With one of the calendar’s best-known concours about to commence on the shores of Lake Como, we decided to hold our very own, albeit with a slight twist: our ‘Best in Class’ beauties are all currently for sale.
Best of the Future Classics: 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio by Touring
We’ve already considered the merits of a Mk 5 Quattroporte as a modern classic, but the Bellagio has that extra facet of desirability, having been fashioned by Touring using traditional coachbuilding techniques. Just four were built – this being the first – and the only oversight during its transformation seems to be forgetting to re-christen the now hatchbacked Maserati as a ‘Cinqueporte’.
It will soon be auctioned off as part of RM’s Villa Erba sale, taking place a stone’s throw from the Bellagio’s namesake province.
View this auction lot on Classic Driver >>
Best of Pre-War: 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé
Lagonda V12s are a mainstay of the concours circuit; their rarity, W.O. Bentley-designed engine and air of pre-War British majesty all contribute towards the car’s desirability. And few are more desirable than this 7,500-mile example, ordered new by Briggs Cunningham with unique coachwork and a Le Mans-spec engine.
Buy this Lagonda V12 on Classic Driver >>
Best of Italian Elegance: 1970 Lamborghini Miura S
Miura. Not a lot more needs to be said. Presented here in the interesting combination of white on beige, this low-mileage S is one of our favourite cars in the Marketplace at the moment.
Buy this Miura on Classic Driver>>
Best of French Coachwork: 1938 Delahaye 135M 2 Seat Coupé
Delahaye 135s are famed for their combination of extreme rarity (all were sent to various domestic coachbuilders, making many completely unique) and a competition bloodline: the late 30s saw wins at Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally. What's more, with ‘The Great Gatsby’ set to return pre-War fashion to the fore – much like ‘Mad Men’ did with 60s style – the present seems like a better time than ever to secure a svelte example of French coachwork at its finest.
Buy this Delahaye on Classic Driver >>
Best of Show: 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina
With so many stunners to choose from, why have we chosen this as our Best of Show? In a word: simplicity. This Ferrari 250 GT, styled by Pinin Farina in 1958, has no frills, just perfect proportions. And that, to us, is what sums up true class – elegance without fuss.
View this auction lot on Classic Driver >>
Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Classic Driver Dealers / Auction Houses
