In its inaugural year, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award brought together six of the world’s finest automobiles from top concours events internationally, to compete for the title of the most exceptional car in the world.

In a pinnacle moment during the esteemed Monterey Car Week, the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS, Chassis No. 90106 Coupé aérodynamique ‘Goutte d’Eau’, Figoni & Falaschi owned by Peter and Merle Mullin and The Peter Mullin Automotive Museum Foundation was named winner of the prestigious The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. 

This masterful coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi was previously the “Best in Show” winner at Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe and has won prizes at every major concours in pre-war Europe. The automobile is famed for having both redefined automotive style and having won top-level races. 

The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, and parent company of The Peninsula Hotels, together with award co-founders Christian Philippsen, William E. “Chip” Connor and Bruce Meyer, created this award in the spirit of celebrating the best of what defines the automotive world for the year. Philippsen is known as one of the world’s most prominent classic automobile authorities, Connor leads the world of international vintage car collecting, while also being a passionate amateur race car driver and Meyer is praised for having co-curated one of the premier vintage car collections in the United States at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Each of the founders are widely heralded as some the world’s foremost international motoring experts, brought together by their appreciation of fine motor vehicles, immaculate restoration and the preservation of their heritage. 

“It has been said that the look of the Talbot-Lago Teardrop epitomized speed, aerodynamic efficiency and elegance. Its form was perfect for an object in motion, resembling raindrops as they fall to earth,” said Kadoorie. “We are delighted to have awarded this exceptional motor car with the inaugural The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.” 

“I’m thrilled that Peter’s car won this year’s Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award,” said Jay Leno. “The judges were all in agreement that the Talbot deserved the award not only for its incredible look, but because Peter’s cars are always restored as originally intended to a precise level of historic time and detail, and that’s what makes the Talbot so special.”

“I’m very honored that this sculptural example of rolling art has been selected for this prestigious prize,” said Peter Mullin, Founder of the Mullin Automotive Museum and Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum. 

The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award trophy was designed by Douglas Young, founder of the HK lifestyle brand G.O.D. and produced by the Czech-based bespoke glass artisan brand, Lasvit. Created from hand-blown glass, bronze and stone, Young’s design inspiration was drawn from the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Lasvit has enjoyed a close relationship with The Peninsula Hotels over the years with custom glass installations for their properties in Paris and Hong Kong.

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