For the first time since 2007, an American car secured the coveted Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 18 August, as Joseph and Margie Cassini III took a popular home victory with their magnificent 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Convertible Victoria.
The unique Dietrich-bodied V12 was selected from an all-pre-war shortlist and saw off competition from a Lincoln, a Rolls-Royce and a Hispano-Suiza to take the top prize at the prestigious Californian classic set in the dramatic environs of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Club.
“I won in 2004 and the second time around it’s even more exciting,” said Joseph. “It’s almost an impossible dream to have lightning strike twice.”
Special classes this year included coachbuilder Vanvooren, plus anniversary celebrations of Lamborghini, Aston Martin and the Porsche 911 (above), and one-marque groups highlighting Simplex, Lincoln, Packard, Duesenberg, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes and Ferrari.
There was also a one-model class for the BMW 507 and a breathtaking non-competitive display of 28 Alfa Romeo 8Cs ahead of their forthcoming tour of the Rockies.
None could match the winners of the Indy roadster group (above) for drama across the block, although Bruce Meyer's outrageous 1970 Porsche 935 K3 (Porsche 935 Competition) and Henry David' 1966 Ford GT40 (Postwar Sports Racing) ran them close.