1937 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible and 1953 Ferrari 250MM evoke the legends of Hartmann, Vignale, Hill and Ferrari.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., July 25, 2021 – Hagerty today announced the two Best in Show recipients at the 42nd annual Concours d’Elegance of America. More than 270 vehicles representing 24 classes were judged, the results tallied and the two top vehicles recognized as Best in Show Foreign and Best in Show American. The American award went to a 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible by Hartmann while the Foreign award was earned by a 1953 Ferrari 250MM by Vignale.
“There is a special language surrounding a concours d’elegance – the setting, the cars, the culture,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “The Cadillac and Ferrari selected by today’s judges exemplify that language and the level of competition at today’s Concours d’Elegance of America. Congratulations to all entrants, their teams and the winners.”
“Our 42nd concours was indicative of this summer’s car community resurgence,” said Larry Moss, board chairman of the Concours d’Elegance of America. “The record-breaking attendance wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our host, the Inn at St. Johns as well as the hard work of our volunteers.”
About: Best in Show American
Vehicle: 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible by Hartmann
Class: American Classic Open
Collection: The Patterson Collection
In 1937, Phillippe Barraud, a wealthy paper mill heir of Lausanne, Switzerland, decided to build the most ostentatious automobile he could imagine. Wanting to best the Delahaye Roadsters he saw in Paris, he chose the imposing Cadillac V-16 chassis with a 154-inch wheelbase as his starting point. His desire to oversee all aspects of the build led him to a local craftsman named Willy Hartmann. The result is a 22-foot long two passenger roadster, unequalled in both scale and style.
The current owner purchased this car in 2015 and sent it for a complete concours level restoration. When acquired, it was intact and retained the original drivetrain and much of the original bodywork. There were numerous modifications, but after intense research and many hours, it has been returned to its original splendor. This Series 90 V-16 Convertible with Coachwork by Hartmann is a national award winner.
About: Best in Show Foreign
1953 Ferrari 250MM
Class: Sports Car Early
Collection: The Cultivated Collector
In the early 1950’s, race car enthusiasts convinced Enzo Ferrari that he should build some roadworthy touring cars as well as his signature race cars. This 1953 Ferrari 250MM, serial 0260MM, was delivered directly to legendary racer Phil Hill in April 1953 and he immediately drove it to victory in the Pebble Beach Road Race in the Sports Car class.
Hill would go on to successfully campaign this car throughout the 1953 racing season. In their April 1953 issue, Road & Track magazine stated that this was the fastest car they had tested to date. The 3-liter, Colombo-designed V12 Ferrari produced more than 240-horsepower. This actual car was Ferrari’s New York Salon car in 1953.
Of the two Series 1 Vignale Spyders produced, this is the only one that retains its original coachwork.
Final concours class winners will be shared on Monday, July 26.
Planning is underway for the September 2022 show to be held in Detroit, Michigan with the Detroit Institute of Arts as the hub of the multi-location experience. “This new location honors Detroit’s heritage as a hub of commerce, industry, design and culture,” Hagerty said. “We couldn’t think of a better place to recognize the automobile than the Detroit Institute of Arts. It, and its 65,000 works of art, serve as the perfect backdrop as we celebrate the automobile – another signature achievement of mankind.”
About Hagerty
Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, Hagerty DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Media, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the Concours d’Elegance of America, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille and more. Hagerty is the world’s largest provider of specialty insurance for enthusiast vehicles. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.
