A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Coupé aérodynamique ‘Goutte d’Eau’ body by Figoni & Falaschi was the winner of the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. In its inaugural year, the award brought six automobiles from top Concours events to compete for the title of the most exceptional car in the world.
“It has been said that the look of the Talbot-Lago Teardrop epitomized speed, aerodynamic efficiency and elegance. Its form was perfect for an object in motion, resembling raindrops as they fall to earth,” said Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotel’s, and parent company of The Peninsula Hotels.
The coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi was previously the “Best in Show” winner at Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe and has won prizes at every major Concours in pre-war Europe. The automobile is famed for having both redefined automotive style, and having won top-level races.
The winning automobile was selected after being reviewed by 24 motorcar experts, designers and celebrities.
Judges:
- Anne Asensio, best known for her work as former Executive Design Director at General Motors
- Chris Bangle, best known for his work as Chief of Design for the BMW Group
- Singh Manvendra Barwani, well known auto enthusiast and curator of the Indian Cartier Style et Luxe
- Peter Brock, best known for his work on the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe and Corvette Sting Ray
- Ian Callum, Director of Design for Jaguar Cars
- Ian Cameron, Brand Ambassador and former Chief Designer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
- Miles Collier, who spearheaded the design behind the world-class Collier Collection
- Luc Donckerwolke, designer for Hyundai’s Genesis premium brand
- Fabio Filippini, Design Director of Pininfarina
- Henry Ford III, the great-great grandson of Ford Motor founder Henry Ford
- The Earl of March, Founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and President of the British Automobile Racing Club
- Ralph Lauren, global fashion tycoon
- Jay Leno, who is currently launching the second season of Jay Leno’s Garage on NBC
- Flavio Manzoni, automobile designer best known for his work at Ferrari, Lancia and Volkswagen
- Nick Mason, former Pink Floyd drummer and classic car enthusiast
- François Melcion, Director of Rétromobile chez Comexposium
- Gordon Murray, best known for his work as a designer of Formula One race cars and the McLaren F1 road car
- Shiro Nakamura, the Japanese car designer currently serves as Senior Vice President of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
- Ken Okuyama, is widely known for his work with Pininfarina, where he designed and supervised projects such as the Enzo Ferrari and Ferrari P4/5
- Adolfo Orsi Jr., well known auto historian and grandson and son of Adolfo and Omer Orsi, owners of Maserati between 1937 and 1967
- Frank Stephenson, McLaren’s Automotive Design Director
- Jean Todt, after a career as a rally co-driver he worked in motor sport management, first with Peugeot Talbot Sport, then with Scuderia Ferrari, before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari before assuming his current role as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
- Gorden Wagener, Chief Designer of Mercedes-Benz
- Edward T. Welburn, former Vice President of Global Design at General Motors who retired in July 2016 after 44 years at GM
Other Finalists:
- 1903 Mercedes 60HP Simplex: Concours of Elegance
- 1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A F. Ramseier & Cie Worblaufen Cabriolet: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
- 1930 Cord L29 Brooks Stevens Speedster: Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
- 1965 Ferrari 166 P / 206 SP Dino 0834: Cavallino Classic
- 1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale
