Christian Philippsen, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award spotlights classic cars built by internationally renowned manufacturers – including, in 2020, auto makers from Italy, Germany, and the United States, over a span of 40 years.


“As its name suggests, this award is a recognition of excellence,” said Christian Philippsen, who, as well as co-founding the award, has a long history of organising fine automotive events and auctions. “But the nominees don’t just represent some of the supreme historic achievements of the automotive industry; they also exemplify the synergy of artistry and engineering, and the immaculate restoration and preservation of heritage. These are values celebrated across myriad industries, in most every part of the world.”  

The Peninsula Classics 2020 Best of the Best Award nominees are*:


Germany
• 1969 Porsche 917 KH Coupé, coachwork by the Factory. 2020 Best of Show, Concours of Elegance Hampton Court Palace. 

Italy
• 1954 Ferrari 750 Monza, coachwork by Scaglietti. 2020 Best of Show, Cavallino Classic.
• 1931 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider, coachwork by Zagato. 2020 Best of Show, Salon Privé. 

United States
• 1929 Duesenberg Model J Town Limousine, coachwork by Murphy. 2020 Best of Show, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

* This year’s award has a contracted list of nominees due to cancellation or postponement of partner concours in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19. 


As in past years, the 2020 Best of the Best Award winner will be decided by a collective of 25 judges, comprising some of the automotive world’s most recognized luminaries. This year’s judges include designers like Anne Asensio (Vice President of Design Experience at Dassault Systèmes, a world leading company in innovation software) and Gordon Murray (former Formula 1 designer for Brabham and McLaren); and prominent classic-car collectors including English jeweller Laurence Graff and American television personality Jay Leno.


This year’s winning car will be announced on 9 February 2021.

More details about the award can be found on peninsula.com/bestofthebest.