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A one-of-nine 1956 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione was presented with The Peninsula Classics 2021 Best of the Best Award at the Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Monterey yesterday (Sunday 14 August).
Every year, the Best of the Best Award is contested by classic cars that have already won one of the world’s most prestigious concours that year.
This rare Ferrari was in the running having scooped the top prize at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
It means the Maranello marque has secured this accolade twice in two years. The Best of the Best 2020 was a 1954 Ferrari 750 Monza that first claimed Best of Show at Florida’s Cavallino Classic.
The latest winning Ferrari was built in 1956 and was campaigned in events including the Mille Miglia and the 1959 Tour de France.
Over time, modifications such as a new rear spoiler, a revised front grille and a lowered nose were applied to enhance its racing capabilities.
The car was also used to test an early version of Ferrari’s 12B V12 engine.
In 2000, work began to restore this 250GT to its original specification.
This included a return to its factory body colour, the fitting of a blue leather interior and the removal of some race-inspired upgrades.
In 2016, the car was sent to Bacchelli & Villa in Italy for further restoration work.
The Ferrari had to fight off stiff competition for the 2021 Best of the Best Award, including a 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, a 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet, plus a home-grown rival in the form of a 1957 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Tour de France.
The Lancia had secured its place on the Best of the Best shortlist having triumphed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Cartier Style et Luxe concours in summer 2021, while the Hispano-Suiza was Best of Show at the Amelia Island Concours. The 250GT Tour de France was Best in Show at the 2021 Cavallino Classic. Check out all the contenders here.
“Winning the Best of the Best Award is a great achievement and a true honour,” said Brian Ross, owner of the winning Ferrari.
“It is a magnificent recognition of the multiple years spent trying to get my hands on this 250GT and the hard work that went into the years-long restoration process.”
Images: The Peninsula Hotels
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