The week long festivities in California attracted once more several VIP personalities,
like Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart,
who summed up perfectly the essence of the
Concours: “The elegance and splendor of
the cars that race, as well as those on show
throughout the event, represent the ultimate in
motor sport aesthetics. They reflect a global
appreciation for the past and its traditions.
The people who buy the cars, who restore
them, show them and race them are pursuing
excellence in style and precision. What I see
at Monterey always gives me a feeling of
great pride.”
There were many strong contenders for Best
of Show this year. Final nominees included a
1938 Delahaye 165 Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet and a 1931 Stutz DV-32 LeBaron Convertible Victoria.
But it was the 1936 Lancia Asturia Pininfarina Cabriolet that took home the big prize,
one of six similar cars built for a Lancia dealer
in Biella, Italy. This particular vehicle, which
once belonged to guitarist Eric Clapton, has
undergone two complete restorations, the
most recent one taking five years, and now
resides with its owner Richard Mattei in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
“This Lancia is a true combination of speed
and style,” said Concours Chairman Sandra
Button. “Pininfarina took a fantastic car and
added many spectacular attributes, including
a power top, curved side glass windows and
the unusual basket-woven trim. This car is sport
and luxury embodied.”
Photo Rolex / Tom O’Neill