The 29th annual Cavallino Classic Concorso d’Eleganza was held on the lawn of The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, FL. This year’s show celebrated 60 years of the 250 SWB California, 60 years of the 250 GTE 2+2, 35 years of the 328 and 25 years of the F50.
The Californias came out in force with 8 examples of the model being on display for judging. I don’t recall ever seeing this many Californias in one place, and with such pedigree. As always, being on the lawn for the placing of the cars is always the best chance to take unobstructed shots and with rain being nowhere in sight the lighting conditions were very good.
If choosing the best car at the show is tough, perhaps choosing a favorite is easier. For me, it was the stunning California shown below (which actually won the California Cup). I had seen this car all over social media after it made an appearance at car week last summer. What a truly amazing example and in a color that is just absolutely breathtaking. The car was beautifully restored and it just makes an incredible statement.
While the California was my favorite, there was some incredibly tough competition on the lawn. Not only from the other Californias present, but from cars like a 1952 340 Mexico Vignale Berlinetta, a 1963 250 GTO TDF, a 1958 250 GT LWB TDF, a 1956 500 TR, and many others. Each year I go through the daunting task of picking a favorite and just as I’ve decided on a particular car, I notice something on a different car that makes me think twice.
The Ferraris that took home the Best of Show trophies for Competition and GT classes, were a 1954 735 S Monza Scaglietti Spider and a 1951 340 America Ghia Coupe respectively. I was very surprised that the 340 took home the trophy as I have seen a few examples before that were not top of mind for the crowd. Nevertheless I was happy for the owners and I’m sure they were too.
The rest of the show field, as they say, was the cherry on top. There was a small contingent of the celebrated 250 GTE 2+2 as well as a small row of 328’s, with the 328 below having less than a thousand miles. There was even a brand new SP1 in the middle of the lawn!
Add to that a sprinkling of Dinos, Boxers, F40’s, 355’s and everything else under the sun and it made out for a pretty successful show. I’ve been attending Cavallino long enough to know that every car on display is the pride and joy of an owner and it is the owners that make the show possible.
Can’t wait to see what is in store for next year, it will be the 30th anniversary of the show and everyone can be sure it’s going to be something spectacular. See you next year!
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